IN the end, it was inevitable. A case of when, not if.

So it was no surprise whatsoever when news broke that this year's Virgin Money London Marathon has been postponed until October.

Officials apparently wanted to leave their decision until the 11th hour but were forced into action after the cancellations of the Paris and Boston Marathons.

The Manchester Marathon has also been delayed.

Naturally, I'm bitterly disappointed.

It's pretty heartbreaking, to be honest, but, in, the current climate, the right and correct decision.

Without question, the bigger picture is of far greater significance and people's health is of paramount importance.

To suggest differently would be nonsensical.

If anything, I'm pleased a swift decision has been made by the powers that be, to save days or possibly weeks of uncertainty and speculation.

And I'm pleased that, for now, at least, the marathon has 'only' been delayed, rather than postponed altogether until 2021.

That was my fear when the virus first surfaced.

I know the situation may change again but, for now, I'm trying to turn a negative into a positive as I now have the spring and summer - our warmer months - to train hard.

One of my plans is to still run the marathon distance on Sunday, April 26.

It won't be in a packed, crowded city.

I won't be among tens of thousands of others and there won't be throngs of cheering spectators lining the streets.

Instead, it'll just be me pounding along the seafront.

However, hopefully I'll still feel a sense of achievement and walk/hobble away with my head held high, if not proudly clutching a medal.

Clearly, I'm no expert on coronavirus (or anything else, for that matter).

But, on a personal note, it feels as though training is going to be more important than ever in these hugely worrying, uncertain times.

I'm so pleased and relieved that running (albeit in isolation) is on the safe to-do list, in terms of social contact.

The government advice is to keep exercising, to stay strong and healthy and bolster your immune system.

Those in the know say it's safer to be outside than inside when it comes to disease transmission.

And in addition to the obvious physical pluses, there are vitally important mental benefits from running and enjoying the outdoors.

Everyone knows that - it's scientifically proven - and I can certainly relate to that from personal experience.

My mindset and perspective is always sharper, clearer and more positive after a run and that could be important in the coming weeks and months.

On a much lighter note, I enjoyed a spot of parkrun 'tourism' on Saturday.

We were up in the North-West to watch my son run in the English Schools Cross Country Championships and took in the Widnes event.

It was great - friendly, fast, flat and all on a Tarmac paths, in Victoria Park.

It's definitely one I'd recommend if you find yourself in that part of the world.

Back to the marathon and this column will presumably become more sporadic in the coming months, due to the postponement.

However, I'd still love to hear from you if you're taking part in October.

Is it a milestone run for you and, if you've done it before, do you have any tips or hints for a first-timer like myself?

If so, I'd love to hear from you. My email address is matt.plummer@newsquest.co.uk