Meadows Marathon: Week 3

I am a regular 10km runner, so I was fairly fit when I started training for this half marathon, but the extra 12 km unbelievably is so much more than it sounds. Over the last two weeks I have deviated from the regular meadows route and tried lengthening some of my usual 10k routes. Oh my god. I used a website to help plan my route and when I extended my Braid Hills run, I had to cross the Edinburgh Bypass. That just did not sound good and, afraid of being hit by cars, I decided against it.

However, I am very proud to say that over the last two weeks I have run to Ocean Terminal and out towards Edinburgh Airport. These are journeys that I would normally jump on a bus for. I never ever thought I would be able to run that far and although most people look like I’ve told them to run to the Arctic when I ask them to run even a 5k, running really does give you a great sense of achievement. Plus running lost distances is, actually, enjoyable. I forget how long I’ve been running for when I am busy discovering a new part of Edinburgh, and getting lost in Leith is a great way to add a few extra kilometres to a journey.

I am getting more confident with every run and am slowly starting to increase my pace – although my main aim is still simply to finish the run without having to stop. Pushing my body to the extreme, my feet are blistered and my dodgy knees are not feeling so great but I will keep pushing myself to finish in less than two hours.

I have introduced some sprints into my runs, just to mix it up a bit and make it more interesting. I am really not a sprinter and even for the 2 minutes I sprint for, I am beyond out of breath at the end of it, but I think it has helped my stamina and speed ever so slightly. Although I am sure I saw someone (someone not running can I add – as if they have the right to judge) laughing at the sight of me after doing this, keeled over as I was and breathing heavily with unfitness.

I think all the hard training has been worth it though; I feel ready for the Meadows Marathon. I even think I might enter more long distance runs, although after next Sunday I am looking forward to being satisfied with simply running a mere and pitiful 10km three times a week.

So, on Sunday the 15th I am looking forward to running a half marathon competitively. Ok, I know it is for charity but after competing in 10k races, I know what an added buzz you get from trying—and failing—to keep up with semi-professional runners – and the joy you feel when you pass a middle-aged woman and the guy in the duck suit. I just really hope I do manage to pass the guy in the duck suit.