Spring 09 - the run-up to Boston

[El Gordo]

Thanks SW and MD. Nice analogy, Dan.

I'm relatively optimistic about Boston. As I've said, all thoughts of PBs are out the window, but I don't mind that. All I want is to complete the distance in one piece. I'm pleased with the calf at the moment. It's a bit sore after 15 hilly miles, but it would be anyway. The key thing is to keep on stretching it and having the sports massages, and I'm hoping it should last the distance. There's still a big jump from 15 to 26 though, which is why the next 2 or 3 weeks are vital. I need to find that middle way between over- and under-training. Well, it's the road miles that I need to find the right mark for. I suspect it would be hard to overtrain on a static bike. It's the impact of the road through the legs that has the danger. At the same time, I have to build up more of those miles to tell the legs what to expect on Patriots Day.

I think I'm doing things right. Unbelievably, it's 3 years since I did a marathon, but there was always some crisis or other. The encouraging thing for me this time is that unlike previous occasions, I haven't lost my focus. Despite the injury problems I have more determination, and this is going to optimise my chances of getting to the finish. I could just do with being fitter. I was conscious yesterday, especially as it got hotter, that my fitness base isn't great. I can't work a miracle in 5 weeks but I can lose a few more pounds and get a bit sharper by keeping up the gym visits. The gym has made a big difference this time. In previous campaigns, without the gym visits, I wouldn't have stood a chance at this stage.

(SW -- we have masses of frog spawn, much of which is at quite an advanced stage by now.)