The Aftermath!!

Well, its all over............. for now anyway!!

I really enjoyed this years marathon, more than any ive done so far. I have come to a few conclusions why this is:

1. I did more long runs this time 20/22/23/20/23. I feel this made me more physically and mentally prepared for the later miles that are always so hard. I did find the last 6 tough, but bearably tough. I felt i was in a good place mentally, was overtaking people - which helps with the mental side, i could smile at the crowd and my fastest miles of the whole run were the last 3!!

2. I did more mid week meduim long runs at marathon pace (8-10m). I feel this renforced the pace i needed to run at and got me "used" to how it feels.

3. Hills - did 4 or 5 hard hill sessions - gradually increasing the reps over each week. I guess this would mean increased leg strength.

4. Stretching. I made a concious effort to spend time on stretching, after every run and more time on it after a long run. I find this makes my legs feel less tight again, during those last miles when things wont move quite so freely!!

I find to calm my nerves at the start - i take advantage of being at the green start by going on "Celebrity Watch".

This year was very successful. Last year i got a photo with Nell Mcandrew, this year i excelled myself and got one with the most gorgeuos James Cracknell!! I also saw Ronan Keating who is a midget! Also Floella Benjamin, Sue Barker, The Massai warriors (not really celebs, but they were for that day!!) Ben Fogle, Amanda Holden to name but a few!

So, another marathon under my belt. And i now have been told to take a month off running by my physio. Basically to get my achilles well and truly sorted. I dont want to be plagued with it any longer, so am going to do as im told and not run. So i shall be doing long bike rides as oppose ot long runs, also gym work, weights etc. I feel it will probaly do me the world of good not just for my achilles but for all my body.