Day 19: Exploring New Routes and Battling Sleep Deprivation

-

A Balmy Start

A welcome change greeted me this morning as I set out for my run: a positively balmy 9 degrees! It felt almost tropical compared to the sub-zero temperatures I've been battling recently. My Garmin Forerunner 955 (which, let’s be honest, acts more like a drill sergeant than a fitness tracker) suggested a 47-minute base run.

Now, 47 minutes is a bit of an oddity in my running world. My usual routes tend to be either a quick 30-35 minute jaunt or a full-blown hour-long adventure. As if Garmin had whimsically decided to throw in a curveball, I found myself plotting a route that didn't quite exist in my mental map.

The Treasure Hunt

This uncharted territory of 47 minutes meant some improvisation was needed. I decided to explore some new streets around Rochester, taking in the sights along the Esplanade and the historic Rochester High Street.

Of course, my unfamiliarity with the area led me to a couple of dead ends, turning my planned route into a bit of an impromptu treasure hunt! There’s something uniquely humbling about finding yourself in a cul-de-sac while pretending you intended to loop back for an extra warm-up. But, as they say, not all those who wander are lost—although some of us might be slightly misguided by our own optimism.

Running on Empty

By the time I made it back to The Math School, my trusty Garmin informed me that I’d been running for 51 minutes. Not too shabby, considering I was running on less than 6 hours of sleep! Getting to sleep last night proved to be a battle, as my brain seemed determined to replay every moment from the past year. Funny how it never chooses to focus on the productive bits.

I could definitely feel the effects of sleep deprivation during the run. My legs were heavier than usual, and my pace felt more like a truce than a triumph. Still, there’s something to be said for the stubborn persistence of putting one foot in front of the other—a bit like making tea in a thunderstorm: slightly messy, a tad inconvenient, but ultimately rewarding.

A Step Closer

Despite the challenges, I’m pleased with today’s effort. It’s a good reminder that even when things don’t go exactly to plan and you’re feeling less than 100%, consistency is key. Each run, no matter how long or how challenging, is a step closer to the ultimate goal: conquering the London Marathon 2025!

Location: Sittingbourne, UK

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Day 117: The Countdown Begins – With Bubbles, Cable Cars and Freeze-Dried Yoghurts

-
Image
An Alarming Rest Day The first of my rest days arrived with the cheery chirp of a 6am alarm, because apparently, my brain hasn’t received the memo about the whole “rest” part. Still, there was a strange satisfaction in rising early knowing I didn’t have to pound the pavements today. That satisfaction was slightly dampened—much like the weather—by a particularly excitable pollen count. Despite the persistent drizzle, the air was clearly full of microscopic mischief. The antihistamines made their valiant appearance and were taken with gratitude and a mild grumble. A Journey Worth the Cable Car This afternoon marked one of the most exciting rituals in the London Marathon build-up: collecting my race number. It involved a drive to the O2 followed by the delightfully surreal experience of sailing across the Thames in a cable car, which felt a little bit like commuting in a Bond film if Bond wore Asics and carried a protein bar. Upon landing on the other side, the Excel centre welcomed me...
Read more

London Marathon 2025: The Final Chapter

-
Image
Morning Light and Marathon Dreams Today was the day I had been building towards for months. Every cold morning, every soaked pair of socks, every long, lonely run came down to this — London Marathon day. The alarm clock chirped far too early, but I was already half-awake, running through the plan for the day in my head. After polishing off two cinnamon and raisin bagels (because clearly one was not going to be enough) and a strong coffee, I packed up my bag of gels, SaltStick chews, and hope and we set off. The drive up to Blackheath was filled with that strange, electric mix of excitement and anxiety. My parents did their best to drop me as close to the start as they could and I waved them off with a grin that hid the fluttering nerves underneath. I made my way to the starting area, ticking off the necessary pre-race rituals — most importantly, joining the epic pilgrimage to the toilets, where I was reminded once again that there are few places in life where dignity is checked at t...
Read more

Day 30: Canterbury 10-Mile Race - A Yardstick for Progress

-
Image
The Morning Rush Sunday races always mean an early start, and today was no exception. Arriving in Canterbury at 8 am, I was immediately thrust into the trifecta of pre-race rituals: parking, collecting my race number, and navigating the inevitable toilet queue—an experience that can feel like an endurance event of its own. It was a bitterly cold morning, hovering around 2 degrees. Dressing appropriately for a race in such conditions is always a gamble: the first few minutes will chill you to your core, but once you’re moving, layers can become an unnecessary burden. After a quick, if not particularly effective, warm-up, I bumped into a friend, Ben Holliday, whose detailed analysis of local cricket diverted my attention from my frozen fingertips. Perhaps distraction really is the greatest warmth. The Race With over 1,200 participants, the start line was a jostling crowd, all shuffling for position like biscuits in a tin. The initial bunching, while slightly frustrating, provided some re...
Read more