Marathon Man

I've written on this blog previously that I intend to train for and compete in the Abingdon marathon in October. Since then I've been doing some surfing and had a bit of a rethink.

Basically I came across details of the New Forest marathon in September. I felt it would be more scenic than the Abingdon marathon and the timing would be slightly better - I would be able to have a two-week holiday somewhere in the Med afterwards (I've no doubt I'll need to put my feet up for a couple of weeks afterwards!).

I wasn't sure, however, whether Anthony would agree - I had a feeling he might think it would be too tough a course for me (it is described as "undulating", which in my experience is a polite term for "bloody hilly") and maybe a month or two too early.

As it proved, I should probably have had more faith. I asked him tonight about it after one of the toughest sessions he has ever put me through. He was all for it, saying it is a great marathon to do and even offered to run it with me (and by that I mean he will actually accompanying me around the course, not running his own race). How many personal trainers do that? Fingers crossed we both get places..

It's still a long way off - before I start training for it I have two 10k races to do in February, followed by the Bath and Reading half marathons in March and April respectively. The next few months are going to be crucial in terms of getting my weight down and laying some serious foundations for marathon training (not that I haven't already, but you know what I mean).

Wish me luck!

http://www.nfma.org.uk/