One Month To Go!

At the time of posting this entry, my first marathon should, one month from now, assuming nothing’s gone horribly wrong, all be over.

Believe it or not, I’m already starting to think about what my next marathon might be. Genuine consideration is being given to trying to get another one done before the end of the year, and the reason for thinking about this now is, places go for even the low key ones several months in advance.

The training has gone pretty much exactly to plan, give or take the odd missed run due to a tight calf muscle. I’ve found the really long runs to be the most enjoyable, and have every intention of keeping up with those post April.

Times like 2 hours 23 for 18 miles, and 2 hours 41 for 20 suggest that, were I to keep the training up, aiming for a 3 hours 30 marathon is a perfectly realistic ambition. Given how crowded the course will be at London, the objective of getting round in something respectable remains the aim. Once I have the full distance to my name, the ambition changes to seeing how much I can improve on the London time in a less busy environment. Be that this year, next or whenever, who knows.

The question of where I’ll be and at what time on April 17th has become an issue to think about over the past week or so. As marathon day approaches those showing an interest in coming to watch have been asking for suggestions of good spots along the route, and even what time I think I’ll be there. The first is easier to answer than the second, main problem answering the latter question is I’ve no idea how long it’ll take to get over the start line!

I’m told Bermondsey and Embankment are the best answers to the where question. I would also add the bit around Aldgate East tube, not least as the pubs near by are good if watching thousands of tired runners loses it’s appeal.

Race three of my four race plan is happening on Sunday, the Cranleigh 21, a popular pre-London test for Southern-based participants. It’s a 9 AM start for the race, so will be a good opportunity to practise getting up at silly o’clock on a Sunday morning. It also means I should be back home in time for Warrington V Harlequins RL which is a 3 PM kick off. My rugby league away travel has taken a bit of a hit so far this season, but a train ticket to Castleford was booked this week – now nobody suggest I don’t know how to live!