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Sunday morning, 7^th March

On Saturday I looked at the weather reports in advance for the following day. Predicted temperatures hovering somewhere between a brisk -6ºC to -2ºC (depending on the wind chill factor) didn’t give me much to look forward to at all.

Sunday morning brought with it a slightly more gentle -1ºC and a cold wind. But at 7:30am it was already promising to be a beautiful, calm and clear day.

The route was great: I ran through Hyde Park, completed a lap of Holland Park and from there continued towards St James Park. I passed the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Bridge and ran all the way to Tower Bridge, passing by the London Eye and the Cutty Sark on the way. I then completed the loop by going back past Buckingham Palace. It was definitely a long run, but a tourist’s dream!

Once I had warmed up and the sun was out I felt great and I was doing ok until the fifteenth mile at which point my thighs started to complain.  Nevertheless, I covered a respectable distance of 17 miles in two hours and 40 minutes.

On a slightly different note, I’ve lost another pound this week. Only another six to go before the real thing!

Training in style

I am preparing for one of those weeks – work is very busy and I am planning my longest run so far of 18-miles next Sunday.

The weather forecast has become one of my most visited web pages. I am determined not to be forced in the gym again and am praying that the rain holds off! It can’t be too much to ask, after all, I am testing my willpower and resisting alcohol and heavy food the night before the run (no Saturday night meal out for me), so surely the least it can do is hold off the clouds for a few hours?

On a positive note however, I have managed to lose 1kg in weight since training started. My clothes may fit a little looser now, but there has to be an easier way???

Me on the running machine

It would seem that the weather in London is conspiring against me with regards to my training – dreadful weather has forced me into the gym on Sunday to thrash the running machines. Pounding the London pavements during a downpour is just not my idea of fun.

My gym at Lords Cricket Ground is perfectly equipped for my training needs though, and despite not managing to spot any famous faces (there’s usually an England cricketer or two, and I once ran next to Sir Paul McCartney) I still successfully covered a dry 15km in 77 minutes.

Managed to get soaked on the way home though.

Michael Sultan will be running the Virgin London Marathon on 25^th April 2010. You can follow Michael’s progress in his regular blogs, the first of which was written on 14^th February.

Last weekend I was up at 6am for my marathon training and, for the first time ever, I managed to cover 21km in just over two hours! To make sure all this training is worth the effort I have chosen to run for The Asthma Society.

The charity is close to my heart as I have suffered from asthma since I was very young. In fact, I never used to do any sports at all – two years ago I was a stone heavier and wheezed most days. Finally I’ve found a sport I can do, although admittedly very slowly. On the colder days I struggle with breathing but the rest are great, when I can really appreciate the privilege it is to be able to run, to think and to relax. The feeling of freedom that running gives you is undeniable.

Me inhaling

My aim is to raise £5,000 and so far I have pledged £20. If you would like to sponsor me, please visit www.justgiving.com.

All contributions, no matter how small, are greatly appreciated!

Michael Sultan will be running the Virgin London Marathon on 25^th April 2010. You can follow Michael’s progress in his regular blogs.

Valentine’s Day – Sunday, 8am.

Me before training

I must be crazy. It’s 1˚C and I’m just about to set off for my longest run so far of 21km! Just one month ago I was struggling to reach 10km but I have gradually been building up with strength training and speed work during the week, and longer runs at weekends.

Christos before training

I usually run with Christos my personal trainer, friend and tormentor. He has successfully completed a staggering 16 marathons, but I think this one will be my first and probably my last!

Me after running 21km in just over two hours!