Last week the weather was atrocious, yet around 20 runners still turned up at the Edmondscote track for their weekly interval session.

That’s what I love about marathons – you HAVE TO do the training. You have no choice if you want a good result.

This makes decisions about weather conditions really easy – there is no decision to make! You know that you’re going to keep to the marathon training schedule, so there’s no “will I, won’t I?” dilemma.

For most of my coaching group the Thursday track meeting is their only speed session during the week.

They have entered various marathons. Around 15 (including myself) are doing the Paris Marathon on 11th April 2010. Others are running London, Brighton or Edinburgh Marathons, which are in April and May 2010.

Last night at the Track I was disappointed with the turn out, only 12 runners turned up? – The weather conditions were fine (apart from gusty winds)? Then someone pointed out that there is a race on Saturday.

It’s the ‘Shakespeare Raceway 10k’ being held at Long Marston Airfield, which promises to be a flat course. However  if it’s windy, the exposed airfield course will prevent any PB (Personal Best) times. 

So the low track turnout was a good thing! Everyone who had entered the Saturday race was resting their legs to ensure a good performance.

I was relieved when I realised this, my coaching group are becoming really professional, hard-training and racing runners.:-)

John McNally