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After my previous post on my marathon plans for 2009, I managed to forget all about my club’s ballot for places. I convinced myself that I was quite happy with Edinburgh for a first marathon, and I really didn’t care about not getting in to London in 2009.

I’d also discounted going for a charity place. I suppose I felt that asking people for sponsorship, when I (expect to) enjoy it all so much, was a bit of an ask. 

With the draw for club places taking a bit earlier than previous years, due to a change in the deadlines for applications, I got to thinking about things afresh over the weekend. It’s very clear to me that London is THE marathon to try for. It’s one of the biggest marathons in the world, and the support along the route is, I’m told, second to none. And that’s even before my running club’s support crew are factored in. It’s quite an expedition of other halves and supporters. Quite the club event. I understand there are usually between 20 and 30 participants as we’ve got a good few ‘Good for age’ entrants, in all age groups.

So I figured I couldn’t not put my name forward. I could always recant to my original position of not being bothered if I didn’t get picked. 

So on a cold evening, the names were in the hat. I was quite surprised by the odds. Six names in the hat, for four places allocated to the club. Much better odds than in the main ballot! Two names were drawn out without my being mentioned, so it was down to a 50/50 chance of a place. The third name was drawn, and after what felt like an eternity (un-peeling post-it notes with gloves would appear to be quite a challenge), my name was read out.

Suffice to say I’m absolutely delighted, and chuffed by the congratulations from many of my fellow runners. I don’t think the grin came off my face for a good few miles into last nights session, which was quite tough, as I’ve a feeling I’ve the onset of a cold. Didn’t help that I was running with the faster ‘B’ group, when I should probably have been taking it a bit easier.

Training kicks off early in the new year, and what with the Glasgow parkrun to organise (at least until a few other volunteers step forward to help with things), my Saturday mornings are going to be quite busy. But I’m really excited about the prospect. Despite this rather amusing video sent by my friend (and fellow London 2009 marathoner), David.

I decided last year that running a marathon wasn’t going to feature in my running plans for 2008. I’d been aware of just how much training was required for a half marathon, so doing a full marathon along with running my own business, and having a life and time with Frances just wasn’t practical. Oh, yes, and given London was the marathon I wanted to do, that we were getting married the day before sort of put pay to any small notions I still had.

As my fellow running club members built up to London 2008, my appreciation of the time and effort required increased further. It’s a lot more than “just twice the distance” of the (easier) half marathon, and really tests mind and body to the limit. 20 mile training runs take a long time, and that means a large part of rare free time is eaten up for a good few weeks, and if the weather is inclement, it’s hardly a lot of fun getting out to get the miles done. The support of a running club geared up for the race would seem essential.

However, part of me still wanted to give it a go at some point. I get the impression it’s something every runner needs to have a go at at some point. Even just once. I’d also thought it’d be good to see about beating my charity total from Glasgow 2007. So I resolved a month or two back that I’d enter the ballot for London in 2009 when it opened.

Earlier this week I heard the application process had opened, just a week after the 2008 marathon finished. So to cut a long story short, and with a year and a day to go, I entered the ballot for London 2009 yesterday lunchtime.

If I don’t get through (which is likely given the huge volume of applicants for the limited number of places), I may look at a charity place, although the fund-raising required for such is a bit of a concern. Failing that, my running club usually gets a few places allocate as it sees fit (by ‘lucky dip’ last year after the Christmas 5k charity run). There’s always a big turnout at London from the club – it’s one of the clubs biggest races given the high number of ‘good for age’ runners – quite something for a club 400 miles away. But I’ve got my fingers crossed I’ll be lining up on Blackheath in a years time.