Sarsy Marathon

The day finally arrived - after what could only be described as an erratic training plan - and I was feeling so sick and nervous and emotional.
The day did not start well, my train to Brighton was cancelled - thank you Southern railway. But actually, it was alright I got to Preston Park in time to meet up with some of my fellow MindOut runners.
It was a clear and actually quite hot day - so I was a hot mess by mile one - nothing new there.
I managed to run more or less continually for 16 miles, stopping only for the water stations - as I have never managed to master running and drinking from a cup - without wearing most of it.
OK I have to admit I did not appreciate the number of hills on the course - but to be honest they were not as dreadful as I expected, and of course the downhill is always sweeter, if not a bit jarring.
And then it was done (ha ha that makes it sound so easy) - 5hours 6minutes and 8seconds - so not far off my 5 hour target.

Yes of course, April 2021 came and went - no Marathon, we are now on for 12th September.
I am amid my 16 week training plan - pretty much off plan to be honest at the mo - it's been such a long time coming, I need to dig in and find my drive again.
Have faith - all will be well :)

So of course the 2020 Brighton Marathon didn't happen.
I have however - transferred my place to 2021 - so April 18th is my new target date.
Training proper will commence in January 2021 - for now I continue to complete various virtual challenges to maintain my running enthusiasm - this month, October, it's a 75 mile for the month target. I've completed 50 odd miles, so pretty much on track.

It's July and the Brighton Marathon is said to still be on in September - so I am back on the marathon training wheel.
Last Sunday, 5th July - I did the Goodwood Half Marathon - virtually of course - that was the start of my 'back at training' plan - my knees did not take kindly to the 13.1 miles, but by the following Tuesday they were working again without screaming at me.
Which just re-emphasised how training is key to surviving through this experience, lol.
I am aiming to run at least 150k (93 miles) in July, with more in August.
Let's see how that goes :)

OK, so of course COVID19 has meant that the Brighton Marathon has had to be postponed until September 20th.
You can imagine how sad I was after being mostly through the training plan, however at least I will know what to expect next time round. I will have the added impact of warmer climes to contend with - but at least the evenings and mornings will be lighter.
I start my training again in June, maybe I should set my sights at a faster time :)
To those that have sponsored me already - thank you, your money will still be going to a good cause - and rest assured I will still be running a Marathon at some point this year!!