Like the BBC - nothing but the same again

And then on Tuesday I did it all again. Another six mile run. This time in a light breeze, as the sun went down. A little overcast, but a totally different proposition from Monday.

Such a different proposition that I ran substantially faster. The theory is that I don't care about how fast I run, just that I get round the 26 miles of the New York marathon safely and injury-free. The practice is that of course I care a little about how fast I am. Not enough to really do anything about it, but just enough to feel rather pleased with myself when I see that I've run faster than I have before.

I should also note at this point something that became apparent on Monday - how restrained Bedfordshire drivers are. Given a slow-moving target on wet, puddle-strewn roads, the temptation to catch the edge of a nearby puddle and propel its contents in my direction must have been strong. No-one took advantage.

At every point of every run, 90 per cent of drivers have been accommodating, steering round me on the road. And for that I'm grateful. I usually acknowledge them, but if you're one that I didn't be assured that it was largely because I didn't have the strength to lift my arm.

And Rachel, my coach at Personal Best in Clophill, has sent through the next month's schedule. It's going to be fun - stepping up again to 16 mile runs. And more of them. I'm getting a fair few of these 500 miles under my belt now - and feeling better for it. Well, feeling better the day after the run anyway.

88 miles down, 412 to go.