Another week of training and all is going well. Today I completed 12.5 miles in 1 hour 30 minutes which by my new calculations isn’t too far from the qualifying time needed for the London Marathon. I did have it in my head that I needed to finish a half marathon in 1 hour 15 minutes which at this moment in time feels like a big ask. However, I’ve been back on the London Marathon website, http://www.virginlondonmarathon.com/marathon-centre/enter-virgin-london-marathon/virgin-london-wheelchair-marathon/, and it says wheelchair entrants must be able to finish a full race distance in under 3 hours. Therefore, simple maths says if I can do a half in under 1 hour 30 minutes I should be ok.

The great thing is I feel like I still have loads left in the tank and the only thing I’m having trouble with is niggling shoulder pain. I’ve done everything I need to do to manage it. I’m applying ice gel, a hot compress, am doing extra stretching and have bought a shoulder brace which weirdly makes me look like I’m auditioning for a an extra in Gladiator. The next thing I’m going to investigate is something called Kinesio taping, http://www.kinesiotaping.co.uk/index.jsp, which is what Gareth Bales wears on his thigh and I spotted Novak Djokovic wear in his mauling of Andy Murray this morning. Apparently the taping is worn by all sorts of sport’s people and if applied correctly it provides muscle and joint support whilst still enabling a full range of movement. I’ll take that over wearing the shoulder brace I wore on Saturday whilst training which has caused a ruddy great welt on my left armpit which is a lovely thought and an even less lovely experience.  

One last thing which I’m having issues with at the moment and I would love any suggestions as to how to overcome this is the fact I keep getting chased by dogs when I’m in the park. I’m starting to wonder if I look like a car or a cat when I’m out training. I’m not talking about fun chase me chase style shenanigans but teeth bearing, saliva snarling chasing which whilst it is making me push quicker is not conducive to a steady heart rate. If this carries on I might as well head to the greyhound track, dress up as a rabbit and get paid whilst I train rather than doing this for fun.

I have to be honest and say I lost it big time with a dog owner the other day who made no attempt to restrain their canine friend. I may have bared my own teeth and hurled a few expletives in their direction. I’m not against dog owners at all in fact one day I hope to be one myself but surely if you can’t keep your dog under control just keep it on a lead. I wouldn’t mind if I was stood up running but having my face so close to the ground makes it a bit unnerving when a dog is running towards me like I’m covered in Pedigree Chum.