Ten years ago yesterday I finished the London Marathon, my second marathon, and the first of the three times I took part in that extraordinary event. My time was nothing to boast about, 4:32:11. I wrote a full account, for the antiquarians among you. As I watched it, in Paula Radcliffe’s last year, I wonder if I should return to it next year. It would be my first year in a new age group, but since the leading male runner in the 60-64 group finished in 02:54:41, I’m unlikely to impress anyone. The fastest 65-69 man still managed a sub-3, and the fastest 70+ man did it in 03:12:58.
So instead I went for an agreeable rural run, with many sheep and lambs to entertain me, and while I began in steady drizzle, by the end the sun was nearly out.
As for future running, my plan is to run some of the longer events in the Sussex Grand Prix: next Sunday’s Haywards Heath Ten Mile, the Rye Ten Mile and the Bewl Fifteen. I think I need something to stretch me.
