I say that because over the last few weeks there have been times I thought maybe it wouldn't. Since my disaster on the Downs I've been at my lowest in my training. My ITB has caused continued knee pain and although it's a lot better thanks to the wonders of Luke my sports massager, my now religious foam rollering, stretching, strengthening I still don't quite know how it will last 26.2 miles. I've realised though don't mess about with looking after yourself. How many runners stretch after a run? How often have you been advised that you should stretch or do strength exercises? How many times have you read someone ask that in a blog? We all think we're invincible. You will learn (as I have) that you aren't. I just hope unlike me this doesn't happen to you 3 weeks before your first marathon!
A highlight in the last two weeks was to run Warwick Half with two of my nieces - they were both amazing - we learnt a lot about ourselves and how hard running is out on that course. But with a smile, some singing and plenty of high fives made it around the 13.1 miles in an impressive 2:21:16. I hope they both still feel as proud as I do about this race. And I hope they both keep running.
For me running has gone from a means to an end to the meaning itself. I find happiness in running with my friends (and now family), but I also find solace in solo runs. A chance to free my mind from the stress of the world. It never gets easier. Be it 5k or 40k every run still has ups and downs. The legs can feel heavy. My breathing laboured. But recovery gets easier at the end. And more importantly when your running through beautiful countryside, or in gorgeous sunshine and even in cold and rain and suddenly everything clicks and you feel totally free and just a moment of what you could have been if you'd started running at school - well the world feels great! Or it could just be you know you can go home and it Krispy Kremes without guilt?!
I had a run like that last night (not a doughnut run!) when for the first time in weeks as I ran through the rain at Sweatshop 5k my knee didn't hurt, I felt strong, I felt fit. All things you aren't meant to feel in taper (that time when you wind down before your big race) as often reducing your running can send your mind into craziness! But I think I was so pleased that finally I'm on my way back to feeling like I can do this the taper-madness held off and I just enjoyed my run. Again though the common factor is I was surrounded by friends. Friends who have been here each step of this crazy marathon challenge. Friends that I happily turned out to cheer on a wet Sunday morning even though I wasn't running. Two years ago I didn't know people ran races. Now I go to a local race and get to cheer not just strangers but members of my community and great friends.
So, just 11 days to go now as I write this and then I'll be lining up at the start of Brighton marathon with lots of those friends. I'm told you never forget your first marathon. I'm told the feeling as you cross the finish line is one of the greatest things you'll ever achieve. I'm now terrified and exhilarated in equal measure knowing that in just a few days I'll find out if what I'm told is true!
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