To Infinity.. And Beyond!

I havn't posted for a while, there has not been alot to say.

Training has been going well since Athlone. Last week, before the taper began, I covered 62 miles in total, which was pretty much up there with the most miles covered in a week.
On the Sunday, I wanted to test myself a bit after not having a great run in Athlone, so I headed out for a 20 mile run. Gary's plan said 17,so I figured it wasn't too much over, and his pace was 20-30 seconds slower than marathon pace. I decided to aim for a 7.20 pace.Before I went out, I placed some  drinks along the route, in similar positions to where they would be for the marathon itself, and the route was very similar to the marathon course in terms of terrain, mostly flat, but with a couple of fairly steep drags in places.
I had been up for work at 5.30am that morning, and it was about 4.30 when I headed out. I was tierd, but I figured that was a good thing, as I probably won't sleep much before the marathon.
The run went very well, and the pace was very comfortable, so at 17 miles I upped it to a 7.10 pace for the last 3. The last mile dropped back a bit, it was hilly towards home. I felt really strong finishing, and that particular run gave me a bit of confidence back.
I took no gels for the run, and it confirmed to me that I am better off without them.

Athlone and that 20 miles were the two longest runs I have done for this marathon. Gary's plan didn't even require 20 miles at any stage, his longest being 19. I am glad I have done them. I suspect however, they may be a bit like a fighter pilot and an ejection seat. He is glad to have it there, but if he finds he needs to use it, it has probably all gone horribly wrong already, and the chances of it saving him are not great.

The taper started this week, and strangely, I am missing the long runs, I think its a bit like stolkhom syndrome! Carb, salt and water loading start tomorrow, bring on the Christmas cake, 67% carbs!

This is my third marathon, and one every other one, I have gone out too fast and fallen apart. The training I have done for this one has been far greater, in both quality and quantity. I started writing this blog after the last one, which was only in May of this year, where I achieved my PB of 3.37. Now, with the pain still fresh, I am heading out targeting a 3.10. That would be a massive jump for anyone to make, and if I finish anywhere close to it I would be delighted.

My wife says I do a great buzz lightyear impression. Anyone with no kids might not know who buzz is. Anyway, his catch phrase is "to infinity, and beyond". The marathons I have run before have reminded me of this. 20 miles is the infinity, and the beyond is the last 6.2 miles. At 20 miles, my body has invariably screamed 'stop you idiot', and I have listened. This time, I intend to go beyond!

The sincerest best of luck to all those running on Monday, whatever their expectations are. Also a thought for anyone who would love to be there but can't.

Next update, the result!