Late final long run done

stats of the week: run 36 km, gym 3 h

Luckily, the pain in my ankle subsided within a few days, and I was able to add a 25 km run, which went reasonably well. I stuck to my marathon plan, which involves walking 500 metres after every 4.5 km. However, after 20 km I found myself needing to walk more frequently, and after that experience I expect I’ll be walking from at least the 30 km mark next Sunday.

I compared my mileage with last year’s notes and had to admit that I’d covered more distance back then. Not exactly the most encouraging outlook for Sunday. Last year, I said I wouldn’t do it again unless I was better prepared. This time, I’m not.

At least my performance is still improving, albeit slowly. Today, I couldn’t resist taking part in the local charity run and finished the 5 km in 28:07, which gives an average pace of 5:36, my fastest since the incident.

Photo: Happy finisher after the 5K

 

Obstacles to overcome

stats of the week: run 15 km, Cross Trainer and Indoor Bike 3.5 h, walked 20 km, gym 1.5 h

I had to cancel my planned long run due to some unexplained ankle pain. It appears that the half marathon will remain the longest run I managed in preparation for London. I tried to make up for this with a two-and-a-half-hour session alternating between the cross trainer and the exercise bike, switching every thirty minutes. At least my foot coped well with that level of exertion.

I turned 73 this week. Once again, I consulted the Ever Presents website to give myself a bit of motivation. Five of the six remaining runners are older than I am and are still taking part, finishing in over seven hours. For 45 years, they have overcome every obstacle and crossed the finish line each year. They’ve run with broken bones and even norovirus. I really shouldn’t be held back by a strained ankle and a few missed long runs!

3 weeks to go

stats of the week: run 18 km, walked 16 km, gym 3 h

Three weeks to go until London. The plan is to complete a fairly long 28 km run next Sunday, hopefully followed by another 15–20 km the weekend after. I’ve developed a particular routine at the gym consisting of 30 minutes on the cross trainer, 30 minutes on the bike, and a 5 km treadmill run, which allows me to build endurance without placing too much strain on my joints.

Meanwhile, The Guardian has revealed plans to expand the London Marathon from next year onwards: 50,000 runners on Saturday and another 50,000 on Sunday. I find it hard to imagine how such a two-day event could be organised. Just think of the number of volunteers required. And what about the Mini Marathon, which already sees around 15,000 young runners take part on the Saturday?

Nevertheless, the Mayor of London is reported to be in favour of the idea.

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/mar/25/revealed-secret-plans-for-two-day-london-marathon-with-100000-runners