With three weeks to go, and a taper about to start, there was just enough time to fit in one more long run. Today, I ran my longest run before the marathon itself. I took the opportunity to get a bit familiar with the course of the Virgin London Marathon. I set off a bit later than I will do on the big day itself; I didn’t want an early start whilst I am on holiday. I made my way to Maze Hill and walked up past Greenwich Park to Blackheath where in three weeks I will be standing on the starting line. I followed the course as much as I could without the guidance of the marshalls and the direction of the crowds lining the route. There were times when I went back on myself, points where I had to take a longer route to get across junctions, and then again I completely missed the turning for Rotherhithe!
It was an opportunity to practice my nutrition, and I drank Lucozade Sport and took my Gels. I’ve just read how I should ‘sip’ the gels but I downed them each in one go. I took them where they will be handed out on the day. I don’t know if it was my improved nutrition (I took two 550ml bottles rather than my usual 330ml bottle). I felt like I could manage the further miles but I needed to get home when I reached Bank station. I know the route from Tower Bridge to Buckingham Palace and its a good stretch which, if I have the energy, I should be able to bounce along at a good pace.
So, this brings an end to my last ‘intensive’ week. I’ve managed a recovery run on two days, in addition to my scheduled sessions. I missed only one run, a tempo run that I forwent in return for a night in with my wife and a delicious green curry that she cooked. I don’t suspect that I will get out tomorrow, she’s cooking again. I’ve added up my total miles for the week and found that I have run over 50 miles! Now, it is time to reduce the distance that I am running with confidence.
