Done and dusted

Yep, it's all over. I got a bad cold just in time for the marathon, and it also effected my stomach (as almost everything seems to do since I got food poisoning about 3 months ago. I fear my days of cast-iron stomach are gone forever) so I was fairly sure there was no point going for a PB. Marathon day dawning with a strong headwind further convinced me and I decided to run alongside Al, to have someone to chat to and prevent him hailing a cab half way round.

Good job he was there as despite a solid start that had us on track for 4.30, about 10 miles in my stomach ceased playing ball and the rest of the run was spent making it from one loo to another. Saw some pretty bits of East Lothian from behind various bushes, though, which was nice...Al was very supportive when I was feeling shit (more from frustration at knowing how much training was going to waste) and strangely at the points where I was feeling better he was also struck down, so we made it round together. Luckily it turned into a lovely sunny day, and if you ignored the sweaty people around you, you could pretend it was just a nice coastal walk. At least the roads were closed to traffic, unlike the North Berwick run when I kept thinking I was about to be squished by a lorry.

The other thing that got me round (apart from Al) was the truly top level support from the crew. Time and again they drag themselves up at ridiculously early hours of the weekend to shout and wave at us for a few vital seconds. Fi also had her bike which meant she could keep a flagging Al's energy up with food supplies and distract us from our pain with chat. One good thing about going so slowly was that I could actually enjoy her company instead of saving all energy for forward propulsion. Another was that I wasn't stiff afterwards. Other than an amusing patch of sunburn on the one bit I had missed when applied sunblock I was in better shape than after any marathon yet.

Haven't actually checked my final time yet, but it was about 5.16. Hang on...Yep, 5.15.54 for both me and Al. Although obviously I still have the better PB of the two of us...

This was in fact a personal worst, which is something I suppose! Definitely giving myself next year off and maybe the year after that. The next race I'm thinking about is next year's Alloa half marathon. Catherine and Danny gave me a subscription to Runner's World magazine so that's been inspiring me. But only from my rocking chair so far.

Otherwise, I'm enjoying not having too much planned for a bit. I poked some plants in the garden today and pulled up some dock leaves. Think I might buy a trowel and some gloves and clear at least the patch that might once have been a flower bed. Surf looks ok too.

Much more exciting is the news of an additional to the family! No - not like that. A canine one. Al and I went to see a working cocker spaniel in nearby Braco and have arranged to pick him up on Monday! He's gorgeous, five months old and black and white. Apparently working cockers are the same breed as show cockers but a different strain, with a broader head, soft mouth, and easy-to-train temperament. This guy is called Diesel at the moment, which is a terrible name for him. It might suit a staffie or rottweiler but he's far too friendly. He'll be a surprise for Cal come Tuesday evening though, so it's up to Cal to christen him. So excited!

First hurdle

Hello and welcome to my running blog. I promised my sponsors and supporters that I'd keep them entertained in return for the cash they pledged to Amnesty International, but rather than send lengthy emails I thought you'd prefer a blog which you can read as much - or as little! - of as you wish.

So I'm training to run the Edinburgh Marathon on 27 (checks date in diary...), yes 27 May. Less than 12 weeks to go! And the first hurdle referred to in the title is a nagging injury.

Boring injury section:

Two weeks ago I developed a pain down the outside of my left knee while on my long run. I'd had a similar thing two years ago while training for Prague, diagnosed by the sports scientists at the college I then worked at as iliotibial band syndrome. It's a referred pain from the thigh, caused by over-use: very common in runners ramping up their mileage for a marathon. It cleared up with a bit of rest that time. But now it's back with a vengeance.

After a week of very gentle running I tried another 14 mile run last week. Not to be: the pain began just four miles in and I ended up jogging most of the way and walking the last two miles. Why, how amused and heartened I was by the helpful characters who urged me to pick up the pace as I limped into Easter Road.

So to the doctor. He prodded my knee and asked if it hurt. He then shrugged and told me I needed physio. And with that my notes were tossed into a teetering heap in the corner marked 'urgent physio appointments, 2009' and I exited sharpish.

The upshot of which is that I have changed my training strategy slightly. Instead of running three times during the week and a long run at weekends, I'm training more often but for shorter periods. I'm also doing proper warm ups and stretching - those of you who have witnessed my lackadaisical approach to these activities in the past may as well have your last laugh now. I've been to BodyBalance (a yoga, pilates and tai chi class) more often, as that really seems to help.

Hopefully this will avoid irritating my knee. The downside is that I'm in the gym or on the run every day. It's extremely frustrating not to be able to push my limits, especially as I'm not used to having any problems. My body has always done what I told it before! And Al has actually started training, so he's hot on my heels.

I will at least be able to include sprints in the new schedule. And Al has promised to ask a physio friend if he can fit me in. So I'll keep you posted on how I work up to my the Alloa half marathon, now only 10 days away. Amusing photos may well result.

In the meantime, visit my fundraising site to see how close I am to my target.