Soccer AM

James: last man standing

The London Marathon is just over two weeks away and Soccer AM is down to just one runner!

James has resisted the temptation to also pull out and will be running the whole 26.2 miles solo! As we enter the crucial part of his training he gives us an insight into how it is all going.

James

With Tom out of this year's London Marathon it was time for me to step up this week... unfortunately it's been more of a case of me stepping down!

A heavy night on Saturday (details will follow) resulted in me injuring my foot after an incident outside of a night club, but you can all breathe easy because I won't be pulling out!

As it stands though there's just over two weeks until the big day and I'm only up to thirteen miles! I know it's not good but the way I see it if Jade Goody could do 18 miles, albeit collapse after those 18 and need an ambulance, I reckon I can complete 26... It's just going to really really really hurt the next day!

My Week

SATURDAY:
The only real exercise I got in this week was playing for my footy team on Saturday in Canning Town. The match was at one of West Ham's community pitches, which was brilliant because it was on one of those third generation pitches which I love playing on.

As usual I put in a superb performance reminiscent of Steven Gerrard's European Cup final performance, starting in central midfield before moving to right-back for the team! We won 2-1 and I got 90 minutes under my belt so I was pleased with that.

Unfortunately all that good work was undone after a night out in Watford! I spent the night throwing some serious shapes around! I don't like to brag too much but my moves were sick! Really Sick! I think that's where all my energy goes!

Less sick was my exit out of the nightclub. I decided to hurdle the bouncers rope at the end of the night and despite clearing it my feet went under me and I landed on my back in front of everyone! There must have been some black ice or something because I've got impeccable balance normally!

SUNDAY:
My exploits on Saturday night mean I wake up with every single bone in my body aching. My pride has also taken a bit of a bashing as well.

To complete a very bad day I sit down to watch Grand Slam Sunday and see Arsenal get beaten by Chelsea, it doesn't get much more depressing than that.

MONDAY:
Monday is usually the day I go for my big run but my body still hasn't quite recovered from the weekend. Being from the 'better late than never' school of thought I make the decision to quit alcohol until after the Marathon and eat more pasta... that should add an extra couple of miles to the tank!

TUESDAY:
My mum reminds me that the Marathon is just over two weeks away! Thanks Mum! She's petrified that I'm going to keel over while I'm running because I haven't quite done enough training and insists I need to do at least a 15 mile run if I'm going to have any chance of doing it. I have two words... Jade Goody!

WEDNESDAY:
I live 42 miles away from work and on Wednesday I actually consider driving just over half the distance and running the rest of the way! I would have done it as well had it not been for two reasons, firstly I'd have to leave my car in a very dodgy area, and secondly I would have missed my crucial five-a-side championship deciding game.

THURSDAY:

I would love to say that I went on an 18 mile run... but it just wouldn't be the truth. Pray for me!