Even less than that, now.
After we had returned from Poland last September, and we had got around to sorting out the big pile of post stopping the front door from opening, I happened upon a large, red package. Upon opening it, I started jumping up and down and shouting.
It was a confirmation letter - I would be doing the London Marathon in 2014!
In 1996 - and I recall it clearly, I was told by a physio, who was at the time kneading my knotted muscles after a bad sciatica flareup, that my dreams of ever running a marathon should be stopped in their tracks. 'A half marathon is the best you can hope for in your condition', he said.
Right, I said.
Admittedly, it did take me about a decade to get around to it (my first proper 10k was in 2007) but I eventually got the bit between my teeth, worked off the videogaming flab and built up my distances. In 2011, I did my first half marathon, In 2012, I did my first Marathon...
Hey, maybe it's time to take down that old Liverpool Marathon sponsor link and replace it with something a little more.. current? >>>>
So, I managed to stick one into the face of that damned physio two years ago, so what's the big deal? Well, I did Liverpool because I wasn't having much luck with the London registration, receiving only a handful of failed ballot letters and a Jimmy Saville-style track suit top that is for some reason out of vogue right now. London is the big one. So when I got that letter, well things were pretty sweet.
Of course now that the thing is about four weeks away, I'm bricking it. I've got my final instructions through this week (and bloody hell is is more complicated than your average 10k). I'll be lining up alongside 36,000 other people as opposed to the 8,000 or so in my usual competitions, including world class athletes on a 'world marathon major' competition. I've got my tickets and hotel sorted and my distances are about right, and a knee injury that showed up as the year incremented has thankfully been seen to (thanks again to a physiotherapist, but this time not the same one). I'll study the course map like it's a final exam cram, so the last few miles of twists and turns don't turn into psychologically draining surprises.
I'm as set as I'm going to be.
So, here's the badgery-bit: Please sponsor me. I will - as ever - be running for MacMillan Cancer Support, as they are a very worthwhile network of supporters of victims of cancer and their families. Though I have run for them many times now, this past couple of years I have felt a particular need to run for them. My father is currently recovering from cancer, and will be hitting the operating table not long after the run to have the last stage of his reconstructive surgery completed, so this will be a personal goal I want to achieve in more ways than one.
Oh and just for good measure, there will be a handful of 10ks, a half marathon, a decent sized walk and the York Marathon in October, just for good measure...
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