Off to the Gold Coast

I'll eat five of these before breakfast.

I recently had a letter from my grandmother instructing me "no more marathons". It's a good job she doesn't read this blog.

I'm flying to the Gold Coast tomorrow for my third marathon in the last twelve months. Last year I joined the running club at my gym half way through their training for the Gold Coast marathon. It was their infectious enthusiasm which inspired me to take up this crazy sport.

Gold Coast is known for being a flat course and one where it is possible to set a personal best. I'm aiming for 3hr 30mins, which is nine minutes off my Sydney time last year. It might not sound like much, but fourteen seconds faster per kilometer for all forty two is quite hard to do!

I started out on an advanced training program back in January. It made me feel fitter, stronger and faster. But unfortunately had me peaking at the Great Ocean Road marathon seven weeks ago. I've been on a multiple marathon program since then and don't feel like I've been pushing that hard. I'm concerned I've lost a bit of fitness.

If I got out too quickly I'm likely to burn out. However, too slow and I won't be able to catch up the required time. I'm aiming to run behind the 3hr 30min pace group, allowing them to get away from me. At around the half way I'll try to start reeling them in. I think there will be a lot of mind of matter to get me to the finish line.

Fingers crossed.