My preparation for the Brighton marathon is proving to be a journey of self-discovery by testing my mental and physical resilience. Somehow or other I have managed to go to the gym around 4 times a week and running for an hour an average of 7 miles. It was very satisfying to realize that as the days go by, it was getting easier and easier to run longer distances. However, I was far from imagining that I will manage to run the targeted 16 miles with the Brighton marathon training group last Sunday. Let's not forget that I started preparing for the marathon just a month ago and the group has been training since September. This was a challenging run not only for the distance but also because of the weather. It was cold, rainy and windy but despite all those elements against me (and the rest of the group) I managed to run the 16 miles in the allocated time: 2 hours and 45 mintutes. I wish this post was about the great sense of accomplishment I felt when finishing the run but I need to mention an issue that most runners experience at some point : knee pain! I was shocked to realize that although I had no much difficulties during the run, few hours later moving my right knee did become a painful challenge. I followed the wise advise of a colleague to go and see an osteopath just to make sure that I will be fine running the marathon. The session was very helpful, the massage did reduce the pain and I received few advises on stretching exercises that are helping me so I will strongly advise to tackle any pain rather soon than later. The osteopath did also re-ensured me that the problem was minor and will not jeopardize my general health. I was also recommended the use of knee braces to provide additional support to my knees.
This new picture is rather scary. How was the 20 mile run?
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