It's just a month to the Hastings Half Marathon and I'm starting to feel a bit nervous about the extreme ironing element of the Team Steam challenge - essentially carrying an ironing board for 13.1 miles of one of the hilliest half marathons. 

Training wise, Jo and I have been doing ok. We've done a couple of 9 mile runs and a 10 miler last weekend, so I'm more prepared than previous half marathons. But there are two elements that the preparation is a bit short: running up hills and carrying an ironing board. 

So this weekend, I ran a short 4 miler near where I live and was happy with the average pace of 8.30 minute/miles. Today's run around Hastings was less speedy, coming in at 10 minute miles. I have to say, the Ecclesbourne Glen run is a real tough one - in fact, I've never managed to run the whole thing, it's so darn steep. 

Anyway, enough excuses, more hill training needed. And I better get that board out too...