Sheffield Half Marathon blog - Part 4

I've admittedly been a little bit lax recently in updating my blog but for good reason.

I have been away to sunnier climes and enjoyed a holiday in Fuerteventura.

Despite the temptation to gorge on paella, tapas and drink copious amounts of sangria, with the half marathon just a few weeks away I thought I had better stick to my training plan as best as I could.

The excitement of landing somewhere new on the first night got the better of me and I had three or four Spanish lagers than I probably should have.

This made my first run the following morning particularly taxing.

Still, in the morning heat and overlooking the beach and sea, I managed a decent 5k run along the shoreline.

The stunning Canary Island is known for its huge sand dunes and a couple of days later I attempted an ambitious run up them. This was quickly abandoned about half a mile in when I realised I had underestimated how difficult it was to trudge through thick, hot sand.

So I reverted back to a shoreline run, cooled by the refreshing sea spray.

On our last day and thankfully with a clear head I managed a five mile run along the roads before jetting off back to Blighty - and into a fog of drizzle as we landed at Liverpool's John Lennon Airport.

A couple of days later I joined two friends on a six mile run which comprised of two laps around the lovely Damflask Reservoir. A popular route for runners, especially at this time of year, and one of them noticed my 'half marathon finisher' t-shirt from last year and helpfully reminded me 'Only five weeks to go!'

I checked the calendar on my phone thinking it was at least two months away, but indeed the lycra-clad passer-by was correct - just five weeks.

I'd better crack on, time to step up the training.

I am raising money for Weston Park Cancer Charity. Anyone who would like to donate can do at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Lee-PeaceFundraising