Marathon Training

I'm coming out now. Following Forrest getting his sub 2.50 qualification for the Boston Marathon in 2026, the notion arose that I might try to do the same (age-adjusted). I'll be seventy by the day of the race, which means achieving a time of sub 4.20, which should be within scope - with a fair wind and no injuries. So, I flirted with the idea, and finally took the plunge, entering the Rome Marathon in March. I lurch between being excited by the prospect and then terrified. The serious training started today. As pretty much all my running is done on the moor, I need to remind my legs how to deal with mile after mile on the flat. It's a very different proposition. To that end, I took the train into Leeds and then ran to Shipley along the canal before turning right to Guiseley, from where I got the train back home. It was 15 miles in total. I was aiming to run more slowly than I did, to get used to marathon pace, but I suppose it's a good sign that the 12 miles of canal to Shipley felt easy at just under 9 minute a mile pace. Running up Hollins Hill was another matter. That was as awful as it used to be when cycling back home from work. It's just a horrible gradient! Anyway, all in all, a good start. 

I only had time for a quick shower before running back down to the station to catch another train into Leeds to meet the boys to see Gladiator. It's just as well that I'm pretty good at suspending disbelief. You just have to sit back and take in the amazing spectacle. Paul Mescal was a revelation, as was Denzil Washington. I think I'd have preferred at least a nod to historical accuracy but it made me do some research and realise that less was fabricated than I'd suspected. I'd love to see a documentary about how they transported the sharks!