Getting my head back in the game

It's been a good week's training with 72km bagged.  I'm sticking with my slow runs to try and regulate my heart rate and not cause too much strain.  There's still no pattern to explain my HR at the moment with some strange results, like going from 146 bpm when I stopped to chat to a friend for five minutes straight up to 180 bpm when I started running again.  At the end of that run (15 km) the reduction in my HR after 2 minutes was zero!  That's a first.  It would normally be between 20-35 bpm.
The decision I have been  mulling over is whether or not to run the Manchester Marathon in 13 days time.  If I do I won't be going for a time, just an enjoyable time enjoying running through a different city with some encouragement from they crowd - they love an "old geezer" shuffling along!
I've been doing research on Atrial Fibrillation and continuing training and running is recommended.  I just have to be careful not to push too hard.  I can't wrap myself in cotton wool - that would not be good for me physically or mentally.
As a result this week was about getting in some decent longer runs and today was my longest run so I was nervous about attempting 33km.  Beth assured me that the pace was going to be slow as her friend Marie was training for the Boston Marathon and was looking for a long slow run.  The route was mainly along the canal path at Kirkintilloch which was ideal as Manchester is relatively flat and it would keep my HR down.  My concern was not being able to keep up with them if my HR rocketed and I didn't want to hold them back which would be unfair as they both have targets to reach.  I shouldn't have been concerned, Beth marshalled the pace and we all chatted along the way sharing running stories which is always fun.  We even managed to persuade Marie to join us in an ultra marathon this summer.
My HR averaged 153, maxed at 174 and in recovery fell 35 bpm - I'm pleased with that.  At no stage was I out of breath and as expected there were a few leg niggles due to the time on feet.  A marathon will be painful but when you start to feel the pain you know you're getting closer to the finish line.
Running in the opposite direction at one stage was Laura Muir - fast and lovely running style as she ran in the opposite direction.  She passed us later on and I'm sure it was an easy pace for her, but she left us in her dust.  Go Laura.  You are such an inspiration to the nation.
So this was a bit of a break through.  If it hadn't gone well then Manchester would have been off.  But it went well so, game on.  Albeit a slow one!  I won't hold Beth back.  She can run her own race and be her best on the day.  But I'm just delighted my head is back in the game.  The next 13 days will be tapering to make sure I'm in my best condition when I stand at the start line.  But I will be sensible.  My ego will be left back in Glasgow.  This is a test.  With the Full Tilt 58km Ultra in June, I need to see how my body and my mind will stand up to a slow marathon. And to all runners out there, be the best you can be whether it's a 5km or an ultra marathon.  Always frame every thought as you run in a positive manner.  We're all different in our ability but we do it for the love of running whether you are aiming at a 5 hour marathon or in Laura Muir's case where she is aiming to break the 1,000m indoor world record to add to her impressive list of achievements. Believing in yourself will make a big difference.