The Edinburgh Marathon

FIRST a confession. I missed my run on Thursday night. Why? Well, I got in from work and couldn't face going out in the rain. Pathetic, I know, and I've felt guilty ever since.

However, what makes it really ridiculous is that I didn't feel like going out on Tuesday night, but did and felt great, both during the run and afterwards.

One of my colleagues, who was supposed to be running the Edinburgh Marathon, has pulled out this week. She found that her training schedule was too taxing alongside her other committments, and I can fully understand that. She made the sensible decision now rather than when the schedule is taking up serious hours later on.

I find that I'm experiencing a certain fear factor about running this sort of distance. Those 26 miles seem a long way away when I'm feeling a bit sore after five or six, but I know that perseverance will pay off and I have to keep believing that my body will get used to it.

Keeping warm when out running at this time of the year is a major consideration. I have just bought a pair of natty running tights which, although they are not exactly flattering, are very comfortable and keep me warm without overheating.

A hat is also important, as much of your body heat is lost through your head - you can take it off if you are too hot. Some people I've spoken to recommend gloves, but I just don't feel comfortable in them so I don't bother.

The ambition this week, then, is to stay motivated and enjoy the running - and to attempt not to be defeatist before I've even pulled my running shoes on.

Stephen Penman

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