Halfway there

My first (short!) marathon training run, back in snowy December, feels like a long time ago. And the moment I thought to myself, ‘Another marathon? That seems like a good idea,’ back in spring 2010, is even more of a distant memory!

The lows…

My training has been a little up and down. Low point one – slipping on the ice during a run at the beginning of December, landing flat on my back in the middle of the road, then having to hobble home, take two weeks off running and make a trip to the osteopath. Low point two – getting lost running in a new area on Boxing Day, while my family were walking around the same parkland, and having to accost a dog walker for directions after uttering the panicked words, ‘I’ve lost my parents!’ (note to self: regression to the mental age of 12 is not a good look). Low point three – last week’s 14 miler, which, after a week of late nights and a few glasses of wine too many, saw me set off already tired and probably a little dehydrated, only to feel I was going to pass out with three miles left to run (I did make it, but it felt like torture).

The highs!

On the plus side, I’ve had some amazing marathon-training moments, too. My final long run near my old flat in South East London (I’ve just moved house), taking in all the familiar sights I’ve grown to love one last time; interval training along the river towpath in Hammersmith during my lunch breaks, feeling the sun (it has come out occasionally!) on my face and my heart racing; and being given the fantastic opportunity to take part in the Marrakech Half Marathon in the final weekend of January, spending Saturday getting lost in the labyrinthine souks, before racing on the Sunday along red roads and through olive groves. And my most recent training high? This week’s 16-mile long run. As I staggered back to my front door, I had a big smile on my face, despite the fact I was rain-soaked and windswept! It made me realise that, no matter what the weather, nothing can dampen that natural high you get after a long run where you feel at one with the road and the miles seem to fly past beneath your feet.

The halfway point

In true ‘halfway mark’ style, this weekend will see me and the rest of the Women’s Running team hitting the coast for the Brighton Half Marathon. It will be a great taste of things to come in April – and will serve as a good reminder of how far my running’s come on since snowy December. Completing the Brighton Half will feel like a great achievement before the really long runs start to crank up in the run up to marathon day! Taking part in the Brighton Marathon is exciting enough in itself, but knowing I’m trying to raise money for a charity close to my heart adds an extra element to the day. I’m fundraising for Beat, the eating disorders charity. You can find out why and make a small donation (if you fancy!) by visiting my page – www.justgiving.com/claire-runs-brightonUntil then, I’ve got a lot more running to do. Now, where are my trainers…?