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I couldnt think of anything worse than running with a flaming ipod stuck to my ear. If someone thrust one in my ear i'd chuck it out and throw it in the bushes. If you get bored look at the trees, smell the grass, talk to the horses, chat with the sheep. I think too many people take this green and pleasant land too much for granted. Sorry for the sermon but who needs Robbie Williams and bloody Beyonce.

One ten miler to go, a few bowls of pasta and then it's Edinburgh here we come. Can't wait now for the big day. Good luck everyone, even the ipod brigade!!! 

Thanks Hillheader. Surprisingly I felt great. I set out to run 8.30 pace and yet started off at 8 mins a mile, got caught up in all the ballyhoo.

I was able to keep to about 8.05 until the last four miles when I put a spurt on and passed quite a lot of runners which gave me confidence. Though I still had energy left afterwards I couldnt have run 26 miles at that pace. I have to admit the conditions were ideal.

I then went out and did a seven miler on Tuesday and was knackered running at 8.30 - so maybe it took out more than I thought.

Back to a long 20 miler on Sunday and back to 8.50 pace. For once in my life got to be sensible.

Sorry to hear you wont be competing with us PipG.

Hi everyone just got back to the Midlands from competing in the Blackpool half today. Ran 1 hr 44 26 secs which was way better than I could have dreamed for. Conditions were as good as they could ever be for a run by the sea. Kept looking at the full marathon runners with awe later on in the morning and thinking hells bells this will be me in a few weeks time. Back to 20 miles next Sunday, next stop Edinburgh.

Thanks ever so much for the advice PipG and Hillheader.

I managed 21 miles on Sunday in 8.52 pace which really pleased me. I tried running it at nearer 9 mins a mile but found it a struggle to keep my discipline to that pace. I recovered a lot quicker than when I ran 18 a couple of weeks earlier, which didn't make much sense. I think I could have actually run 26 there and then, hope that doesn't sound arrogant because it's not meant to and hope to goodness I havent peaked too soon which I'm now starting to worry about.

Running Blackpool half this sunday - my first competitive race - since i came last but one in my secondary school cross country aged 14. I'm running it with a pal and we are aiming for around 1hr 50.

Just one question if I run it hard over 13 which for me is around 8.20- 8.30 pace - could it be to the detriment of my marathon training and do more harm than good?

Hope everyone is staying injury free now the going is getting tough.

Hi guys and gals 

Just thought I'd stick my tenpenneth in. (Im 52 and never run a marathon before)

Planning to run my first 20 miler on sunday in training for Edinburgh and the sound of it scares me to death.

Already done 16, 17 and 18s - okish - but didnt believe I had too much left in the tank. Running them at 8.45ish pace when my aim is to break 4hrs. Maybe I should slow it down by 10 seconds a mile. Any advice greatly appreciated. 

Now upping distance to 20 just seems taking it to a new level. Someone told me I should be aiming to do three 20 milers in the run-up to the big one. Does everyone agree or should I be thinking of doing a couple of 20s plus a 21 or 22.

Cheers, best of luck everyone