VLM 2012 first timers???

Hi Pip. Don't feel guitly about deferring. You are there by right and it is your decision. Ignore the whingers and moaners. It is totally in the rules and if you are not happy then so be it !! For those that feel they have to have a moan about you, just say that it states : If you are unhappy, unwell or whatever you can defer. Believe me . They would rather you did not run if you felt your fitness levels were not up to standard. Again, it states that if you are not feeling ready enough to run, then don't ! Nowhere at all does it say, well, you may feel you are not ready, but have a go anyway. It doesn't !! Your decision Pip, but if you are not happy, it is a good time now to make that decision. If it is any consolation look at it this way. before this VLM you entered through the ballot and got in. This would have been unexpected considering you ran last year. You now know that if you defer you will definitely be doing it next year. SO !!!! after this years marathon you have a year to prepare for it, no worrying about getting in entries and the like that go with it, waiting to see if you are in or not etc. You are there. So plenty of time to prepare. if you are unhappy to run this year, take your time and go into it next year in a much better state of mind and fitness. You would be really gutted if you had a go this year and it didn't happen for you.Where as next year you can make sure it does !!!

Rakhee and Bigeater, by running anything gover 2-2 and a half hours it equates to a long run. What we mean is you could go out and run for two and a half hours and ,say, cover 15 or 16 miles, this will have the similar benefits endurance wise as going out and doing 19 or 20 miles in 2 hours. You are still spending time on your feet. It is said that running for 3 hours is the equivalent to running 20 miles.

However, personally I like to go by mileage. Once I have hit 20 miles in my training run ( no matter how slow or fast), I feel I have reached the Holy Grail in marathon training runs. It is a psychological and physical boost. very important not to shirk in your long runs also. Some people will say that you can get by with 16-18 miles. I would never be happy going into a marathon running anything less than 19 !! But 20 miles is the magical target. Get round 20 miles fit and injury free and you have nailed it. You will complete your marathon !!!

Well said Rakhee !  and well done. Just a step at a time. 14.3 brill !!! get it done earlier, then you can kick back for the rest of the day.

Some great mileage there , well done all.

Pip, you ok   !

Hi all

Just want to say thanks for all your support , I am feeling a lot happier after reading all your posts . Rakhee it was good to hear of your past experience and Kiwi ... well what can I say you have always been here for us   Black and Tabby got your 'air hug'  Went for a short run today and enjoyed it although my knee was twinging a bit.  Realised that I had made the right decision.  And next year its going to be 'BRILLIANT !!!!!'   But ..... can I still be in our gang if I am not doing a marathon this year pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeese !!!  Decided going to do a few 10k's and hopefully Cardiff half. Then watch out London !!

Pip - of course you can still be in our gang {sends more air hugs}  and next year will be totally brilliant. Lots of time to get everything sorted out, no injury worried etc. Glad you're feeling happier

Deferred just now

Hi  have alteady started thinking about next year Mr pippity been really supportive [ he is the sensible one] and must admit already getting a bit excited about next year.  Rakhee we have often talked about triathlons on here big problem for me as I am petrified of water !! I can swim but but would be still swimming soon after everone had completed the race

I figured that yes I probably could have struggled round this year. but seeing as I probably only have one more chance of running it again through the balot, then its best to have a good bash at it, enjoy it and do it in the time I know I am capable [ hopefully of]

still might get some shot blocks to much on even though not doing any mammoth runns Pip + shot blocks = mmmmmmmmm

Hmmm wonder what the rest of the gang is up to Kafeeg. abersnail etc

waves to everyone around

Rakhee - spot on - a brave thing for Pip to do - we're all very proud of you Pip yes - wonder how all the 'originals' are getting on? especially kaffeeg, as she deferred Brighton this year as well

Pip - totally with you on the triathlon - I've always said if I did a tri I'd have to wear armbands for the swimming part

Kiwi - if you're about, can I pick your brains??? Sorry - its about my well mangled schedule again. Last 2 weeks' long runs have been 16 and then 18. Next week I have a HM. So what length LSR should I do this week? Schedule has 12, but that sounds a bit short , with a shorter run next week as well. I was thinking of 15 - 16?? Does that sound okay?  Also, in the HM what sort of pace should I be running it? LSR plodding pace, marathon pace, HM pace????  Any help, as ever, very gratefully received.

Waving to everyone, jazz hands to those who remember. Found my blue ribbon at the back of the 'running' drawer this morning

Hi B&T my ribbons still attached to my bag and they will stay there till next year to ! hey maybe we should do a triathlon with armbands, rubber ring [ yes fraid I remember those ] and a float that would be a bit of a giggle

so jazz hand blue ribbony waves to everyone around