Finished

It went really well – I finished in 808th position.

Up until about 21 miles it was really enjoyable – absolutely exhilarating, the crowds and the atmosphere were fantastic.

The last three miles were a real struggle, but I managed to keep running and I managed to beat three hours which was my aim.

I started off too quickly, I did the first 5km at 6:20 min/mile pace. I realised this and settled down to about 6:35/6:40 pace, which I managed to maintain until it started deteriorating in the final six miles. I was down to 7:15 pace by the end, but was still well within three hours.

So, I was pleased.

My legs are very stiff today.

Here ends my blog.

Run stats: 176:54 minutes, 26.2 miles - 6:44 minutes per mile

Early morning trot

I was scheduled for a 30 minute very easy jog last night. Louise and I went out with Diane and james last night, so I went this morning for a jog round Oaks Park with Ronnie. I am now just about to head up to the Excel Centre in th Docklands to register for Sunday's race and see if I can get my starting position moved forward.

Run stats: 25:26 minutes, 3.35 miles - 7:36 minutes per mile

In Oaks Park with Ronnie

Kane had an early night this evening, so Ronnie and I were able to go out to Oaks Park almost immediately after I finished work.

The schedule recommended a long warm up and cool down either side of ten minutes at race pace. We ran a long circuit round Oaks Park, starting off exceeding slowly - after ten minutes I ran at what I hoped was race pace, then after ten minutes of that we jogged slowly back to the car.

Run stats: 3.35 miles. 10 minute section, 1.45 miles - 6:54 minutes/mile

One week to go

I did my last Sunday run today. Kane and I went over to Mark and Jess' house in West Norwood, Kane stayed with them while I did a five mile loop. Jess picked out a route which turned out to be very hilly!

My legs feel fine now - no pain at all. However I feel a little lethargic, apparently this is to be expected during the tapering stage.

I have lost 23 pounds in weight since I started training 14 weeks ago, it would be interesting to know what my ideal race weight would be as I am still losing weight now. I suspect I would shed another 10 to 15 pounds, if I trained over a sustained period of time.

Run stats: 34:52 minutes, 5.21 miles - 6:42 minutes per mile

Thursday night jog

It is nicer running in the evening now that the clocks have gone back. It's a bit warmer as well - I enjoyed tonight's jog.

Since I've been winding down the training I've been feeling a bit of pain behind my right knee. I don't think it's anything too serious, it doesn't really hinder my running. It's just enough to give me something to worry about though.

I played a gentle game of football on Tuesday - due to the paucity of the opposition, and I rested yesterday. I will rest again tomorrow, then run over the weekend.

Run stats: 32:23 minutes, 4.5 miles - 6:58 minutes per mile