Buster Martin, world's oldest London Marathon runner dies at 104

Sad news. I read that Buster Martin, arguably the oldest person to run the London Marathon, passed away this week, on April 13. He was 104 years old.

Pierre Jean 'Buster' Martin was, by my understanding quite a character. He led an eventful life, but was best known for having run the London Marathon at the age of 101 in 2008.

Buster had become a minor celebrity over his many years. Despite repeated allegations that his life story, including his age, was fabricated, he was highly respected in many circles. Being Britain's most senior employee, he was celebrated by the media. Politicians also admired him. Former Liberal party leader Menzies Campbell said that Buster was "living proof of why people should not be written off once they pass retirement age".

A former Brixton barrow boy, Martin gained celebrity in 2007, when at the alleged age of 100, he joined men’s magazine FHM as an agony uncle. With his unkempt Captain Birds Eye beard and wry humour made him a valued addition to the magazine. He also found fame with The Zimmers, a 40-strong group of elderly rockers who had a hit with a cover of The Who’s My Generation. He then gained further attention when he finished the 10km Great London Run in 2hrs 22mins, and once more hit the news when he was reported to have single-handedly beaten off a gang of three teenage muggers.

More than anything, Buster will alwas be remembered for his London Marathon run in 2008. During the winter of 2007 he could be found staggering around Docklands in his blue tracksuit, a familiar sight that attracted many supporters who made donations to his charity, the Rhys Daniels Trust. He complete the race in just over 10 hours, a magnificent effort, raising thousands for charity.

The marathon effort was somewhat marred by the controversy over Buster's age. There is conflicting evidence about how old he was at the time - 101 or 94. Because of this he was never included in the Guinness Book of Records.

As far as I'm concerned the age debacle is irrelevant. To finish a marathon at 94 is pretty amazing by anyone's standard. And it sounds like the world lost a great character too. RIP Buster.

Marathon Training on hold again

I thought I could get back into training for some runs this summer. Alas this isn't going to happen.

As I said in my previous post, I managed a short run round the local park and nearby streets. It seemed to go well at the time. However, that same day I started noticing twinges in my achiles, telling me that I wasn't fully recovered yet. It's so frustrating, but I think I may have to sit out the summer and rest my injury a bit longer. To put it politely, it's most frustrating.

I'm going to miss some good races this summer. There's the Regents Park 1ok, Clapham Common 10 Series and Great Scottish Run to name but a few. Then there's the Royal Parks Half Marathon in October which my girlfriend Beth is running. I'm sooooo envious.

Oh well, I guess I'll just have to takke it easy for a bit longer.

First training run in seven months

I ran my first training run in seven months yesterday. It's been a long time coming (my training watch was still set to British Summer Time), but it felt good to be back training again.

Seven months of achilles pain and a aching knee is over. My run was only just over a mile, but it was pain-free: the only reason I stopped was to catch my breath from my lack of fitness. Now to ramp it up and look for races to enjoy later this year.

So what races? Ideally, I'd love to run the Istanbul Marathon later this year, but I think a more sensible ambition is required. I'm still undecided, but a 10K late in the summer may be a decent race on which to set my ambitions. The Fix Run Richmond 10K in July perhaps? Then maybe a 10 mile race or half marathon in the autumn.

Now to research those races:)

Hoping to Defeat Injuy and Run in 2011

This year is going to be about recovery from injury and starting running again. The achilles tendon injury seems to be mending and knees problems are fading. With a bit of luck I should be able to start running again in next 2-3 months.

I'm hoping to run some good races this year. One hope was to run in the Istanbul Marathon in October. How realistic this is I am not sure. It may be that I have to tone down my ambitions and aim for half marathons instead. From a recent conversation with the girlfriend, Beth, the Royal Parks Half Marathon may be a decent alternative. And the Windsor Half might be an goo option too.

Training will be interesting. I'll pretty much have to go back to scratch and start all over again. This may not be as bad as it might sound. From what I hear form athletics pundits, taking time out and starting over is sometimes the best way to achieve further PBs, rather than pressing on and on and never getting any further ahead. Plus, I've seen good evidence of this with friends.

So, with all this in mind, there's going to have to be a good bit of training ahead, but for now I'm sitting tight and letting myself heal. But if it works out well, hopefully be a good year of running, with a possible PB or two. Here's hoping.

Achilles Tendonitis Woe

I've been suffering from Achilles tendonitis. Also known as Achilles tendinitis, this is swelling of the Achilles tendon shows itself as a swelling above the heal and pain while walking. The result is a harsh pain while running and I have had to put all training on hold.

How did this happen? I think there has been a series of factors. The problem is most like to have stemmed from a footwear crisis prior to running the London Marathon. Having issues with the running shoes that I was using at the time, I decided to fall back and use an old pair rather than risk blisters from brand new shoes. Big mistake!

Now I am missing out on running. I had been hoping to run the Movember 5K in Battersea Park this November. No chance of that. Instead my race participation has, for the previous couple of months has been, and will be, helping out, marshalling or spectating. All, far from a perfect situation.

So what have I done about this? Well, 'vitamin I' (Ibuprofen) has been a big help. Also I bought some gel heel cups, which have been a huge help. The pain is less and the swelling has gone down.

Now, I just need to be patient. As for my next planned race? Probably April/May time. It's frustrating, but stories of snapped achilles tendons (!!!) and a desire not to go back to severe pain tells me the waiting is worth it.

Are any UK Marathons Boston Qualifiers?

It's not something I think about too much. Unfortunately I'm not quick enough to be thinking of qualifying for the next Boston Marathon. But, if I was good enough, could I qualify from a UK marathon time?

I was only recently emailed this very question at my website Marathon Runners Diary. "How many of the UK marathons we be recognised by Boston as a qualifier?".

As far as I'm aware, only the London Marathon meets this requirement. But, I'm not even certain of that. Some European races, such as the Berlin Marathon are Boston qualifiers. And from what I do know, it seems the vast majority of these races are in the USA and Cananda.

Anyone know any more? It would be good to know how many Boston qualifiers there are in the UK. Even if we don't make it there, it would be good to know we have an opportunity or two to do so without havng to travel abroad.

Olympic Marathon route to change for London 2012

London 2012 organisers want to alter the planned Olympic marathon route. The plan is to have the finish line on the Mall, similar to the current London Marathon. This a significant, possibly controversial, suggestion breaking with established tradition that the race should finish in the Olympic stadium.

The route change has been suggested to allow easier access for spectators and to showcase London. Organisers worry that spectators will be less inclined to flock to the sections of the race over towards the east end of the city, near the stadium. Similarly, they also don't foresee much TV interest in these 'less touristy' areas. They have proposed a new route. Runners will pass by numerous sites of interest, finally reaching the finish line at the Mall near Buckingham Palace. However not everyone is pleased.

Local officials from Newham, the Olympic host borough, have expressed their disppointment. They are strongly of the opinion that the Olympic Marathon should finish in the Olympic Stadium.

Paul Brickell, the council's executive member for the olympics said "We are disappointed London 2012 organisers are considering moving the marathon finish to the Mall, rather than the olympic stadium in Stratford".

The council is proposing a compromise that can take in the sites of central London while retaining the original promise to finish in the olympic stadium. That sounds pretty fair to me.