Sunshine at last!

As we've already done the usual 18 mile route this year during training, we decided to try to find another.  Karen plotted a gorgeous route along country lanes, with daffodils in bloom to cheer us up along the way.  The sun even came out - yippee!  I still didn't risk running in my vest, as I looked out before I got dressed and saw frost on the cars, so pulled on a tshirt instead.  Maybe next week.  I caught the sun a bit this week as my freckles have started to come out.  We may even need suntan lotion soon!
The plan was to run 5 miles at marathon pace, then 8 steady and the final 5 at marathon pace. I'm still rubbish at pacing myself, despite trying really hard this year. My plan was to try to keep to 10min/miles for the first 5 miles - I managed 10:05; 10:08, 10:00 then came a long downhill so I was up to 9:29, then 9:49.  Not too bad but I want to try to keep it steadier.  If you're changing the pace constantly it makes you use more energy, which isn't good.  For my last 5 miles, I was aiming for 9:50min/miles and this section was even worse for uneven pace - 9:40; 9:45; 9:32; 9:34 and the final mile at 9:31.  All of which were good speeds at the end of a long run but on the day I'll still have 8 more miles to go and need to be able to finish.  We've got a few more marathon pace training sessions right into taper so hopefully I can work out what the right pace feels like by then.
The lovely Linda joined us again on her bike.  This was extra useful today, not only to chat to us but  she could also check everyone was okay, as we got a bit spread out.
I took a recovery drink at the end, although I'm not sure that they're helping how my muscles feel the next day.  As long as they don't make me feel worse I'll take them.  I plan to enjoy the sunshine this afternoon and tidy up the garden a bit!