Memo to self. Next time be a spectator.

Legend has it that in 490 BC after the Greeks had defeated the Persians at Marathon, Phidippides ran the 26 miles to Athens, entered the city centre, shouted "Nikh" (which means victory) then died from exhaustion. I know how he felt. He has a lot to answer for. Yesterday's run was slower than planned due mostly to the heat but at least I managed to jog all the way round without any dramas. However, it's probably time to hang up my long distance running shoes and stick to the 10 Ks and 1/2 marathons. I'd like to thank all of you for your sponsorship and support, especially Steve and the team at Mediscript. It is greatly appreciated. Best wishes, Mark

The wonders of modern technology..

Two 18 mile runs both came to an abrupt end, not due to hitting the "wall" but because my feet hurt so much I could hardly walk. Time for a shopping trip to buy some new shoes. I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised. Actually talking to someone who knew what they were talking about, gait analysis and about 20 minutes in the treadmill solved the problem. These new shoes are brilliant and make my old ones feel like running in flip-flops. I can't run any faster but I'm more confident I'll reach the finish without thet aid of the St John's Ambulance service.

Only 3 weeks to go. Twenty miles this Sunday. I can't wait...

Only six weeks to go...

Well I survived that one. I'm reasonably happy with a time of 2.19 at my my anticipated marathon pace. It could have been quicker but it was only 5*C and with the cold north easterly wind it felt more like zero at times. Still, it was a useful long run but I definitely need some new shoes, mine a past their best. Slicks might be ideal for Lewis Hamilton but they're not so good for running in.

With only six weeks to go the running is on schedule, now's the time to concentrate a bit more effort on the fund raising. So if you're reading this and haven't yet donated to the cause, can I encourage you to do so. It's the only chance you will ever get as there's no way I'm doing this again.

18 miles this Sunday. Let's hope for a bit more sunshine.

So far, so good.

They refer to March as being the month to really increase the distances for each training run. I admit I'm not really looking forward to it but it's the only way to give me an outside chance of finishing in one piece. Keeping motivated is probably the hardest part now especially over the longer distances. I'm fortunate to have the help of a few running partners, especially my Aussie mate Sarah, ( I never could say no to Sarah) who keep me going when it's wet and cold and when sitting in front of a warm fire at home is a lot more attractive. I've also enlisted the help of our two canine family members with mixed success. Our Golden Retriever is not best suited for running and can really only keep up going downhill (yes he is that slow). The Husky is way too fast and tends to pull me along. I wonder if they'll notice if I take him along on race day?

It's the Silverstone Half Marathon this weekend. Anything under 2.15 would be okay.

So it begins.....

Well at least the blogging does. Training started a couple of monthes ago and despite the weather it has gone reasonably well. At least I haven't broken any bones this time. My first marathon training effort 4 years ago ended with a broken metatarsal. I have no idea how it happened and yes I was sober at the time. I'm managing 2 or 3 short runs a week (about 5 miles each) and a longer run at the weekend. As I had a day off today, I took the opportunity for a longer run and managed 13 miles without any dramas although it did get cold later in the afternoon.

The plan is to complete a 16+ mile run this weekend.

The next target is the Flora 1/2 marathon at Silverstone in 2 weeks time. I've done this a few times and it's a good rehersal for the real thing. 15,000 runners, a smooth surface and no traffic, ideal for running but it can be a bit exposed to the elements. The last time I raced around the track it was a bit quicker but as usual I was near the back. A decent time for me on foot would be about 2 hours. I'll keep you posted.

2011 Virgin London Marathon

Mark Atkins will be running the 2011 Virgin London Marathon, raising funds for the British HIV Association. To sponsor Mark, please visit his JustGiving page - http://www.justgiving.com/m-atkins