The best inspiration is not to outdo others, but to outdo ourselves

Well, this is it. The final week before the marathon. A week of not very much running and of trying not to get too worked up about what's to come! I went out for a run this morning, just the three mile route. It didn't feel good at all, but then that doesn't surprise me. I've been feeling overly tired all weekend and not really been sure why that would be. I felt heavy and ploddy, but, as always, feel better for having been out and done it. Fine, after the event!

Distance: 511.6 miles

Time: 92:55:56

Calories: 48,814

Interesting point - having a sore shoulder affects your running! My shoulder had something of a mishap yesterday afternoon, I kind of assumed it would be okay today. It isn't. Then I went out for my run and found that this whole moving your arms as you run thing can be distinctly uncomfortable with an unhappy shoulder - hmph! I was planning to do 4 miles but in the end only did 3. I felt tired and slow and the shoulder was not a pleasant addition. Oh well, tapering next week! It's just over a week away! I'm not quite sure how I feel about that.

Distance: 508.6 miles

While the final run up to my goal is definitely not the time to be saying this, I seem to have rather lost the plot. Things went a bit wrong when we didn't get back on time and I couldn't do my last planned long run. I've been struggling to get out there, finding it hard work when I am out there and generally suffering a crisis of confidence and motivation. Still, I gave myself a serious talking to and am determined to sort it out and to give it my best shot. I didn't put all that work in and dedication over the winter to lose it all now.

Well, the training isn't exactly going great guns at the moment. However, I did get back out there this morning and do 3 miles. Not a vast amount, but a step back on the right road. I've just been very tired and very busy this week trying to sort myself out after being away so much longer than I intended to be. It was weird to be back running in long trousers and a jumper! In Florida I was wearing shorts and sometimes even a crop top! Still, I'm glad I've been out and got myself moving again, even if I did feel heavy and slow.

This is just going to be a list. I've been on holiday and thanks to a certain volcano, have been away for 3 weeks rather tan the the expected 2. I've tried to run when I could but it wasn't easy. I'll put down dates and stats but that's all I have time for right now.

2nd April.
Distance: 434.5 miles
Time: 79:31:43
Calories: 41,549

3rd April.
Distance: 438.5 miles
Time: 80:11:23
Calories: 41,911

6th April.
Distance: 442.6 miles
Time: 80:53:07
Calories: 42,292

7th April.
Distance: 445.4 miles
Time: 81:21:08
Calories: 42,552

9th April.
Distance: 449.5 miles

According to my schedule I had another long run to do. Really it should have been next week so that my body had the full three week recovery time, however, that wasn't to be - I'm away on holiday next week and there simply won't be the option for running that sort of distance. I have every intention of running while I'm away, but under an hour, not great long swathes of time. Well, I will be on holiday! Anyway, I was supposed to do 26 miles. After my last experience when I dragged myself through 23 and was then sick soon after I wasn't at all sure about this.