Well this is a long overdue update, and I know you've all been on the edge of your seats just to hear how I've been getting on!
Recently I've been out running with a few people like Steve, Ricardo and Warburton, the last one providing key motivational phrases like "The mind fails before the body" which will be important for developing mental toughness during the last few miles of the marathon! I'm probably the least popular person at Nanpantan reservoir, the fishermen there do give me some proper dodgey 'serial killer' looks as I run laps round there on a friday afternoon. If anyone would like my full opinion on those strange fishermen then please do accompany on a run someday. I also saw on a friends twitter the quote "You don't win gold on the first day", not that I'm trying to win the marathon but training is a gradual process, you don't always see immediate improvements, thanks to Jess for that one.
Some noteable runs recently have included a good marathon pace half marathon a week ago, which I felt rather comfortable after and was able to go out for a 5 mile run the very next morning; I've also been doing some speed endurance sessions round the reservoir which I've really enjoyed, although I'm sure these will help my football more than my marathon running, its still nice to have something different in the training program. My half marathon from last week is shown below:
Next weekend I have my very first race, the Ashby 20, its a 20 mile road race which was voted in the top 10 UK races for last year. I really have no idea what to expect, but am going to be taking training easy and tapering for the race. My Dad is coming up to watch which is really exciting both to see him and to have someone there to cheer you on! I'll let you all know how I get on as well as my garmin watch stats for the race.
My fundraising has hit a big milestone as over my birthday weekend the sponsorship broke through the £1000 barrier, with some very generous donations. Please continue to dig deep and support HOPE HIV who are a fantastic charity, the money will make a real difference transforming lives and communities in sub-Saharan Africa who have been so damaged by the HIV/Aids virus, you can sponsor online using this LINK. I will be bucket collecting to raise money at Euston tube station on the 5th April (in the easter holidays) if anyone is interested in coming and helping please let me know, it would be great. Also if anyone wants to go out on some easy runs this week, let me know would love to have some more company.
Have a fantastic week!
