One week and two days later, and the post-marathon glow though still with me will eventually fizzle out. The question is, what next? First of all has been the enjoyable process of indulging in all the things I put to one side during marathon training. Coffee, check. Chocolate, check. Wine, beer, check, check. Takeaways - Indian, Chinese, Burger King, all check. Pizza, che... oh hang on, I snuck a couple of those in pre-marathon so they don't count.
But that can't continue indefinitely. I started this training unfit, unable to run, and 15 stone something. I am now relatively fit, able to run in excess of 20 miles, and 12 stone something. I looked at all my marathon photos and couldn't find any of my other chins, something I am simply not used to.
I have, like most, but not all, runners I know, applied for next year's ballot. The 20% chance of getting through for next year, without the pressure of fundraising a fixed amount in difficult times, is too good an opportunity to turn down for someone who had such a good experience. And if I don't run next year, well what instead? I never had a planned time to get round, and I have no regrets at my slow time. But I do have a nagging doubt that I can get fitter still and run a little faster.
I've been made aware of a 7K run around Blenheim Palace on Sunday. Should I run that race so soon after London? Is it amazing that as someone who still can't get used to the idea of all this running I've done that I'm even considering this?
I don't have to decide on this run for a few days, and the likelihood is that I won't, given it is so soon after London. But to even consider it means I ahve to start running again.
Which is exactly what I have just done. 20+ minutes, on the treadmill, nice and easy, no ill effects at all. I could have decided never again ... but I loved it, and I'm still going!
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Describing the progress training to run the London Marathon 2009 to raise money for Save the Rhino International
2 comments:
I think you've contracted what I describe as 'marathonitis'.
Symptons include:
forgetting how much pain you were in
the niggling thought that you can go faster
amazement at how much fitter you've become
being tempted to run in other races "just to see how I do"
There's no known cure, though lethargy and spouses/significant others' consternation at the sufferer not returning to 'normal' domestic life have been known to mask the symptoms (though they never actually go away!)
Good for you Neil, you can't let this running lark drop now after all your good work!
Best wishes
Annie :)
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