When I was at work on Monday I got a call from my wife with some not unexpected news. A package had arrived for me from the organisers of the London Marathon with a clearly visible word “sorry” on the front. The better news is that also in the package was this rather spended and worthwhile warm-and-toastie top, the best yet which fits me like a glove and will prove very useful in the winter months.
It is true that I am not that disappointed that I didn’t get in. The marathon in 2016 was one of those moments in life which will forever be burned in my memory as a truly amazing experience. I doubt it would be the same again and there is always a risk that going back might be a disappointment. I am not that sure I really want to more marathons in any case because to do one properly takes so much out of you during the months of training and even then, it can all go down the tubes if you get ill or injured. I took the attitude this year that if I got in, I got in and if I didn’t I didn’t. Maybe the title of my blog shouldn’t be MarathonMann but maybe RunningMann instead but its too late now and who knows, I might change my mind.
I think my favourite distance is the Half Marathon. I can routinely train at that distance and once “in the mode” can do one at the drop of a hat (as it were). For 2017 I think I will stick to the halves and see what I can do since my half PB (1:44:49) is certainly achievable and also I might take a pop at some of my shorter distance PBs. The biggest challenge when you start running faster is avoiding injury so it’s a case to taking things one step at a time and building up strength; not over-doing it etc.
“In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat – for he grants sleep to those he loves.”
Psalm 127:2 NIVUK