Taper madness....

Well, the time has come for me to start reducing the mileage before the marathon..... It is that time when all the doubts start to creep in. I feel that I should carry on running further for longer, that I haven't done enough training, or run fast enough....

But this year I have an advantage. I have run a marathon before so I know that I can do it. I also have last years training to look back at and compare. This year I have run more long runs and they have been longer.... I have run more miles in training and I haven't had the IT band issues that I had last year.

The doubts are still there, 26.2 miles is a long way..... But this year my doubts are different. It isn't can I do it but more how hard is it going to feel.

My biggest fear is the weather. So far all our long runs have been in bad weather and the hardest part is wind. We have run in 30mph + winds and running head in to it is not fun or easy, especially when the rain is stinging your face. How I will cope with 26.2 miles of that I really don't know.

3 weeks on Sunday is marathon day and the weather this weekend is pretty bad again. This time last year I was getting sun burnt. So, I guess anything could happen in the next three weeks.....

So, if you believe in a God please can you ask them for no wind. I will settle for that, I don't mind the rain (not too hot would be good though !).

Thank you x

One month to go.....

Well, it is only a month now until Holly and I run the Brighton Marathon.

I think it is fair to say that this week hasn't been the best for training, the heavy snow and strong winds meant that I didn't get out on Tuesday for the long run I was planning.... This means that my last really long run (21 miles) will be on Sunday. Then, partly because of work commitments, I will be starting to taper..... and beginning to worry that I haven't run enough to train properly....

Deep down I know that after completing Sundays run I will have done enough training to get me round the marathon. It is as much mental strength as it is physical. After all I'm not going out to break any records, I just want to finish this marathon with Holly and enjoy it !

I have also been getting out running with Millie and she completed her longest run to date last Saturday... 9 very muddy miles over the South Downs; I'm looking forward to a bit more sunshine but I don't think that is on the cards for this week...

This photo is one taken at the foot of the Downs on last Saturdays run.

Beginners Running Group

Well, last Sunday I went on the Leadership in Running Fitness course :)

It was a packed day and I certainly learnt lots !

What this means is that I can now setup and start a beginners group for Steyning Athletic Club. I started running three years ago and remember so well how hard I found it. This group is open to everyone, it doesn't matter if you have never run before or have tried running and given up you will be more than welcome.

I still have a bit of planning to o so the group will start at the beginning of April this year. By then the clocks would have changed so we will have the lighter evenings and can take advantage of the wonderful countryside that is all around us.

Some evenings we will have guest speakers covering topics from choosing your trainers through to bra fitting and nutrition so if you know someone who might be interested or if you are interested yourself then please contact me at lisabeaney@me.com