The taper has begun. That means the consistent building of stamina, endurance and miles has come to an end. Now it's about rest and preparation for the big day.
That doesn't mean easing off completely but just an ease off the volume and anything that might lead to injury.
It's a funny period. Quite quickly the legs, body and mind feel fresh and before you know it the shorter distances feel easy. That leads to the mind playing tricks and you start to think that this will all translate into a faster marathon than you can really expect.
I've done about 12 weeks training. My mileage in 2013 is 324miles. Not huge in nearly 4 months and I'll be found out if I try and push for a decent time.
However, this week I've been feeling quite good. 6 runs in the last 7 days, a total of 43 miles.
I started on Monday with a steady run up to the airport. This was slow and steady 6.6 miles, my first run after the 22.5 completed the previous Friday.
Tuesday was a short 4 miles in Bristol. Slightly quicker than Monday but still easy.
Wednesday was a 7 mile loop with my colleague Matt. The pace was quicker but the legs and lungs felt good and the average was 8.21min/miles.
Thursday and I was out again in Bristol, this time another 7 miles on my own. A little slower but still sub 9min/miles.
Friday was a rest day, so Saturday was an early start and run from the airport. This time 7.5miles at 8.31 pace.
This morning was a longer 11.3miles but the pace was a slightly quicker 8.24 average.
The reality is that I'll be lucky to average under 9min/miles in the marathon and I need to remember that. Especially in the first 13miles when all will feel fresh and the occasion can drag you along.
I was talking with Jon Cobb today and we discussed the Isle of Dogs-Canary Warf section. That's where the wheels come off, miles 15-20. For me that's the focus, get through there at a 9min pace and see what - if anything - is left in the tank.
The week ahead is more of the short and easy running. Should be fun and 30miles will be more than enough to get through.
