Another pacing gig this time at the Viking Waterford Marathon. I was a bit nervous on this one as the distance was not correct on the two previous years of this event. A quick look at the course showed it had changed again and had a very windy twisty start to it. I would be worried if I was the 3:00 pacer but seen as I was 4:15 it was a case of follow those in front. Arrived on Saturday morning a bit frazzled. Parking meters don't take €50 notes and it took me a good 15 minutes to get an open shop to get change. Made my way to the Meeting point in the Tower Hotel to collect my balloons. Also in the bag was a lovely pink singlet with our time all over it. To be fair to the organisers there would be no complaints about the visibility of the pacers.
Jump might as well jump
Down to the start where we had to line up several times for photos. There was loads and we had to jump each time, well at least it was at the start and not a requested for a Dargan jump at the finish. Finally we where on our way myself and Paul for the day along with a small group of warriors. Goal for today was to bring home the balloon for some eager nieces and nephews of my pacing partner.
Different Folks Different Strokes
A couple of lads from Balbriggan, Pat the Belgium from MCI, Paula, Fidelma and several others including some half runners set out at the start. Plenty of banter in the opening half with everyone in good spirits. New requirement for pacers is to shave our legs, the female of the species need something nice to look at while they run. The miles flew by as usual meet with the normal mad people who do this every week along the way. 
Then there is the first timers worried they wont get there, one such person was Louise. In Tramore she said to us when we get to 18 she would walk, next thing at 20 there she is ahead of us, we catch her at 24 she stays with us before that nasty hill in the last mile finally got her to walk. Look around coming into the track there she is again on our shoulders powering home for the finish. We crossed the line and the final task of handed over my Balloon was all that was left to do. Jogged back to the hotel to change and hit home pretty much straight away so didn't get to meet any of the usual gang afterwards. Tramore surf drew me back and my legs got some well deserved love and attention
Feeling good or so I thought
The sea water of Tramore did my legs pretty good and I was nearly tempted to go for a loosen out on Sunday. I wisely didn't break my routine. Monday an easy 6 miles and the really felt good. Plan to run Thursdays 5K race looking good. Tuesday night however put doubts in my mind if it was going to happen. 5 * 600 @ 5K pace was a lot harder then it should have been. Wednesday legs felt like I had weights tied on to them. With that in mind I canned the idea of a 5K race on Thursday night, M45 prize is not worth getting injured for, did 3-4 miles easy instead. Nothing easy about it, but a bit better then the previous day.This evening set out at an easy pace but suddenly there was a spring in the step so I did 2 * 2 mile tempo @ 7 minute pace with 1 mile recovery. Delighted to have the legs back again. This week has proved or brought home to me that regardless of the pace running 26 miles, it does have an effect on the body. Thankfully I am wiser to allowing how I feel to dictate my training as apposed to blindly following a laid out training plan. This week was my first under 50 miles in a while but honestly it was probably needed.
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