Training done - only 26.2 miles to go

My training has finished. The weekly long runs are, for now, over. Having managed another 18 mile long run, only the race remains.

Its been a mission. Having woosed out on training over the Christmas/New Year time I had some serious work to do. Fortunately though I think it has all gone alright. Work and social commitments have occasionally got in the way, but to no great effect. Now, after hundred of miles of pounding the streets I have only another 26.2 miles to go. Edinburgh beckons.

Early Scotland v England

As a point of interest/trivia, every year there is a Scotland v England competition as partof the Edinburgh Marathon. Each runner picks their team of choice. Last year Scotland won by 2 minutes 2 seconds. You won't be surprised to hear I am running for Scotland. Let's make it two victories in a row!

London Marathon Day

35,000 runners ran the London Mrathon today. Having run in 2001, experienced the superb atmosphere, and been rejected for the past four years, I was slightly envious. But I wasn't ready to run 26 miles, so I wasn't too concerned. Plus, I have the Edinburgh Marathon to worry about.



Having taken a week off because of a sore knee, I needed to do some serious training. The plan had been 16 miles. Nobody was up for the trip to Thames Embankment and back so we headed out to on a 10 mile route southwards, my plan being to add a few miles on at the end.

We set out. How many made it back I won't know until Tuesday (track day). Four of us took the 'wise' decision of taking a detour to add on a few miles and toughen up the course. Hmmm.. That quickly went awry. Rain, traffic and wrong turnings split us up and after about 30-40 minutes we became 3, then 2, and then I was on my own. I kept going, rain lashing down, not really knowing where I was going.

After a calculated detour I made it back to base. Noone was about. The continued rain and lack of a clubhouse (being refurbished) meant there was nothing to hang about for anyway. So I went home catch up on the the Marathon.

My distance? I can only guess. Roughly 13 miles?? Not ideal, but I'm back with the plan and looking to a good run next week. 16 miles? I hope so, if only so I don't get bored promising it to myself. LOL.

Oh yeh, and I've just applied for next year's London Marathon. This will be my 5th year in a row that I've applied to run my second London Marathon. I loved it in 2001 and seriously hope I get in again this time. We shall see...

Ready for Reading Half Marathon

At last, a week of training to be proud of. I've made enough progress to feel confident of finishing my impending half marathon, and I actually feel fit for once.

3 more training sessions. Thursday hills was 'murder' as ever. However on Sunday, after dragging myself out of bed, into a freezing cold morning (cars were all covered in frost!!) and up to the track to meet the Sunday crew from the running club, we got ready for our weekly long run. Off we went. And less than 2 hours later I had ran what felt like 12 miles. And a wee check-up online suggests the route was actualy 13.4 miles. Yeh!!! I am there! I am ready! Result. And to complete the past week's efforts, this previous evening's intervals was so much less difficult than previously, and not finishing last was quite a bonus.

Reason for improvement:- less beer. Here endeth the lesson.

Now to apply for the Edinburgh Marathon??