There is now less than 2 weeks to go until the big day and I’m starting to feel a little nervous. This probably has a lot to do with the fact that I haven’t done much in the way of running training so far and a fair bit to do with so many people telling me I shouldn’t do it. To be fair they probably have a point. I initially entered the ballot to see if I could run a third marathon (3 makes it science) and hopefully better my time. Somewhere along the way though it became more important for me to succeed in the challenge of training. That may sound stupid to most people but I’ve done 2 marathons and 7 half marathons to date and some of very little/no training. So I know come race day I’m stubborn enough to complete the course. I know my physical limits so I’m unlikely to push myself too hard but I’ll get there in the end. The challenge for me has always been with training. More specifically with consistent training. I tend to lose interest, get injured or get distracted and time flies by before I’ve really noticed. Sadly that was also the case this time. Despite my best intentions time has flown by over the last few months and I have failed to run consistently. That said I have been working out at least twice a week, I have improved both my strength and aerobic fitness and am now seeing a sports masseuse who is going to try to fix me before the big day. So I am hopeful that the day itself will be quite fun if a little painful. 

The plan then for the next few weeks is some what different to my fellow runners. They have all put in lots of running training and have thoroughly exhausted themselves if the latest Facebook posts are anything to go by. Many are also injured so by comparison I’m not doing too bad. They are now looking to taper their running over the next few weeks so that they are full of energy on the start line. I’ve never really understood the point of tapering but then I’ve never run enough beforehand to get a chance to taper 😊 this time will be no different. 

I currently have a week or so off work. I will mostly be concentrating on studying but it does give me the time and, more importantly, the daylight to fit in a few weekday runs. The aim is to fit in 3 runs before I back to work on 18th. If I do more then great! But it seems unrealistic to expect that I will based on past behaviour. I’m gonna do 2 short(ish) runs of 5-10k just to get my legs used to running and figure out the best outfit for the current weather and then try a longer one mostly so I can burn off enough calories to try out some gels. In the past I have fuel on sugar (generally jelly beans or chocolate raisins) but thought I’d try gels this time. Less stuff to carry being the main incentive. I also have round 2 with my sports masseuse to look forward to. I still have bruises from round 1 which was a week ago!! Apparently all my muscles are consistently tight and she was amazed I managed to run at all, ever, let alone run 2 marathons before. She’s going to work on loosening my shins, calves and hamstrings which are so tight they are causing my hip flexors to hurt pretty much all the time. Hopefully it will help me get round more of the course before things start to hurt. Anything up to 18 miles would be great as I can push through for the last few miles. But time will tell. 

In the interim I’m going to have one final push to reach my fundraising target. I’m only £140 short now so should be doable. Feel free to donate after reading this by visiting my fundraising page at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/trainingtam 😄