This was the first of many long runs myself and my mate Joe are planning in preparation for the Cork marathon; 15 miles in a little over 2 hours 34mins. A really good time for that distance and our pace was pretty constant throughout. I felt pretty good for the entire run but half way I became aware of a dull pain just behind my knee cap. The pain persisted, perhaps increasing slightly but not enough to make consider stopping although there were a few occasions towards the end that I’m sure I would have stopped had I been running on my own.
The last few miles were the hardest but it was a question of mind over matter as it usually is; it never will cease to amaze me how much more you can find in yourself when you’re sure your energy is spent. I felt pretty good for an hour or so after the run but then it hit me as I tried to climb the stairs at home. So I did what I knew to be the right thing; ice and rest and the pain slowly ebbed away. Tomorrow is the Great Ireland Run; here’s hoping my knee has recovered by the morning!