It's been tough. The first weeks were enjoyable. Ticking off the speed sessions and increasing mileage. However, as time went on, the sessions got tougher and the long runs increased in distance and difficulty.
With the advice of my coach, I picked a number of races to fit in with my training program. The early races all went well. I was obtaining PB's and feeling confident. However, my last 3 races, Grimsby 10K, Gilberdyke 10 and Hull Marathon (half marathon relay leg) didn't go to plan. My target times were not achieved, mainly due to the high temperatures on the day, leaving me feeling deflated and low in confidence.
Overall, my training has gone well. My coach, Kris Lecher has been pleased with my progress and effort levels. He has pushed me hard in an attempt to give me the platform to achive this goal. I really appreciate his advice, knowledge and feedback.
Now its down to me. I just have to trust the process and run a smart race. I always do better by not going off too fast. Therefore, I plan to try running a negative split race. Run the second half of the marathon faster than the first. Easier said than done of course.
I have committed myself to trying to run this race in under three hours. The last eight months have revolved around my training. My poor wife has had to tolerate my needs and moods. A big thank you has to go to Zoe for her patience and understanding. She was supposed to be running in the race too but injury has blighted her training. So she will be there to support instead.
I will give it 100%. If all the stars align, I have a chance! However, if I miss the target but still run a PB time (current PB is 3hr 12mins), I will still be happy. I just hope that it doesn't end badly. Trust the process....
OUTCOME.....
I'm sorry to say that I dropped out of the race around mile 10. My calf started to hurt around mile five and by mile ten I was starting to hobble, so had no choice but to call it a day. Gutted!
