Sunday 11th February 2007

10.2 miles (6 miles slow - 4 miles tempo)
1 hr 24 mins @ 8.20 p/m

Summary of week 5: 31.5 miles and 45 km on X-Bike

Pleased to clock up the mileage on this most unusual week, with unexpected snowbound interuption. Giddy new heights really - that's 180 miles in 6 weeks, which is way beyond anything I've done consistently in the past. Stamina and motivational wise - no problems, all going to plan. Even seemed to have solved the blistering issue with thicker socks. Can't shake off a minor thigh strain though and just a little concerned of repeat ankle trouble. I guess I can't forget what happened last year. The attention to RW schedule is OK - at least for the 3hr 45 time (albeit my runs are a little haphazard as, hey, I actually have a life and can't drop everything to run on cue!) but I may now abandon the schedule for a couple of weeks, tone down the volume of runs but concentrate on a biggie mid week, go for a 16 miler as a good baromoter to progress. Starting to think it will be so much easier to train for a quicker half-marathon when this is all over!


An early start (7 am) for a favourite run. Had to abandon the canals as they were still slippery and, despite expecting the contrary, enjoyed a decent spell of weather and a good run up to Northfield, over the 'Harborne Hills' and finished with a 4 mile circuit of Harborne surrounds. Back in time to look after James whilst Sian disappeared to church and the Bullring, obeying both God and the God of Shopping! Thigh niggle seemed to disappear with the run but conscious of not overdoing things, and I just still suspect that the ankle isn't too strong. May try out some ankle dorsiflexing exercises to strengthen and just wind down the volume of runs in the next couple of weeks. Took the run initially at a slow pace and knocked off the last 4 mile circuit at 7.30 pace, met up a couple of other runners which seemed to put a bit of wind in my sails! Nothing like the competitive edge. Chilled for the rest of the day and England won the one-day cricket series Vs Aussies - and Arsenal won (scoring twice against Wigan in the last 10 minutes) - what more can a man ask for?