Marathon 4: Brathay Windermere Marathon

I could say that this was one of my favourite marathons, and one of my hardest marathons of the year. At the time it felt like it was!!! Another baking hot day and a lot of sunburn to go with my medal and t-shirt at the end of the run, but a massive sense of achievement!!

(Looking nice and relaxed at the beginning)

The run itself was beautiful, but very challenging; it seemed more challenging at the time, with it being the first hilly run I had done in a long time (if only I knew what my other runs of the year had to come). Taking us away from the hustle and bustle of the touristy spots near Windermere, the scenery was stunning, and despite there being hundreds of runners, it was rather peaceful.

Of all my runs I think this was the least uneventful, with no stories to tell. It was one of those runs that can only be described as being calm in every sense, from start to finish the whole day was lovely and relaxed. Improving on my Marathon of the North time despite the route being more challenging, and my legs stayed in pretty good form the whole way around. Although whoever decided to put the little hill up to the finish line at the end of the run, I have to say is sick!

It's runs like the Brathay Windermere Marathon, where all your training comes together with ease, and you remember why you run. Although as the year went on I would realise that I'm a sucker for punishment and prefer the harder and more eventful runs!!!

(Even though it wasn't the toughest of the year I still worked up a good sweat!)