Scott Overall's blog by Scott_Overall

Hi guys, this week was another good one in terms of training but not in terms of the white stuff that decided to fall out the sky on Saturday night! Still I managed to get a decent long run in by running along the side of the A3. The only problem was that cars were trying to use it as well. I would say about 75% of my run avoided the snow and it was only when I ventured into Richmond Park did it get bad for running. I soon headed back out of Robin Hood Gate and back on to the A3 as the running was good. Sometimes you have to change your plans and be flexible where you can run, because it won't always be perfect. I think that is one of the lessons I have learnt training for the marathon distance. You are not always going to smash out great runs and fantastic sessions. But as long as the work is being done, it's the consistency that is important. Remember that people!

Still, with the snow falling, it almost felt quite Christmasy sitting in the Derby Arms having dinner on Saturday night while the fire was roaring inside. I had run past the pub on quite a few occasions as it is situated right on the Epsom Downs opposite the grandstand. It's always looked a very nice pub and so we decided to head there for dinner. I would highly recommend it if anyone fancies a relaxing evening and some pub dinner. 

Following the long run on Sunday I made my way into town for the "meet the experts" event that was being run by Virgin London Marathon and Adidas. I was there to do a bit of filming and answer some questions on camera about training and preparations for the London Marathon. I think some of the footage will be shown on the Adidas website at some point and possibly at the London Marathon Expo before the race, so keep an eye out for that.

After the filming I dashed across town to get to Stamford Bridge to watch Chelsea. I was starting to flag a little following the long run, but that was soon forgotten when we went 3-0 up just after half-time. The tiredness came crashing back when the match finished 3-3 and I sulked off home. I contemplated going to the pub quiz but decided against it. I couldn't face another poor performance there! Monday was good as Ben Whitby came over to mine for a steady 12 mile run and it was good to catch up with him after his training stint in Kenya. I think the snow was a far cry from the hot sunshine and sandy trails he was used to running on! It reminded me of the Edinburgh Cross Country a couple of years ago. Nothing worse than a snowy cross country!

We plotted all the training we would do in the weeks coming up. I also educated him in the field of how to fill the day now he is a full time athlete. I think we managed to fill our day well in between the two runs and weights session. Ben is running the London Marathon and has a great chance to make the GB team. We trained together before Berlin and there is no doubt with the added recovery he is going to get between runs, he will have the best possible shot at running the qualifying time. We are both heading over to Holland to run a 10km road race on Sunday, and for me, it will be my first race for a while. I'm looking forward to getting out there and using it as a gauge to see how my training is coming along. Until next time.