Day 79 – Sunday Stroll Through the Countryside

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The Elusive Concept of a Lie-In

With the pressure of last week’s early start behind me, today’s long run came with a rare and glorious luxury: a slightly more relaxed morning. Now, any parent knows that “waking naturally” is a mythical event, usually accompanied by small feet in the ribs or a panicked shout about missing socks. Nevertheless, I managed what passes for a gentle start, complete with a toasted bagel and a cup of coffee brewed with the reverence it deserves—i.e., strong enough to wake the dead or at least mildly prod them.

Off into the Green

The weather was kind, the sun giving everything that warm glow which makes you momentarily forget that your legs are about to spend over an hour questioning your life choices. Setting out through the gentle countryside around Sittingbourne, I felt immediately at ease—legs ticking over nicely, heart rate nestled contentedly in the right range, and pace hovering around what I imagine (or hope, perhaps delusionally) will be marathon day speed.

The route took me through the delightfully named Rodmersham Green, Upper Rodmersham, and Dully. It’s worth noting that “Dully” is anything but dull—unless you’re the sort of person who thinks hedgerows, open skies and the sound of your own breathing don’t count as entertainment. Personally, I found it all rather splendid. There’s something about these local lanes that feels timeless—like nothing much has changed except the number of Strava users passing through.

The Joy of Just Running

Eventually, I rejoined the A2 at Bapchild and followed a familiar path home. The run was one of those that didn’t just tick the “mileage” box but quietly reminded me why I started this whole marathon journey in the first place. No major drama, no heroic struggle—just the steady rhythm of feet on tarmac, the occasional wave to a fellow runner and the satisfaction of the miles slipping by without a fuss.

Sometimes, training doesn’t need to be a grand event. It just needs to be enjoyable. These are the runs that top up not just your fitness but your soul. And in marathon training, that’s worth its weight in gels.

If you'd like to support my London Marathon journey, you can visit my JustGiving page here: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/saul-kay?utm_term=aj8xMk8kn.

Location: Sittingbourne, UK

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