Hi Starbug - I work in Islington (the Angel) and live in Finsbury Park. I'm slower than you (well slower than almost everyone) and doing about 11 minute mile so not sure can help with the long runs but the local clubs to contact are Mornington Chasers based in Kentish Town and Heathside who do their training at Finsbury Park. You can google them to find specific details.
I've fancied doing the Thames path but have to run through some pretty dodgey areas to get there so have stuck to going round Hampstead Heath for my long runs.
Josie this is my first marathon and up until now have hated every single minute of the training. I have to run first thing in the morning before the kids are up and got to the point last week where couldn't face getting up at 6.00am to run, get the kids to school and then go to work (bonkers or what??!!).
But something's clicked this week. Don't ask me why but I feel stronger and much more able to actually do the blinkin' thing. Managed a 14 mile run last Sunday (longest run before training for FLM was 8 miles) and ever since have managed to start picking up speed.
Don't know if it's purely a head thing but definitely have enjoyed the running this week. Maybe it's about getting through the half marathon distance.
Just reckon you're half way through the training now and that it's not far off. I keep trying to visualise coming down the Mall...
Asked my daughter if she'd be proud of me if I ran the marathon and her look said it all. See you on the 18th!
It's been a while since I've posted anything so thought I'd update you all on my marathon training....
I'm half way through now and up until last week have really not enjoyed myself. Tried speed work and realised I'm destined to plod for ever more. Every long run now is into new territory and have felt horribly sick and tired.....that is....until this week.
Don't know what's happened but something seems to have clicked. Long run of 14 miles (14 miles!!!!!) on Sunday felt blinkin' tired at the end but this week have managed to knock my average down to 11 minute mile (rather than the pathetic 12min+ mile). I'm beginning to feel muscles I didn't know existed and am tempted to go out and buy some extremely skimpy spring clothes (once it stops snowing that is!). Feel stronger than I have done for sometime and actually enjoying the running now! (what???)
Still haven't quite committed myself to the full 26 miles on 18th April as really hedging my bets a bit. But think I might well give it go.
Hope all my old mates are well - FLR, Hetfinch et al. Sorry, haven't posted but daren't get it into this addiction again what with work, kids and FLM.
FLR - Yes, au pair flies off on Tuesday so I'll have to actually talk to the children (if I can remember their blasted names....)
We also had the PS conversation but decided to hold off until the demand gets too much from kiddies.
Been all confused this year as Kid A has actually convinced me she's 19 (she's 9) so brought a hair-straightening thingymebob from Woolies in a moment of sheer panic. Realised that it was totally inappropriate and that I really still wanted to read Winnie the Pooh to her and do potato art so took it back and swapped it for a board game instead. I do think I have a touch of Xmas madness at the moment...
Frosty - hiya! isn't it scary!!!! What the hell are we doing? 26.2 miles- eek even the thought of it makes me head for the cupboard under the stairs to hide. How's your training going? My longest ever run is 8 miles back last summer so I've got an awful lot of mileage to make up.
Will wear the Ghost dress tonight and, as FLR so delicately put it, get my baps out so the chattering classes of Crouch End beware.
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