Never Ever say Never Again !

The decision to leave the marathons alone after completing a total of 5 was made with a clear head and very sore legs, never again would I know the feeling of achievement on going through the 18 mile barrier only to have the head remind you 8 MILES TO GO YOU BIG DIVVY. It has sat very comfortable with me these past few months even after completing a 20 mile race quite comfortably with Coyn (my running partner) and feeling the ever present aches of recovery the following morning. I then watched the London Marathon on a large television from the comfort of my couch, armed with a very large piece of French bread filled with 3 rashers of best back bacon and 3 beautifully cooked Irish Recipe sausages. I reminded myself of the pain last year when I got cramp at the 18 mile mark and the decision that I would never be putting myself through that sort of ordeal ever (EVER) again. I then started to see and listen to all the different stories. Particularly those that hadn't done this sort of distance before and what they had gone through purely be there to find out if they could actually finish a marathon. I can finish a marathon ??? that's what the head said while I munched away on a lovely mouthful of my breakfast delight ! I CAN FINISH A MARATHON ! It got louder. I then realised how lucky I am and what a wonderful position to be in knowing that if I enter another marathon there is a very good chance I will finish it and all will still be well with the world. I may have a few aches and strains for a couple of days but basically nothing else (as long as I do the actual training) will happen. So the new resolution is, I intend to keep doing marathons !! at least one a year until I reach the point when I cant physically do them any more. Never ever say never again........

Electric Cigarettes

Decided to support a friend in his quest to run the first Bournemouth Marathon this year which had me running the Mad March 20 mile race in Burton this weekend. My breathing while running has become much easier since I started to smoke an electric cigarette over 9 months ago and havent had a cigarette since. I was very dubious at first but within a couple of days realised I didnt want a smoke at all as the vape was doing the job perfectly. Im not saying I am now up for another marathon as things are easier but I am saying I plan to stick with it and dont see me smoking again. I will continue to stick to the half marathons and never do anything more than 13 or 14 miles again. Im sure I have said all this before.

Maybe 1 more time

Its the new year and Bournemouth have announced recently that its very first full marathon is going ahead in 2013.

I have said (on many occasions) that I will not be running any more but the fact that its on my doorstep does seem rather appealing to me.
I have a very good friend (my running partner) that has already entered and I know I will be doing most of his training runs with him, it seems pretty pointless to not have a go just because I said never again ever ever ? ever.
So here we go again 1 more marathon before I hang up them long distance running shoes once and for all ? or do I need to just think its my last in order to get through the training :)
Happy new year folks and if you are a runner during these cold damp winter evenings then keep up the good work ? and wear your reflectors :)
Robbie xx