Mar 09 - When The Going Gets Tough...

[marathondan]

Week 13 of 18 complete, with less than a month to go to the big day. Sunday night saw the 18 miler, the longest outing to date, and a distance that I had hitherto matched or exceeded only three times in my life. Due to a step-back and a re-ordered week, it was 15 days since my 16 miler, and I think it showed (in a good way). As the miles rose well into double figures, the usual aches and pains came and went, but the legs definitely felt stronger than a fortnight ago. St Hal of the Singlet knew what he was doing when he put those step-backs into the plan. Once again, Tom Robinson’s eclectic MySpace trawlings floated me home. And once again, the watch showed 3:57 marathon pace, consolidating my confidence for a sub-4 finish – but I’m not taking anything for granted.

In outfit news, I picked up a baby-pink vest (ladies, size 18) for a fiver, which should top off the costume nicely. While I was pounding the streets, Mrs MD put in a sterling effort unpicking all the sequins (yes, sequins), which had irritated my chest a bit during a trial run. (I should point out that they were also fraying the technical top that I was wearing over the aforementioned garment.)

With the start line almost in sight, thoughts begin to turn to race day logistics, visiting the Expo, and all that good stuff. Interesting times ahead.