I never thought I’d be sorry to see the back of my training sessions.
How many times have I flogged around the same unforgiving streets, the wind pinching at my goosebumped legs, rueing the day I signed up for the marathon?
You’d think I’d be glad to put my feet up. But as I near the final stages of my concerted exercise programme before the recovery period, I feel a certain nostalgia for those halcyon February evenings when I braved the wind and rain to pound the streets of London. That and desperation.
That’s it? No more long runs? I have to get by on what I’ve done?
“No matter,” my training guide tells me. “If you’ve done your training properly, your body will be well prepared for those 26.2 (teeth-clenching) miles.”
But though I don’t wish to question its wisdom, after feeling shattered after my latest 17 mile Sunday morning epic, I’m not really convinced the last nine miles will be a total breeze.
There’s always the adrenaline factor of the day itself. But even then, will a handful of complete strangers calling out, “Go on Ally,” and my personal rivalry with a giant running mushroom be enough to haul me up and over the dreaded wall?
Only time will tell, but this Sunday, when I push for 20 miles, I will remind myself how great it is still to be training.

Question of the week: Are you happy to be entering the gentle training period or do you think you could do with a few more weeks of long runs?
Text your answers to 88010 (25p per msg) or email letters@wandsworthguardian.co.uk

Ally is running for Hemihelp, a charity which supports children with hemiplegia, a condition similar to cerebral palsy which affects one side of the body. www.hemihelp.org.uk

Donate to Ally’s campaign at www.justgiving.com/allycarnwath