The moment of truth!

Is fast approaching! At some point in the next 48 hours I'm going to have to decide whether or not I'm taking part in the Cardiff marathon. Despite my 15 week build-up a dodgy hamstring threatens to wreck my plans at the last hurdle. Having not run for the last week my leg is feeling much better, but whether or not its ready for 26.2 miles? As Billy Shakespeare once said - 'that is the question'.

I know that the sensible option is to rest and wait for the next marathon, but I can't help thinking what if... I am OK and I'm being too cautious (admittedlt this is not a character trait I particularly well known for!). Of course I've also got to consider the alternative 'what if' of running too soon and doing some serious damage while hobbling to the finish clutching my left thigh?!

Still, while the moment of truth is fast approaching it is not yet upon me and one should never rush to do today what one can and should really do tomorrow (especially when it is the wrong side of 12.30am!).

Watch this space....

DISASTER?!

I said it would be a 'matter of time', and it seems that 'time has told' and the story ain't good - in fact, it could be a blinkin' disaster!

With just 10 days to go to the Cardiff marathon (the training for which has occupied a large part of my life for the last 14 weeks!) I had to hobble back from my 6M session this morning - unable to complete the last mile. It would seem that the 'sore thigh' that greeted me post-race on Saturday has deteriorated somewhat?!

Having literally just booked my train tickets for heading westward, one could surely be forgiven for labelling this injury crisis a disaster!

(N.B: However frustrating, I am fully aware that in the scheme of things (even a small scheme!) this unfortunate development is anything but a 'disaster', but rabbinic exaggeration always goes down well!)

Training (b)log - the story so far (week thirteen)

4 sessions; 33 miles; Total running time: 3hr 54m 46secs

(remember - we're 'tapering'!)

And relax?!

The next two weeks are going to be nice - well the next 10-11 days anyway. Why? because as the training schedule says I'm on 'a serious taper' as I head towards 'a rewarding marathon' - or at least that's the plan!

Which means that instead of last weeks 22-miler, todays 'long run' was a mere 18! Which meant I had an extra half-hour to play with! All done in 2hr 14min and 36secs.