VIRTUAL BOSTON MARATHON x2, LONDON UK, 070920 and 140920

Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, the 2020 Boston marathon is predictably cancelled, but they arrange a virtual marathon for September instead. There is a ten day window to complete it in, but it must be a continuous 26.2 mile effort. You can attempt it more than once if you wish. They ask for proof like a Strava or Garmin entry. I don't use either of these so I borrow Moira's old Garmin which has a worn out battery. I know I can't run at marathon pace but Richard isn't worried about the time and wants to treat it as a fun day out with ultra style pacing. He lends me his old Garmin as a backup. I also use the Good Run Guide GPS app on my phone. Instead of my usual minimalist style I am festooned with technology. We map out a route around the canals and Victoria Park and set off on the first day of the date window. We have rucksacks to carry drink and a bit of food and it goes well for most of the run. We are eating and drinking at different times so swap the lead around. A few kamikaze cyclists go by from time to time and I stub my toe on a metal bollard getting out of the way of one of them. We are still together at about eighteen miles but I tell him to go ahead on the section up to the last turnaround at one of the River Lee locks. We have gone so conservatively I am feeling well in control and looking forward to a strong finish, but with four miles to go I am struck with acute cramps in my right leg. I stretch it out but I can't really run without it coming back. In the end I have to resort to comedy walking on my heels, not bending my knees and pointing my toes up in the air. I must look ludicrous but no-one cares and I hobble to the finish. The battery on Moira's Garmin runs out in the last mile but Richard's backup gets to the end. It's taken me just over five hours, Richard has sped up to finish in about 4.24. We do have a nice meal afterwards in an outdoor restaurant by the River Lea.

The time doesn't matter but I'm not happy with a five at the front. Me being me I decide to run it again. First I join the dark side and buy a Garmin, a slightly older but good model is on sale, Richard tells me it would suit me. 'What are you doing on Monday' Moira asks the day before. I am a little vague and non-committal. This time I run down the River Thames and back to avoid the cyclist near misses, the path is wider here.

I message Moira at the start 'Back in a few hours see you later!'. I take it slow again especially as it is the second time in a week, it goes really well and there is no cramping. I finish back in Greenwich in 4.40.33.

It does mean I have an official Boston medal, but it's not the same as actually going there.