Saturday, 13 March 2010

Half Marathon tomorrow

I'm about to do the longest race I've ever done. Tomorrow, I'll race a half marathon. This is the half marathon I mentioned that I'd entered back in September last year. 13.1 miles. 21.1 kilometres. Over 20,000 foot strikes, each one compressing my feet, ankles, knees, hips...

In some ways, it's quite fitting that my first half marathon will be on the Silverstone Grand Prix circuit, on the same day that the 2010 Formula One season gets going again.

My training has gone relatively well, with comparatively little injury this time. As you know, I rested the last two months of 2009 to make sure my achilles healed. While frustrating, I now feel that this was time very well spent. And since that break I've been able to run fairly consistently. In fact, two weeks ago, I ran over 40 kilometres in one week - a much higher total than I've ever managed.

And in that week, I did the fastest 10k I've ever run (58:08) and at the end of the week, I ran the half marathon distance (in 2:09:31). A very positive week, and not something I could even have contemplated a year ago...

So just two more things to say.

Firstly, I'd be REALLY grateful if you could sponsor me. I'm running for Save the Children, the world's independent children's charity. This is surely all of us can get behind. And me in particular, given that my wife is now expecting twins (thanks to all of you who have sent your good wishes). Wherever you are in the world, if you have a credit card you can sponsor me (even though the website where my sponsor page is hosted is denominated in UK pounds). I know that any additional sponsorship I get between now and when I run (even if it's only a few pounds), will make the miles that much easier to run...

Secondly, I'm going to try a "home-brew" energy gel to help get me around the course. I looked at commercial energy gels but was completely shocked by the price, as well as the difficulty in getting everything I wanted from a gel. So I'm making my own. More details in my next post (as well as a report on the half marathon and how my DIY energy gels worked)!

So, I'm signing off for now to go and pack my race bag. Please wish me luck, and if you are able to then please sponsor me and support Save the Children's work.

Many thanks.

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