Monday 11 January 2010

Say it loud

I've got something I need to say out loud, it needs to stop being a loose, fuzzy, half idea, it needs to become a plan. I'm going to run a marathon.

This is a biggie for me. I used to say the only time you'd ever catch me running is if I was being chased by a bear or someone with a gun. And, now, I want to run 26 miles, for fun. This represents a huge change in my life in the last decade, and I want to mark that and a marathon seems fitting.

My plan is to do the Sarsen Trail on May 2nd, it starts in Avebury and finishes at Stonehenge. Training begins in earnest this week, part of that will include being better about my diet, I'm 13lbs heavier than what I might consider a marathonable weight, it's a balance of miles and good nutrition. I'm not capable of being too much of a martyr to it all so I'm sure there will be scope for the odd bit of cake and there are also plans along the way for other fun stuff like fell races, the FRA navigation course, the Bratislava half marathon and a return to riding bikes (which featured far too little in 2009). But, there, it's said out loud. It's a plan now, and I'll be sticking to it.

9 comments:

Julbags said...

Good choice picking a trail type marathon! I still don't want to run a road marathon again! Lots of biking instead of running for me this year - apart from the last week or so.

I have that book, except it has Tim Henman on the cover.

Julbags said...

Once I decided to run the marathon after like you wondering what the point was, it suddenly seemed to be the most normal thing in the world. Having the goal will certainly get you out there when you don't really want to go...else the day itself will really hurt.

Red Bike said...

Will this marathon be up a hill / fell?

Donkarlo said...

Good effort, I would like to run another marathon but definitely an off road one would be preferable. I did enjoy the atmosphere at London but that road hurts !

jumbly said...

Julbags, Donkarlo - I was considering a normal road marathon until somebody mentioned this trail one to me. I'll be much happier avoiding the black stuff!

Red - it's a trail race, not too hilly.

kate said...

brilliant news! agree with julbags about your good choice of course. we'll have to get some long runs together. still might join you too. training is also a great distraction from dysfunctional families!

...i'm still chuckling at 'anita bean', sports nutritionalist :)

Runningbear said...

Fantastic news! Am v excited to read you have a marathon planned. Really looking forward to reading your preparation posts. Best wishes for the training. RB.

jumbly said...

kate - long running partner always welcome :0)

RB - thanks. I'm following your training progress with interest too.

Tina Mammoser said...

Wow, Go for it! :) We say things and they happen!