the home stretch..

Only a week and a bit to go before the big day!

On saturday, I went for a run with my friends who are doing Paris Marathon next weekend ( the race is a week before London!) along the Thames Path, from Hammersmith to Richmond. We were all hoping to do more, but in a warm spring day and for me, uneven terrain too...we opted to cut short our return run, through Old Deer Park, for a brunch at Richmond.

I must say I miss the social aspect of running. I've had very few sessions this year that I had the chance to hook up with fellow marathoners and its always good to share tips and (ouch!) stories of injuries. We all talked about our plans after our respective marathons, whether signing up and eventually following through to the start (and finishing) the 26.2 miles means one can go on to do greater things in life, and whether we would do it again, or keep on running....Yes? No? signing up for a second one this year (hmmm....that was me, and I'm sure I would get in 'trouble' with certain individuals if I did)? It's probably not one of the sports that is the best for your body, but the rewards are worth it.

 

The 'clang' sound everytime we close the door to our bedroom,  or our overloaded curtain pole (as pictured) is solid proof that it is such a rewarding experience. There are very few aspects in life where you can prepare for something, achieve it and be recognised . If you get a personal best time, it is yours to keep - no one can take that away from you. 

You ran the race - in a marathon, you know you are not there to win it. The person you can win over is yourself - the goals you set and perform to or exceed, the cheers from the supporters along the route and behind the scenes. 

And, it is not over in minutes...you get to know the city better during the process.

This is certainly not yet the time to relax, and this evening's run is slowly putting that back into perspective. My masseur and physio saying that I'm behind on my exercises, and downing 3 krispy kreme donuts in a day yesterday (2 boxes for the team landed right next to my desk!) a big No No No! No - its not the time to throw it all away that close...the lovely spring evening , starting slow, remembering: the lessons learnt from running school, the feel good moments at Dorney Lake, and overtaking people on a straight mile...picking up my pace towards the end of the run...it is all possible! One cannot lose heart yet due to some tiredness...and certain temptations.

On that thought, I passed through Buckingham Palace and into the Mall, the stands were all set up (for the Royal Wedding) and the yellow sign saying the Mall will be closed on the 16th and 17th April...yes, thats my event.

I'm on the home stretch....almost, almost there!