Bluefin Flora London Marathon 2009 Team Blog by Bluefin

Richmond Park again. The original planned 6 runners were reduced to the dedicated 3 by today; Myself, Barry (who is running for sense) and John. The target today was 2 laps which is just over 14 miles. This was John's first run since the Bluefin Half Marathon because of illness and a course of antibiotics which had rather disrupted his diet over the last week. For Barry and I this distance was double our longest run so far and so its fair to say that all bets were off as to the outcome.

The weather was sunny and warm with a gentle breeze so pretty good for running. We set off about 9:30 and Barry was soon leaving John and I in his wake. Nevertheless we pressed on but were trying to keep it slow (< 9:30 pace) in line with what the experts say you should do.

The end of lap 1 went off without too much drama, John made a quick dash for the loo while we grabbed some lucozade before the 3 of us set off for the 2nd lap. At this point John confided in me that he felt great and thought he might try a 3rd lap after that! My rhythm is usually to run the 2nd half of my runs normally (i.e. faster than SLR pace) so now I began to set the pace. Unfortunately around mile 9 Barry's knee began giving problems (he was wearing new trainers) and he then changed to faster running with walking breaks in between. He did this until about mile 12 and then I went on and finished on my own.

By the time John arrived back it became apparent that he had run out of energy about mile 12 which wasn't surprising given his recent illness. Needless to say he wasn't up for doing a 3rd lap! Nor was I by the way.

Although I was very happy to have completed this unscathed, I am under no illusions as to what I'm faced with in the next few weeks in my race against time for the big day. Having said that this was a good week and the first of > 35 miles since before xmas.

Next week 17 miles is the plan at Virginia Water because we fancy a flat course for once...The following 2 weeks need to be 20 milers but I will do these in the Lakes as I will be on holiday and then its taper time...

Silver Sozzler Fox