On Sunday 25th October I ran my second marathon. This coming a few days short of two months since my marathon debut in Da Nang, Vietnam. After the Da Nang marathon I returned back to the UK to see my family and friends and to attend my oldest childhood friends wedding.
I gave it everything I could for the Da Nang marathon. What this meant was the emergence of a niggling hip injury which was only made worse from a few runs in the hilly surroundings of East Sussex.
Whilst I was home in the UK I decided I was going to attempt an Ultra-Marathon in January 2016. This was set to be my next fundraising endurance event for Mind: The Mental Health Charity. So with this in mind, I knew I had to up my training and get some longer training runs in.
Below is the Facebook post I uploaded immediately after completing the marathon to let friends and family know of the latest conquest.
Today I ran my second 26.2 miles / 42km at the first Laguna Lang Co marathon here in Central Vietnam.
It was a beautiful one loop course, incorporating rolling hills to start and finish, stunning scenic views of the mountains and lakes in the distance. With superb pre, intra and post run care.
I only made the decision last week to race this event due to lots of travel, slight aches and pains post Da Nang marathon and anything but an ideal pre-race training plan. Sound a lot like excuses to me JC!!
Anyway, I was absolutely delighted to cross the finish line a few seconds short of 3 hours 58 minutes and with that, being presented with the trophy for 1st place male marathon finisher for the 18-29 age group.
To finish a happy story on a sad note, Harry was put to sleep on Friday. He was a notorious walker and in his younger days quite the runner too! His paw prints are all over Ashdown Forest. You’ll be missed buddy.
This one’s for you little man.
Steps and smiles. Pants and paws.
#Smilinggg and #Barkinggg
James
To view the extensive photo album please click here. You’ll be directed to my personal Facebook profile. Please feel free to add me as a friend.