So here we are with a week to go until Manchester Marathon.
My race pack has arrived
The zones are graded by your predicted finish time. I’m in zone G – I think I put down my estimated time as 4.30. My outfit is all sorted – I do feel bad that I’m wearing blue to Old Trafford (sorry Dad).
I’ve done what training I can
I’ve increased the mileage on the long weekend runs and fitted in what I can during the week.
Training has gone OK, apart from my last run which was terrible. I had planned on running 20 miles but only managed 15, I physically/mentally couldn’t go on. I try to remain positive about bad runs, they happen, you just have to remember – if it were easy everyone would be doing it.
I’m looking after myself for once
Eating well, getting plenty of sleep, staying hydrated and avoiding anyone with a cold.
I’m saving the takeaway binge for Sunday evening – dreaming of Dominoes will keep me going on those last 6 miles.
I’m (relatively) injury free
The issues I had with my right knee have been replaced with a tight left calf. I’m hoping stretching / the rest whilst tapering will rectify that.
Predicted time
I have no idea…I only entered to help shift the nine Xmas dinners and all the Quality Street I consumed in December. (It worked by the way)
I’d secretly love to get 4.20ish I’d be happy with anything around 4.30, I got my marathon PB last year in Manchester – 4.29.16.
Race day
I’m planning on doing Instagram stories mid-race so make sure you follow me @runwithrachel – apologies in advance for all the sweaty selfies.
Good luck to anybody running the Manchester Marathon – my race review will be on the blog on the 8th April (that’s also my birthday – Nike, if you are reading this…I’m a size 6) ❤️