Pat,

I've been in total awe of late as to the way African marathon runners have rewritten the all time list. Patrick Makau ran a superb World Record of 2.03.38 in September's Berlin Marathon and is joined by 3 fellow Kenyan's who also dipped under 2.04 in 2011.

There's often intense discussion surrounding the "possible" Sub 2hr Marathon and with the fact that more Africans are turning to the Marathon at a much younger age (bypassing an initial career as a track runner) the likelihood the World Record wil be reduced further is great - but Sub 2hrs?

Up until Haile Gebrselassie's 2.03.59 in 2008 I was of the mindset that a Sub 2hr Marathon was decades away. I based my assumption on the fact that Australia's Derek Clayton ran 2.08.34 in 1969 and it had taken 39 years to reduce this by 4min 35sec. We're now chasing 3+ minutes to get under 2 and surely as the sub 3min/km pace quickens, the longer achieving each level of progression (eg; 30sec blocks) will take.

The unknown quantity however will be what these "young" Africans marathoners will be capable of - a type of runner we have not seen until recently.

Sandy Hunter wasn't in the mix for a place in Berlin's World Record Marathon however he was over the moon with his 3.21.08. I guided Sandy via online coaching throughout 2011 and it was a joy to be able to play a role in his pb after pb year.

Runners such as Sandy have showed me how they thrive on structured training & accountability, without such there's a chance they'll lose focus. Possibly it's time to build on the base you developed during your last campaign and return to a more focussed approach.

Details about how my online coaching service operates can be found here and you're more than welcome to give me a call (0403 176672) should you wish to discuss how I can help you prepare for your 2012 event.

I must say that I'm thrilled by the fact the Gold Coast has been awarded the 2018 Commonwealth Games. I was in Brisbane during the 82 Games (as a "young" spectator) when our great City put on a magnificent show. Gold Coast 2018 will be no different.

Speaking of Gold Coast - Sign Up with me now (33 weeks to go) for online coaching for the 2012 Gold Coast Airport Marathon/Half Marathon or 10k and only pay my 28 week fee - SIGN UP HERE.

Regards

Pat Carroll
Online Running Coach
www.patcarrollonline.com