marathondan Wrote:Now, final check:
Tickets
Money
Passport
Calf support
I'll have you know that my packing list of a few weeks ago has been invaluable for this and previous weeks races...
Though to be more honest, I haven't actually started packing yet. I have a full day's work ahead, then have to pack for both a holiday and a marathon and get out of the house by mid-evening, as we're spending tonight at the in-laws near Gatwick. Makes sense, as we can leave the car there.
Anyway, despite best intentions, it's unlikely that I'll get another main diary entry in before I leave, though I hope to get something up there pre-race.
Thank you everyone for your great support, and likewise, I'll be rooting for all friends aiming for London in just over a week's time. Dan, Nick and Suzie -- it sounds like you've done the training, so best of luck for the big day.
Training never goes quite to plan, does it? All things considered though, I'm pleased with the way things have gone. The few bumps in the road were largely not of my making, which isn't the usual story. I haven't revisited my pre-race weeks for previous marathon campaigns but I seem to recall periods when I just sort of lost interest and went down the pub for unhealthy periods.
Hasn't happened this time. I have compared total miles for this campaign against others though, and not surprisingly I fall short this time, partly because I've had to take time out to recover from the calf problems, but also because I've taken a different approach to training, with fewer runs and more cross-training. That's been a big help in improving my general fitness. The reality is that I'm still pretty unfit and probably clinically obese, but I'm a lot better than I was, and given that running is a momentum thing, I'm happy with that. The important thing for me is always: what direction am I going? If it's upwards (so to speak), that's good. And it is upwards.
Once again, thank you all for the tremendous support and concern you've shown. It's great to have this reciprocal encouragement, and long may it continue.
See you on the other side of the pond....
EG
