“To run, or not to run that is the question"

The Merchant Marathon of Venice

OK, wrong play but I am pretty sure that’s what Hamlet meant to say.

As some of you may know, I have a place in the Venice Marathon at the end of this month.

There’s a bit of story behind this. A few years ago, Jenny and I went on a cruise that embarked from Venice. The day we arrived in Venice was coincidentally the day of the Venice Marathon. I may have possibly mentioned at the time that it would a great marathon to do.

As we queued to get onto our ship, the lady in front of us, with 2 young children in tow, was looking exasperated.  Eventually her husband arrived in his marathon kit. A heated discussion ensued – evidently he had not run as fast as predicted!

Fast forward and on my birthday this year, Jenny presented me with a place in the race. I was really chuffed.

I have only ever run one road marathon, back when I was 19, although I've done plenty as part of Ironman and ultra's. My aim for this race was always going to be a sub 3 hour finish which I’m sure I have in me.

So, why the doubt?

Well, with my bad Achilles I haven’t managed to do any faster running whatsoever, be that long intervals or tempo runs. I’d planned to gear my training towards this race following the Lakeland 100 but that hasn't happened due to my Achilles injury.

There is no way I will run sub 3 hours.

Of more concern is that my ankle, although seemingly fine in the hills, does not like running on hard, flat terrain at all. The Venice Marathon is a flat, fast course and obviously on the road.

So hence my question. 

I certainly can’t ‘go for it’ so do I run it slowly? That will probably infuriate me. Do I run it at all, because there is a very definite risk of doing further damage to my Achilles.

The hotel and flights are booked so we will be going to Venice for a few days regardless. Could just relax and enjoy the break and a few days with Jenny.

Relax? Quick let me get a dictionary. 

And one of these would be a nice addition to my collection.