This evening I went out for my last-run-before-the-marathon.
My training hasn’t exactly been consistent. My last run before tonight was two weeks ago, when my sister came to visit. Then two weeks before that, when I ran 18 miles. I think it’s fair to say I’m not going to win.
Still, I’ve run further and more often than I’ve ever run before though. I ran for a bus yesterday, in heels, wearing a big coat and carrying several bags, and I didn’t even get out of breath. That’s certainly an improvement. 
Tonight I didn’t take my watch. I didn’t have a set number of miles, or a time to aim for. I just wanted to remind myself that I love running, because I think there will come a point on Sunday afternoon when I might forget that.
I ran through these fields, which I’ve not done for a long time. This always used to be my route when I moved here, back when I ran a little bit and not very regularly. It’s what passes for flat around here. It’s certainly pretty.
These past few months I’ve been running further afield. Still starting from home, but heading out in a different direction. This little amble, which is only a couple of miles, has been neglected. 
It was the right thing to do. I remembered all the other times I’ve run here. We sometimes walk here in the evening, and I’ve known it in many weathers, with many sunsets. It feels like home.
So, two more sleeps to the marathon. Needless to say, my bag isn’t packed, and I don’t even know where half of my running kit is. I’m off to the Women’s Institute in the morning to stock up on flapjack – none of your new-fangled sports gels for me.
I didn’t start out to do this for money (see here for the actual, quite stupid, reason). However, I did set up a just giving page, just in case, and to my complete surprise, I’ve raised £225 for the British Thyroid Foundation. I’m ever so grateful to everyone who’s sponsored me, and who’s cheered me on and been supportive and encouraging.
I *will* get to the end on Sunday. Fingers crossed I get there (a) before it goes dark, (b) without the aid of an ambulance, and, most importantly, (c) before my sister..
a cheerful living adventure 
Hello there. First of all, I wish you the best on your run this Sunday! I sure admire what you’re doing. Secondly, those fields are stunning! Where are they? I know you live in the UK but can I ask you, what part? Is that photo of your city? I know very little about England, just some stories my mum has told me about her childhood. She’s from Liverpool. I’m glad I found you. I’m curious about your life in the wonderful UK! Thanks for putting up with all my questions.
Hi Prairie girl, and thanks 🙂 I live in Sheffield, on the edge nearest the Peak District national park. Those fields are just up the road from here, and yes, look back across part of the city. I grew up about 20 miles away from Liverpool! The marathon is in Chester, which isn’t too far away from Liverpool either 🙂 Ask away, always happy to answer questions xx
Allez Jenny (if I wish people luck it ends up going wrong for them so I don’t say it now! instead I have a myriad of other well-wishing turns of phrase instead!) – I hope you achieve your aims and enjoy yourself somewhat along the way! and what a fab idea to go out for a run disregarding time and distance, I enjoyed reading about it and love the photies. I don’t do sports gels either 😀 yay to flapjack! On y va!
I hope you achieve your first two goals but no way are you going to beat me. Sure, you’ve been running about 8 years longer than me and perhaps you have done huge amounts more training than me – but I’m way more stubborn than you are!
Well, we’ll see about that 🙂 I can be pretty stubborn too if necessary. If you’re slowing me down I’ll be leaving you at the back – not having you overtaking me on a sprint finish again!
Go on Jenni, you can do it. It’s great to know you’ve done so much training and so many people behind you metaphorically and, hopefully, literally. Enjoy the run as well as the goal.
Good luck jenni.