The long run

When we got to the resort, the ski company were quick to tell us that they’d had 60cm of snow last week. Great for skiing. Not so great for the long run.

I came in from a great first day skiing knowing I had a max of 20 mins rest before heading out. My options for the route were confined to down the mountain road and back up again. Everywhere else would have involved trudging through snow. So I started at 1250m and after 5 miles I was down to 1000m, knowing that most of the last 5miles would be running up hill.

Once I hit Morzine I stashed a water bottle for the way back and started on what would be a 3 mile continual uphill slog. It passed surprisingly quickly with the distractions of the mountains around me and before I knew I was turning back after 8 miles and 72 minutes. I felt light as I skipped down the same 3 mile hill I had just worked hard to get up but constantly reminding myself of the last 5miles that awaited me.

Long runs are great for preparing mentally for the extended effort of marathon running, and I liked to use different methods of breaking up the time

I split the run up into 4 quarters, each 4 miles long. Every half hour I had an energy gel.

I only ever seemed to be 15 mins until the next 4 mile block ticked over or a I was due a refuel.

I looked out for the bright red hydrant that marked my water bottles hiding spot. Another distraction from the monotony. I drank it and headed back towards Montriand and the 3.5 mile climb that followed. My legs felt good and I was really enjoy turning the power on up the hill.

I arrived back at the chalet 20mins late for dinner. I gave my apologies, sat down in my sweaty kit and settled into the 4 course meal, still sweating.