It's Over...Kinda

Last weekend, I ran 6.5 miles without stopping. It felt amazing. It was comfortable, it was on marathon pace, and I felt AMAZING.

I did a Facebook Live video about it rather than a blog, so apologies to those of you who missed it. If you have a look I think I have set them to public, if you're interested. It was great! Running felt good! Marathons felt possible!

Then, the next day, the insides of my lower legs started to hurt. Okay. Fine. I did a running. Pain is normal. I decided to rest until the pain had gone and try not to stress about once again falling behind with the schedule...

Unfortunately, it's a week later and I'm no better. I have been to see the physio today who says absolutely no running, not even for a bus, for a couple of months because else bits of my shin bones will actually start to chip off. That's a bit of a dire warning - and it puts paid to my marathon in 2017 because there's no way in hell I can take 2 months off and get to marathon strength by April.

I have mixed feelings. I was starting to think that you all were right, that 6 months from zero to marathon was too much, but I still wanted to prove you all wrong and do it. My body, however, is making its feelings on the subject known quite clearly. In a way it's a bit of a relief to know that I'm not just being lazy, that I really CAN'T do it. But I was imagining the actual run, the pain, the tears, and the joy of succeeding and crossing the line. Also, people were cheering me on, sponsoring me, and I feel I'm letting those people down.

I still hope to run the London Marathon in 2018 so this blog is by no means over. I'm also much, much fitter than I was in August and I want to keep that going, so I'll be swimming and maybe cycling instead. The physio suggested I aim for a triathlon instead, so I'm going to look into that, and there's a half marathon I'm signed up for in March which might still be possible.

The plan has changed, but the adventure isn't over. Watch this space.