Corra and back

Normal run with Nico to Corra and back today, but we had a guest for a change in the shape of Benj, Nico's brother.  Benj is preparing for the Paris marathon and like François is attempting to beat 3 hours for the event for the first time.

A later start than usual and I met with Nico and Benj outside the house and the first surprise was to see Benj with his leg strapped up. He was suffering from periostitis or shin splints and had his shin strapped up with bandages covering patches that were transfusing pain killers into the affected area. This is the sort of treatment that can get you a ban from competitive running if controlled next weekend.

We set off easily along the usual route and I was really happy with the relaxed pace but of course, this was just too good to last. Nico gradually increased the pace until we were running at 4:15 pace and then we began the 25 minute stretch for Benj that was supposed to be run at his marathon pace of 4:15 per km.

Despite several cries of protest from Benj, Nico forced the pace and I did my utmost to follow.

3:59, 3:54, 3:57, 4:04 (uphill!), 3:56, 3:49 and then 3:59 pace until the end of the interval.

So much for marathon pace and this was along dirt tracks in the middle of the forest. Benj hung on too and was just behind us when we called time. With a performance like this, with shin splints to boot, it looks as though that 3 hour barrier should fall easily. Fingers crossed on the day.

15km all up in 1:06 or an average pace of 4:26/km.