So here I am, two days to go till marathon day. I never think anyone ever reads these things so this is a note to myself so if you are reading and find this rambling then hey....
The journey this year has been very different to last.... this challenge has again been a very private thing made public. This has two motivations, firstly to raise funds for the NSPCC but also as part of the removing and hiding place by making the public declaration of intent.
This year has shown that this is as much a battle with those monsters of your mind than it is of body. Relatively my achilles injury was the worse I have had (probably since breaking my elbow 20 years ago) but in reality I still ran 5 times a week and only cut back on a long run twice - one as I got up late and needed to be home for the family and the second because I was in bits and recognised that consistency and quality were more important than just falling to bits on the day.
It was great to get into the half marathons and have a plan and hold a pace (even having to hold myself back early on) - the other dimension this year was actually relaxing and enjoying the camaraderie of fellow runners. Coming into the last half mile in Wokingham and slowing to run and encourage a guy who was struggling just felt like the right thing to do - I still improved on last years time so just all round a great experience. Running with a full on triathlete during the Grindleford Gallop and crossing the line together was a real buzz.... when a couple of people said I was pacing then, and then I ran away from them.... the fact that I passed more people than passed me this year (I learnt to start closer to the back btw on that one!!!).... the stories go on...and on ... and on (as I have been told !!!!)
From support networks the general support by everyone has been brilliant. I also used some great podcasts and on line communities to draw motivation and strength. So must mention www.marathontalk.com and www.imtalk.com stand out for some great advice as well some truly motivational interviews. As I say the mind it the most important muscle to train so getting practical and sustaining information in there has been a real boost.
So coming into the last week of the training plan, final taper long run on Saturday (a split 12 miles, 6.5 miles at race pace and then backed off for the remaining 5.5) so I could then go to physio to get pummelled ! Then off to a sales conference - a gentle 2.5 (got kicked out of the gym as it closed at 10pm!) and a gentle 6 am 3miles was good and the treadmill gentle on the joints. Although a sales conference with no alcohol is truly a challenge in itself!!
It is 500 miles since the plan started on January 1st and I have to say the time has flown. My desire an appetite to run has grown. The gym work has added an extra dimension to the training and my general well being - a long way to go on that front.
To finish this blog for today - I think it has all come down to attitude and ambition. However it goes on Sunday the journey has been spectacular and my need to do more has grown. So definitely a stay tuned for more....
The journey this year has been very different to last.... this challenge has again been a very private thing made public. This has two motivations, firstly to raise funds for the NSPCC but also as part of the removing and hiding place by making the public declaration of intent.
This year has shown that this is as much a battle with those monsters of your mind than it is of body. Relatively my achilles injury was the worse I have had (probably since breaking my elbow 20 years ago) but in reality I still ran 5 times a week and only cut back on a long run twice - one as I got up late and needed to be home for the family and the second because I was in bits and recognised that consistency and quality were more important than just falling to bits on the day.
It was great to get into the half marathons and have a plan and hold a pace (even having to hold myself back early on) - the other dimension this year was actually relaxing and enjoying the camaraderie of fellow runners. Coming into the last half mile in Wokingham and slowing to run and encourage a guy who was struggling just felt like the right thing to do - I still improved on last years time so just all round a great experience. Running with a full on triathlete during the Grindleford Gallop and crossing the line together was a real buzz.... when a couple of people said I was pacing then, and then I ran away from them.... the fact that I passed more people than passed me this year (I learnt to start closer to the back btw on that one!!!).... the stories go on...and on ... and on (as I have been told !!!!)
From support networks the general support by everyone has been brilliant. I also used some great podcasts and on line communities to draw motivation and strength. So must mention www.marathontalk.com and www.imtalk.com stand out for some great advice as well some truly motivational interviews. As I say the mind it the most important muscle to train so getting practical and sustaining information in there has been a real boost.
So coming into the last week of the training plan, final taper long run on Saturday (a split 12 miles, 6.5 miles at race pace and then backed off for the remaining 5.5) so I could then go to physio to get pummelled ! Then off to a sales conference - a gentle 2.5 (got kicked out of the gym as it closed at 10pm!) and a gentle 6 am 3miles was good and the treadmill gentle on the joints. Although a sales conference with no alcohol is truly a challenge in itself!!
It is 500 miles since the plan started on January 1st and I have to say the time has flown. My desire an appetite to run has grown. The gym work has added an extra dimension to the training and my general well being - a long way to go on that front.
To finish this blog for today - I think it has all come down to attitude and ambition. However it goes on Sunday the journey has been spectacular and my need to do more has grown. So definitely a stay tuned for more....
Good luck for Sunday - I'll be cheering from my sofa!
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