16th June, 2013: I decided to have whole 4 days rest during the week with a plan to increase my longest run from 32k to either 34 or 35k. The previous night’s downpour was not going to down my morale and the biting cold was more than welcome since it will cut down my dehydration levels during the run. I was out of my crib by six and roads were clear, the beginning of Kangundo road was muddy and therefore I had to start running on tarmac way too early.
I was in high spirits and despite the distance I had planned to cover my initial kilometers are on a high speed too…from 4’31” then 4’28” to 4’20” this is what I call free spirit – maybe its overconfidence but lets see how it goes.
The 7th Kilometer mark falls within 30minutes which is a target I had attained during the group run and I intend to keep it if not make it better. The 10th Km falls in 43’50” a good speed too which now rings signal bells about the Utawala climb. I gotta save some air for it. Do 13k’s in 57’35” and 21k in 1:34. Another runner catches up with me at Utawala climb. Do a unison run for about two kilometers and then he paces forward. He literally hands my ass over to me. I really struggle to catch up with him to no avail. I must have gained some extra weight while I was indulging in carbo charging during my rest days. I will have to discipline myself going forward. Its good to get such a challenge once in a while. I have been deluding myself that I am getting better and such thoughts have swelled like a festering wound clouding my game.
On reaching the junction of Outer ring road, I realize it’s all messy. The footpaths have pools of rain water and the other areas are just muddy, the matatus are all over the road. Its slippery and to avoid doing damage to myself, I decide to just cancel the run and take a motorbike home. On reaching home, I realize i gave up so quickly, could it be that the other runner washed me clean – remain a shell of a person thereby backing down easily. I learnt a lesson during that run which I look foward to work on and improve my focus before the next long run. No more sitting around waiting for fresh legs so as to cover longer distances. I will take it one day at a time. Total time 1:49:50 in 24kms. A mile is mile...
