A tough few weeks
02/03/08

The last few weeks have been tough, both physically and mentally. Having recently lost my grandmother my family have pulled closer together to be there for my grandfather and for each other.

It's at these times that you find your true friends and people have been fantastic, offering me sympathy and support. It makes you realise just what the important things in life are, and family should always be top of the list. So thank you to all those that have offered their kind words and support, it has made a real difference.

Last Sunday saw me complete my first long run at pace, 17.5 miles. The route was a 8.7 mile route which took me out past Coventry Airport then back to the club. I then turned round and ran it again. This is more of a mental challenge than anything else as it is so easy just to finish after one lap. The realisation that you are turning round to do it again can be mentally tough. The good thing is that the marathon does not do this so in theory you should be mentally strong throughout. The recovery run on Wednesday evening was hell though, even if it was only six miles. My legs were heavy, calves tight and my whole body ached. But then that's why they call it a recovery run, because on Thursday evening I ran a quick four miles with Naemi and felt great. You just have to get the tiredness out of your body.

I feel that my training is back on track and am more confident now that I can achieve my personal aim of a sub four hour marathon.

The other sessions that make a difference are hill training sessions and I was back doing one of these this week. In many ways these are tougher than an 18 mile run, even though you actually run less than two. Running up a hill at full pace for 200 metres to then turn and jog back down again and then do it again is tough work. To do three sets of four really takes it out of you but I know that it is going to make such a difference to both my speed and stamina.

Next Sunday sees the first half marathon of the year, The Adidas Silverstone Half Marathon at the Silverstone Grand Prix race circuit in Northamptonshire. With 9000 competitors it is one of the largest half marathons in the UK and is the official warm up event for the London Marathon. A full race report will follow next week.