Eeeeeeek

Crikey. We’re just 42 hours and 35 minutes away from the start line. And, tantalisingly, £48.80 away from reaching our £3,000 fundraising target. As Leonie put it in an email this morning, it’s all getting a bit ‘Eeeeeeeeeeeek’.

So, we thought, nothing like settling the nerves than one final pre-marathon blog. And as a bit of a break from the norm (and, frankly, because our thoughts are a bit all over the place at the moment) we’ve turned Paxman on each other. Without further ado then, we present the Home Run Girls’ interviews: the pre-race special.

Leonie: Snow or sunshine?

Caroline: Sunshine for sure – just not too hot (although looking at Sunday’s weather forecast that might be pushing our luck). 

L: Shorts or lycra?

C: Shorts. No question about that.

L: Over 4 hrs or under 4 hrs?

C: Under. If I go over 4 I’ll have to run another one! So keep everything crossed.

L: Paris or London?

C: Ask me on Sunday afternoon! The atmosphere when I ran the Paris marathon was fantastic, so London has its work cut out there. Although I am looking forward to running/hobbling bits of my usual routes only this time with 36,000 others and crowds cheering.

L: Running or walking once the marathon’s over?

C: Running for sure. Just not quite so far.

Caroline: Pleasure or pain?

Leonie: Definitely pleasure, although there has been a fair amount of pain too. But overall, training for this marathon has been the most amazing experience. I feel fitter, happier and more fulfilled than when I started. Cheesy but true.

C: Riverside or park?

L: Canalside, actually. Regent’s Canal has been my faithful friend during the training. My favourite stretch is alongside Victoria Park though, so I guess I’m a park fan too.

C: Jog or sprint?

L: Jog, without a doubt. With two days to go, I’m still quite unsure of what my actual marathon pace is. It won’t be quicker than 9 minute miles though. My limited race experience reveals that I go a lot faster in a competition than in a training run, without really trying (does not having to stop to cross roads make that much difference?). I must make sure I keep my pace steady in the early miles on Sunday.

C: Sports drink or water?

L: I’m a purist – so water. I’ve experimented with various sports drinks and gels and haven’t got on well with them. So I’m relying on water and jelly beans to get me round.
 
C: More of the same or never again?

L: As much as I’ve loved it, I’m not sure about another marathon. It may well depend on my time on Sunday. If (very big if) I manage to break the magic 4-hour mark, then I think I’ll be satisfied. But if not, I may be tempted to don the trainers again and try to better my time. Either way, I’ll definitely run more after the marathon and try to maintain this general sense of well-being.