So far for my marathon training I've run 25.59 miles in 9 runs, 6 of which I've run totally alone. Until very recently I'd done all of my running with Chris so, to start with, it was a shock to the system to run alone. I'm getting used to the solitude now so it was particularly striking this morning to have company!
This morning I ran the Crane Park Time Trial. It's a run I've done 5 times now (I forgot my barcode one morning, so that one didn't get logged). I'm really enjoying turning up at my local park for 9AM on a Saturday morning, joining a steady stream of people all going there for the same purpose. The ParkRun time trials are great - friendly, informal, free 5km runs. The atmosphere at the start line is always uplifting with lots of chatter and cheery "good morning!" greetings. The course is marshalled by some enthusiastic volunteers, who always cheer and clap as you run past them. It makes a wonderful contrast to my solo runs!
During the week I had an email from my parents: they've booked a cottage just outside Brighton for a few days in April so they can cheer me on during the marathon! It means so much to me to know they'll be there on the big day. Although most of my running is done alone, it really helps to feel their support. Thanks Mum & Dad!
*the full title of the book by Alan Sillitoe is "Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner". However, my runs are still short so I thought I'd change it a little for this post. The long runs don't start until the new year, when my official 16 week training programme begins.
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