Mileage: 12 miles
AM: 3.75miles PM: 8.25 miles
Well today I decided I couldn't wait any longer and booked my place in the Amsterdam Marathon, as well as my flights. I have always found it very exciting booking a marathon place, because instantly it makes it all real. It starts the clock on training, it gets the body motivated to get out there and run (to be honest I don't really need that!), it fills me with excitement and inspires me to dream about the possibilities: what time can I get, what position will I finish, how will I feel after? I am already feeling nervous sitting here typing about it. I'm already praying for good weather and no injuries. I already feel sorry for all those around me who will hear little else for the next 20 weeks.
I'm remembering my two previous Amsterdam Marathons. My first one was an extremely emotional marathon, it was my second marathon and was my first under three hours (2:55:36). I still remember feeling tears as I crossed the line knowing I had achieved everything I had hoped for. I also remember the excruciating cramps and spasms in both hamstrings that accompanied the moment and I remember laying on the floor at the finish line in complete agony with two marshals helping me stretch my legs out, but filled with utter joy at the same time. Awesome. If I could replicate those feelings of joy (not the pain) after this Amsterdam Marathon then I know I will have done well.
My second Amsterdam Marathon (my fourth marathon) wasn't quite the same, although the time was just about (2.55.45). I had hoped to run my first sub 2.50, but a bout of illness in the run up to the marathon and if I'm being totally honest, probably, as a result of over training left me feeling empty on the day and although I went though half way in under 1.24 I went to pieces in the last 6 miles. I just ran out of energy and steam. My last 5k was over 23minutes and I remember feeling sick and dizzy for most of that 6 miles. I did, however, still feel proud that I completed the race and still managed to get under three hours. In the five marathons I have ran, I have learnt that no matter the time it is still great to finish a marathon.
So, I now have a third opportunity to run an Amsterdam Marathon and I have a target in my head. I've shared this with some of you, but I think I am going to stop talking about it now until nearer the time and once I've got a few heavy weeks training out of the way before, so I know how I am feeling.
Before I can think about Amsterdam, I do have a 16 day holiday to look forward to. I am going to be spending 8 days in Vietnam and 8 days in Thailand. I am very excited. My trip is going to be part relaxing and part adventure, which is a perfect balance. I am going with my brother, Stephen, and my friend, Rob. Part of the reason for going is my cousin is getting married in Thailand, so this seemed a great opportunity to see a part of the world that I haven't been to before. We plan to spend a few days in Ho Chi Min City, before going on a 4 day cycle tour by the Mekong Delta River and then heading back to the city for one more weekend. We then fly to Ko Samui in Southern Thailand where the wedding will be. Ko Samui will also be a great place to do some kayaking, mountain biking and Stephen has even found a running club for me to go and meet up with!
It's unlikely that I'll be able to do too much running during my holiday, which I am trying to consider to be a good thing, as it will give me some good recovery time after all the training I've done this year. I've run just about ran 1500 miles already (could be more, as I've not added it up in a while), so the break will be good. On the other hand, I am finding it hard too deal with the fact that i am probably about to do next to no running for 16 days!! 16 day!!! Argh!!! Okay and breathe!!! I am quite worried about it, part of me thinks I am just going to lose all my training and all my pace and that I'll return unable to run!! I keep thinking it'll be like a taper gone mad! I'm glad we've got the cycling sorted out as I hate the idea of doing no training. I'll also have to try and get some swimming in too and if possible, somewhere, somehow, perhaps with the running club Stephen found, make it out for at least a couple of runs!!
In preparation for my trip I had to pay a visit to the Travel Doctor's today to get a whole load of vaccinations including Hep A, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio and Rabies! Three jags in my arms, not nice!! I hate needles. My arms are already pretty sore, and I am sure they'll be worse in the morning, but better that than something nasty in the Nam! I was pretty pleased with what a brave little boy I was at the doctors, I didn't cry once.
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