Craig's London Marathon Journey by cgood2411

Its been a while since my last post. And there are a few reasons for this, March has been the killer training month the increase and intensity of the training last month really took it out of me. I found juggling the training, work and social commitments hard and that is why I just couldnt find the time to write a post - I know it sounds silly but thats really how I felt. When I did have a 15 minutes spare all I wanted to do was....nothing.

So on to the training, I really havent enjoyed the speed sessions in interval and threshold running.  I used to like running fast but these I have dreaded!! On the other hand as tough as it was I banked my longest and quickest runs in March. Early March I completed 24 miles in 3 hours and then late March I completed 25.2 in 3:03. I am so pleased with them efforts alone but also wedged in between them runs were two 20 milers both in 2:20. I know people say you shouldnt bank that mileage before the marathon and that you should peak at 18-21 mile mark but all I have done is stick to my training plan which is based on time not distance. Although the  runs were difficult (im playing that down here) it has giving me the confidence that I can complete the full 26.2 miles, and in a time much quicker than I hoped. Im now aiming for sub 3:30 if I dont complete that I will be disapointed!

This last month really has been tough and im glad its over and im tapering now. the completion is in site and im already looking forward to that first beer after the finish!  I have given up drinking , well aside from two misdeamournors in in Jan and Feb and it has affected the social life somewhat. My friends are counting the days down to until they get their mate back! On the plus side the last month has seen a drop in weight, I weigh in now at 10st 12 (im normally 11st 4) and its noticied on my body. the V's have started to show which is great just before summer! haha. I have eaten lieka horse though and I just hope this subsides when im not training no more! Literally this month all I think i've thought about is running, eating chocolate and sleeping!!

My injury, well Im pleased to say i have managed my ITB well. Ive stretched it as instructed and its done the trick. I have managed to train and manage the pain. That said, I have been taking Ibuprofen before my long runs! I know its not good but needs must!

So now im tapering, fund raising (I nearly have hit my target after a big push in March) and planning the day! Hopefully Ill have a lot of people on the day up to support me and join me for a good drink afterwards

12 days to go nearly there...