I knew that I need to go on some more long runs before the marathon, so I did the Holborn loop run on Monday.  I went out with a very measured pace, just intending to keep it steady the whole way and try to spend a lot of time on my feet.  I wasn't too concerned with getting a fast time.  I ended up with a time of around 2 hours 20 minutes, which is slow for a 25km run.  I noticed that my knees and ankles were not too sore at the end so I'm happy with this.  I think that if I had been able to drink something mid-run, then I would have had a better run and found it more enjoyable.  There may be a link between keeping hydrated during the run and how sore your muscles feel at the end?  I need to research that point.

I had a rest on Tuesday and went for a one hour run on Wednesday.  I noticed that the last 3 times I have done this run (Isle of Dogs loop) the times have been within a few seconds of each other.  Very consistent!  Again, I started off slowly and did a short stretching session just when I turned the corner in to the Isle of Dogs.  I maintained the measured pace throughout and took shorter steps when I was getting short of breath.  I could pick up the pace towards the end, which was pleasing.  I had a good session of stretching back at the apartment gym.