After months of gruelling training the Marathon is nearly upon us, it’s next Sunday the 13th April.  Finally! It seems as though I’ve been preparing for this marathon for all of eternity; and continually going on about it to all and sundry, for which I apologise.  Don’t worry guys, you’ve only got to listen to me for a few more days (along with all the post-marathon chat…..!).

Being my first marathon, I’m not sure that I fully realised the extent of the training involved. Every week for the last 6 months I’ve been running between 3 and 5 times a week. The ‘long run’ every week has increased to a maximum of 20 miles the last 2 weeks. No more though! I am now on what they call ‘taper down’ where I run shorter distances to allow the body to recover and recharge. I continue to eat masses of pasta and rice to stock up my body (I shall have to keep an eye on that after the marathon is done!).

I am trying to avoid going for a specific time on the big day…. I don’t want to set myself up for a disappointment; I’ll not be doing another marathon so I want to remember it fondly.   I’ve had some great advice and much support from all my patients, friends and family over the course of the training. I’m looking forward to what many have said will be a very special day….and the curry and beer after! Not sure that’s the official recovery diet?

Thanks, also, to all those who have sponsored me so far…we’re nearly up to the target of £2,000. It’s not too late for those who still want to sponsor me:  www.justgiving.com/stuart-walker3.   I’ll let you know how I get on after the big day….feeling nervous now….  Stuart.