You know that really old pair of shoes you own? The ones that have done about a million miles, are falling apart, but remain ‘the fastest, most comfortable shoes ever’? Piece of advice, the next time they wink at you from the darkest recess of the cupboard, leave them there.

I got all sentimental and did my 11 mile slow run in my Stratus 11s. The running was good, felt really strong, I was really pleased with my progress and I'm sure the blister I now have, which is the size of a small country by the way, will heal in time! Stratus 11's now in the ‘gardening only’ section of the cupboard.

Week three – update one

My busiest muscle so far this week has been the oddly named gluteus maximus. Yep, that piece of stupidity with the old shoes has put me out of action for a couple of days.

The key here is not to panic. The odd missed run isn't too serious in the greater scheme of things. I'm off to the gym after writing this and will pick up the sprint session there. Then a five-mile easy run on the paths in the morning, and I'll get my 13 mile long run done on Sunday.

So, no harm done and one gigantic lesson learned. I hope everyone's training and fundraising are going well.

Week three – update two

WOW! This is coming up really quickly, partly I think because most major running events are in the summer months and it's still perishing right now.

Cue Sunday morning and a thick covering of frost after rain the night before. Not wishing to do a bad impression of Dancing On Ice I decided to head for the Union Canal path for a crack at the full 13.1 miles and a really good indication of how I'm getting on.

The canal path is largely gravel and tarmac and quite sheltered so the effect of the frost is minimised.

I was joined by my regular event partner Ian, though I have to admit he is at a higher standard than me. But it's great to run with someone else for a change, it keeps your pace even for a start, but probably means my overall pace is going to be higher than if I go alone. And so it proved. Despite the cold, we cracked on at eight and a half minute miles for most of the outward leg.

Slowed a bit on the way back, mainly because the last two miles are quite hard going, the path is quite boggy in places and the sun was warming it up by then. Overall a great result, one hour 53 minutes for the half marathon.

I now feel a personal best is well within my grasp on March. Thanks to Mr Birch for the company - never dull. Some hill running and longer slower runs this week, then probably an easy 15 at the weekend.

Are you running the Meadows Marathon? Let us know how your training is going.

IN DETAIL

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First published on the Meadows Marathon website

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