Alice's Adventures in Running Land
  • Home
  • About
  • Blog
  • Contact

London Marathon Training 2018: Race Week

4/18/2018

2 Comments

 
I always like to write few final words on race week before a marathon – it consolidates thoughts in my mind, and signs me off almost, ready to focus on running. I share my running and training adventures via my blog, the good and the bad, and I always try to be open about how running truly feels for me.

The London Marathon has given me some of my most treasured life memories; from running my first London Marathon and first ever marathon in 2015 at the age of 23, to supporting my inspirational friend overcome some of the toughest challenges life can present to earn her own London Marathon medal in 2016, and then finally achieving my first sub 4-hour marathon in 2017 – I will never forget any of it. This year I want to add to these memories; both my friend/running buddy and I have a place in the event, and I cannot wait to be able to share the day with her – it feels like a missing piece of my London Marathon experiences so far.

Memories aside, I obviously do have a time in mind, and I have been vocal about wanting to run a sub 3:45 marathon. It is a time which would stand me a chance of getting a Good For Age (GFA) entry into next year’s London Marathon event. It would not be a guaranteed spot, as it has been announced this week that a GFA time now no longer gives you a certain race place. However the time is also part of my wider running picture. I have dreams to run the prestigious Boston Marathon, for which I virtually need a 3:30 marathon time in order to qualify for the race. Therefore, I want to keep gradually chipping away at my marathon time (my PB currently stands at 3:48) to slowly build up to feeling capable of reaching this achievement.

​My training has gone well, and my recent race performances and training run times suggest I am improving as a runner. If I am honest with myself, I think I am capable of running under the 3:45 mark. For me that’s the scary thing; knowing you possess the ability to do something, and potentially having to handle the disappointment if you don’t make the mark. One of the biggest factors which seems will play a part on race day is the weather - the forecast is currently very warm, conditions which I have not trained in at all. I will have to be sensible, and as much as I want that PB, I also want to safely finish the race.

I cannot control the weather, but I have been able to control my preparation, and those of you who follow my blog regularly will know I have given everything to my training; running is a massive part of my life (my friends might even argue it is my life!) and I will stand on that start line knowing I could not have given any more over the last 16 weeks. Regardless of my time, I intend to cross the finish line on Sunday feeling the same; that I could give no more.
Picture
​Running marathons is not just about finish times though, it is an unforgettable experience, and I will make sure I embrace all that London has to offer whilst I run. I also love marathon training (more evidence I am a little mad!) and one of the things I miss most after a race is both the training focus and the ridiculously long Sunday runs with my friend; for me the miles and conversation are a mix of therapy, fun, friendship and achievement, which is hard to get from much else. This will not be my last marathon of course, so I am trying not to feel too sad as race day nears that my journey to the London Marathon 2018 will in fact be over relatively soon – I can’t keep training forever! To say I am about to undertake my 6th marathon makes me proud though, I think I almost forget the dedication it requires to train for marathons as it has become such an integral part of my life.

​I will finish by saying a massive 'thank you' to all those who have supported me throughout my marathon training; especially to my running buddy, friend and fellow London Marathoner, Colette, who features endlessly in this blog (sorry!) and is literally my running and life rock – thank you for always being there. I am also sending a massive 'Good Luck' message to all other London Marathon runners - I hope you enjoy every moment of this special race and lets hope the weather is kind to us!
2 Comments
Keith r
4/19/2018 11:03:59 pm

Almost there, not far now!...... famous words, but right now so true for the run up to the start.
Wow you've worked hard, shown great progress and had excellent results. Now just go to Greenwich, relax and do your best on the day - after all it is just running.
You deserve a great time, it will come to you even if the conditions on Sunday may make you wait a little longer perhaps? Concentrate on the things you can control and above all else get round and enjoy the experience.
It's been good to follow the build up, the review will be just as good I'm sure.
Enjoy it, (both of you).

Reply
Alice
4/20/2018 07:24:42 am

Thanks as ever Keith for the support - think some training in the Portuguese heat may have been better preparation! Agree, the best thing to do now is focus on what I can control, and I definitely will aim to enjoy the London experience - the best race!

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Alice's Adventures In Running Land

    Read about my adventures in running land...


    January 2021
    December 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014

    Categories

    All
    2015
    2016
    2017
    2018
    2019
    2020
    2021
    Ashby 20 2019
    Bassingham Bash 2015
    Bassingham Bash 2016
    Bassingham Bash 2017
    Bassingham Bash 2020
    Berlin Marathon 2016
    Berlin Marathon 2017
    Boston Marathon 2017
    Brighton 10k 2015
    Brighton Marathon 2019
    Cambridge Half Marathon 2018
    Cambridge Half Marathon 2019
    Cambridge Half Marathon 2020
    Chicago Marathon 2019
    Clumber Park Half Marathon
    Doncaster 10k 2017
    Doncaster 10k 2018
    Doncaster 10k 2019
    Finsbury Park 10k 2015
    General Running
    Great Newham Run 10k 2016
    Great North Run 2015
    Harewood House Half Marathon 2017
    Hedgehog Half Marathon 2018
    I Am Team GB
    Leicestershire Half Marathon 2018
    Leicestershire Half Marathon 2019
    Lincoln 10k 2015
    Lincoln 10k 2016
    Lincoln 10k 2017
    Lincoln 10k 2018
    Lincoln 10k 2019
    Lincoln Colour Dash 2015
    Lincoln Half Marathon 2016
    Lincoln Half Marathon 2017
    Liverpool Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon 2015
    Liverpool Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon 2016
    Liverpool Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon 2017
    Liverpool Rock 'n' Roll Marathon 2018
    London Marathon 2015
    London Marathon 2016
    London Marathon 2017
    London Marathon 2018
    London Marathon 2020
    Manchester Marathon 2016
    Milton Keynes 20 Mile Race 2018
    Newark Half Marathon 2017
    Newark Half Marathon 2018
    Newark Half Marathon 2019
    Newton's Fraction Half Marathon 2019
    Normanby 10k 2020
    North Lincolnshire Half Marathon 2018
    North Lincolnshire Half Marathon 2019
    Nottingham 10k 2016
    Oxford Half Marathon 2015
    Parkrun
    Park Run
    Robin Hood Trail 10k
    Round Sheffield Run 2016
    Round Sheffield Run 2017
    Round Sheffield Run 2018
    Round Sheffield Run 2019
    Royal Parks Half 2016
    Santa Run 2014
    Santa Run 2015
    Santa Run 2018
    Santa Run 2019
    Sleaford 10k 2019
    Stamford 30k
    Sydney Marathon 2018
    The 401 Challenge
    The Royal Parks Half Marathon 2016
    Thoresby Half Marathon
    Winter Run 10k Liverpool
    Woodhall Spa 10k 2018
    Woodhall Spa 10k 2019
    X Runner 2015

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
Photo used under Creative Commons from marksteelenz