On 14th January 2024, I ran the Doughnut Dash with Phoenix Running events. Whilst this is a lapped event, with various options of distance, I always choose the marathon, which is 8 laps. After a busy year last year, I know I will run fewer marathons in 2024, but I have started strong with Marathon 1 of 2024 complete. This brings my total for the 100 marathon club to 147 (128 x marathons, 12 x ultra marathons, and 7 x Ironman).
What great motivation to get active in January, Doughnuts, lots of Doughnuts. This event attracted a big turnout. To be fair, I didn’t have any doughnuts until I finished, which meant all the good ones were gone, but that probably wasn’t a bad thing for my waistline.
It was a cold start, but the towpath was in decent condition for this time of year. I wore my trail shoes, but I didn’t need them today, really. With so many at the event, there was always someone running around you, and it was great to see so many friendly faces.
I started off at sub 4 hour marathon pace, which I stuck to for the first half. After the first half, I decided to take the second half more gently and just eased off slightly. The aim was to have a solid long run at a comfortable pace, and I finished feeling pretty good. I have a lingering cough still, so don’t feel it my best, but I’m glad to have finished another marathon.
Where have you been running this weekend?
pickupthepacepaul 