Keep Craig Running!

All done and dusted and have my medal to prove it! It was the most amazing experience and if you've ever thought, "maybe" and you have the time to follow even the Beginner's training plan like I did, go for it!  On the day, the training plan kept me confident that I'd reach the end. Even when my knee ached like hell between miles 7 & 20!  So I completed in 5 hours and 24 minutes. Not the fastest but hey, what else would you be doing on an autumn afternoon in London to pass the time? Plus you get to see the sights and the crowds are awesome! None more so than the last 2 or 3 miles as you come out of the tunnel at Blackfriars. Crowds cheering, music playing, all the way to the finish line.  In fact, I got a blast of energy and whizzed the last 1-2 miles. Yes, I did run more than the Marathon distance 🤣. Oh well, what's a mile between friends. I've thanked everyone a hundred times as so many people kept me motivated. E

Here we go! Negative lateral flow test? Check! Kit ready? Check! 2 more nights of pasta-based meals? Check and check again! Excited more than nervous and cannot wait! If you want to track me throughout Sunday's London Marathon see my previous post to download the app. If you're in London and can let me know which mile you're at, DM me before Sunday with your mobile number if I'm unlikely to have it, I'll send you mine and text me where you are on the day and I'll look/listen out for you and try and give you a wave! Your text should show on my watch.

Download the app and you'll see my progress during London Marathon on Sunday 3rd October: Available for Android or iPhone from: https://www.virginmoneylondonmarathon.com/the-event/the-official-app You can search via my name or Bib no. 3458. Exciting! You may also need to know: My Start colour: BLUE (there will be 3 start funnels - colour coded) My Start wave: 17 My Start Assembly Area arrival time: 09:56 My Start wave opens: 10:31 - 10:46  My Start time: 10:49 - 10:52 I'm aiming to complete within 5 hours 30 so hope to finish between 4:15 & 4:30 The app gives a map of the route and mile markers Thanks to all the sponsorships so far. If you would still like to sponsor me please see my 4 charities and why I chose them here: https://keepcraigrunning.blogspot.com/2021/02/keep-craig-running-announcement.html

 Quick update: I am super excited about Sunday 3rd October and it's you guys that are making me buzz! Never did I think 4 months ago this would be the result. I know I keep thanking you all but it really is overwhelming.

Thank you everyone.   If you're considering giving to charity over the next week or two, please help me over the £1500 mark by choosing one of mine via the link below to donate. Update: I've just been looking at the total number of miles I've run and since training began in June, it's over 280 miles and 169 of those since 1st August! There's 9 days left until London Marathon day on Sunday 3rd October, by then my training will have taken me over 300 miles (and closer to 200 since 1st August). Just 3 more runs until then so please take a look at my chosen charities and help me reach £1500. https://keepcraigrunning.blogspot.com/2021/02/keep-craig-running-announcement.html 

All my long training runs are completed and I'm now on 'taper' to ensure tip-top fitness on Sunday 3rd October. Over the last 5-6 weeks I've gradually increased my long-distance weekend runs: 8/8/21 - 11 miles 14/8/21 - 13.1 miles 22/8/21 - 16.2 miles 29/8/21 - 17.3 miles 3/9/21 - 19.2 miles 12/9/21 - 20.5 miles Wow, that's over 97 miles!  In addition, running twice a week on average 5 miles each time that's more than my brain can calculate! During the preparations for 3rd October you've all been keeping me going raising money for good causes: So, thank you all.  At times I've felt like giving up but this has definitely kept me going through groin injuries, knee injuries, Physio & Osteo sessions and the early morning weekend starts (not to mention refraining from Gin the night before!). There's still time to 'KeepCraigRunning' so see my first post on why I chose these charities and how to donate:  https://keepcraigrunning.blogspot.com/202