Having done what I think was the appropriate build-up in terms of long runs, I ran the Cranleigh 15 and 21 a week ago. I have run Cranleigh two or three times before, and although I've intended running the 21, I usually finish up getting exhausted or feeling niggles and drop out to do the 15 instead (you can decide whether you do the 15 or 21 at the 15 mile point). This year, I set off slowly and picked up speed after a couple of miles to probably run just over 8 minute miles, although I was passing people for the first 10 miles. I felt okay at 15 miles and carried on to complete the 21 miles in 2 hours and 50 minutes, which hopefully will put me in good stead for a marathon time of 3:30 to 3:40.

The Cranleigh race was my longest run, haveing completed over 19 miles the week before. I have managed to keep up my marathon plan of putting in a quality speed session during the week, a long run on a Sunday, and not much more besides, and although this is a far cry from the rigerous marathon shedules I could be following, I think I feel well prepared for the marathon, and although I have picked up the odd niggle along the way with my feet, hamstrings and back, I have not missed a run. Usually I pick up a problem and have to stop of a week or so, and so loose fitness.

I have one long run left next weekend, and then I'll probably do about 10 miles on the last Sunday, ready for the big day.

The main concern at the moment is the weather. Looking out of the window right now at 9AM, it's a sunny and quite warm day here. I'm hoping that it will be a cool day in three weeks time - I don't want a repeat of 2007, and so if it is hot, I might have to just run (say) a minute per mile slower and get around in one piece.

My usual training group (on road) didn't run this weekend, so I ran about 18 miles yesterday with a couple of running colleagues from the athletics club, mainly off road. I feel fine today, and I'm looking forward to the next few weeks.