Going the extra mile…

When you run a marathon it actually IS further than you think.

Everyone believes it to be 26.2 miles long and it is if you are one of the elite athletes and follow the median line they paint on the road.

But for average runner, it’s actually further! Most don’t follow the median line but drift from side to side and actually end up covering nearly half a mile more than the official distance.

Three people I know who wore devices last year to measure the distance they travelled, had all gone 26.6 miles at the point they crossed the finishing line.

Of course they may all have gone the wrong way!

Carried over the Axminster by angels

Occasionally, just occasionally, everything falls into place for the long distance runner.

You feel like you are floating rather than running, carried by the warm breath of a choir of angels. The ground itself is as soft to the touch as the finest Axminster, and every step provides you with renewed energy.

Mind, heart and body work in perfect harmony as you effortless consume mile after mile, free of fatigue or weariness.

Unfortunately I have never had that experience.