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YOU CAN DO IT!  Honestly, so much of it is in our heads!  You are not bragging.  Posts like yours are so uplifting to everyone, from beginners to experienced runners.  It is really inspirational to read of your excitement and surprise at your accomplishments.  It reminds us that our bodies are capable of so much more than we can even dream of!   

 I started running 4 years ago with the long term goal of running a marathon.  I started with 5ks, and then thought I would never work up to 10k but of course I did.  Then I thought I would never work up to half marathon but of course I just kept following the schedule and I did.  At the end of my 4th half marathon I finally felt ready to train for a marathon but still couldn't EVER imagine getting beyond 13 miles but I just kept going out night after night and lo and behold I am about to run the Edinburgh marathon on 23rd May.  Last week I ran for 22 miles and I was so elated I could have burst.  I shouted to some complete strangers across the street "I've just run 22 miles!"   Luckily they shouted back "WOW!  Well done you!"   I will never forget that feeling of accomplishment and to think that I actually enjoyed most of it! 

 The thought that I am finally going to run a marathon (hopefully anyway!) is quite overwhelming!  I actually feel like crying with excitement about it!  Sorry if this sounds ridiculously dramatic but I feel as if I have been training for it for literally years! 

 I am so looking forward to hearing how you get on with your running.  I have a feeling that it is going to go from strength to strength! 

Hi Terrifick,

I am also doing the Edinburgh marathon and it will also be my first.  I have been finding the long runs ok but variable.  The last one I did was a 22 miler and having almost seized up completely at the end of my 19 miler I was dreading it.  This time though I was very fortunate that I had a friend willing to do the last 10 miles with me.  The difference was incredible!  I'm not saying I wasn't tired, but I mostly felt great and totally distracted from any fatigue or pain.  She wont be with me on marathon day though so we shall see!

I also used to stop alot on my longer runs but then I did a half marathon in November and made  not stopping my ONLY goal.  I managed it simply by slowing down a bit and by the time I crossed the finish line I felt like I could do anything after that.  Another happy little milestone in my running story! 

 I have found concentrating on pace the most important part of my training this year.  Once I cracked that (I mostly did it using heart rate monitor ) it all seemed alot more manageable.  Not that I am saying I am a great runner by anyone else's standards (i am slow!) but I am definitely improving. 

 i think if you can run 20 miles you will be able to do it on the day even if you do have to walk a bit.  Who cares?!  26 miles is a LONG WAY!  Good luck to us all! xx 

Thanks also shimmy shimmy.   You are both very sensible ! x

Thanks for your speedy reply Puffy that is a very good plan.  Now I think of it I had a similar situation a couple of years back and the physio was very reassuring and helpful.  I will call them asap.  I would so hate to miss this race after all the training, excitemtent and anticipation.

Many thanks.