Nick Smith MP – London Marathon training blog

Last weekend was the Merthyr Half Marathon as I prepare for the big London run, which is now less than a month away. The rain, sleet and snow we’ve been getting this winter has really made training a grind, but I think it’s helped to strengthen my resolve for whatever the marathon throws at me.

The Merthyr race was terrific and I was proud to wear my Parc Bryn Bach runner’s shirt for the first time. The race itself involves a long run down the one side of the valley, crossing over the River Taff, the railway line and A470 before the long run back up to the finish at Merthyr College. It was a lovely day and we all got a lot of support from the people watching and plenty of drinking water and jelly babies to keep up our strength.

Those of you who follow what the Hospice does will have seen the car wash in Ebbw Vale, where I mucked in with volunteers from the Hospice and the Fire Service. It was a rubbish day weather wise so I suspect plenty of people who came for a car wash were doing it to support the charities more than get their car sparkling clean. We raised more than £200 though and a big thank you to the Ebbw Vale Fire Station for hosting and getting stuck in.

Now as we hit the last few weeks, it feels like the preparation is in hand. I’m doing everything I’m being told to do and getting the long runs in before I start to taper off. All that’s left now is to keep it up and make sure I’m in good health. Everyone in work has been very supportive and the marathon runners amongst us are all egging each other on. I know it’s going to be tough, but I’ve done everything I can to give myself the best chance possible – and to make sure I do the Hospice and Blaenau Gwent proud.

Please feel free to make a donation to my virgin money page – every penny I raise will go directly to the work that the hospice does for the people of Blaenau Gwent https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/NickSmithLondon2018

Thank you Nick