Quick catch up and I’ll see if I can keep my race report to a vague minimum of 400,000 words, granted I usually fail but here goes:

Training was a little shorter this last week, I missed three days due to a mixture of work commitments and scheduled rest days but am planning to up it again this week.

Saturday was the yearly trip up to London to attend the VLM gold bond runners training days. These days give the charity runners an insight into what to expect on the day, some tips on training and nutrition as well an opportunity for Virgin and Realbuzz to spread their gospel. For me it is an opportunity to buy running shoes at a 2 for 1 offer price – sweet.

There is nothing new to know for anyone who has run London before other than at this years race there will also be lucozade gels available at miles 14 and 21. You’ll know when you get there as you will stick to the ground and then get to watch peoples faces as they try to force down a nasty orange flavour gel when all their body really wants is a nice pint of lager. Still it would stop me having to carry them myself.

The highlight is Dave Bedford – the race director and former world 10,000m record holder (not to mention the inspiration for the 118 men) giving his tips for marathon day in his own inimitable style (and sartorial elegance).
here’s his presentation from 2008 – it’s the same as this year you’re not missing anything.

 I had been pretty blasé about the VLM so far this year, and although there was nothing new for me (seriously guys 4  years now and you’re still doing the same jokes!) but that ol’master of self promotion and fluffy jumpers Dicky Branson had ordered a short film with Snow Patrol style music put together with lots of clips of what Virgin do – trans atlantic flights, the Sex pistols, trains being overpriced and running to a timetable only they understand etc etc but also lots of clips of race day at the London Marathon and when you add those race images to the ‘inspirational’ music still managed to bring back some memories of previous races and very nearly brought a lump to my throat.

I grew up in London and don’t miss it at all now that I’m living in the sticks, in fact I’d go as far as say I hate going to London, but that short movie reminded me that marathon day is really quite special, and for any of you running your first London Marathon you really are in for a great day out and every bit of pain will be worth it when you cross that finish line.
So for any of you who might be having that training slump have a look at this, hopefully it will get you back out there. it will all be worth it I promise.

 Actually after watching that I reckon my race report can probably wait for a day or two yet.

Tags: Virgin, London, Marathon, VLM, Dave Bedford

Post Views: 67