26.2 miles
3 hrs 32 mins 42 seconds
8.05 mins / per mile
"Jade me knot, spur my run with swift extremity" inspired by William Shakespeare. Words of wisdom from the great bard (at least on the event T-Shirt) but I guess actions speak louder, and this was a very special day as the running did the talking. I can only conclude that I'm not convinced that the human body is actually built to cover such distances but for the sheer rush and adreneline, it's worth putting the frame to the test. After all the training I'm delighted with my time and more so, the way that it was achieved - minimum fuss, even pacing and completed with a sadistic sense of enjoyment.
So, the day as it passed. Sian and the boys packed a picnic and we drove down to Stratford in anticipation, although there was little of the usual pre-race nerves. It kinda dawned on me that at covering such a distance it's more of a run rather than a race, so maybe the pressure wasn't there. Big gathering at the start as about 5000 gathered outside the new Rep Theatre for a joint half and full marathon race. Started with Steve Rose, and although a few other BVH guys passed me by in the first few miles, I was unaware that there was such a large club turnout. The first few miles went very well, I paced for the marathon rather than the half, consistently at 8 min mile pace, and there was a good level of comeraderie as a couple of local runners talked through how the Romans used trace metals in urine to good effect. Suspicious, but a good yarn never the less. Miles were going by well and it was sunny but not too warm, with water stations at almost every 2 mile point. This meant that a few gulps at each stop was enough to stay hydrated but not overly so, although it was noticable how many people seemed to be carrying almost an armful of SoS gels - they must mint it at events like this! Split 10km at 50 mins dead and feeling very good, so picked up the pace going into the Greenway (an area of disused railway track) for the first time, and started running with Darren Crookes, from Sheffield. He was also aiming for a circa 3hrs 30mins, and proved to be an excellent companion for the rest of the race. Greenway first time round was a strange affair, as in not running half marathon pace it seemed odd that so many people were really suffering as they neared the end of theirs. At just after 11 miles, the course forked and suddenly we were alone, very alone! 4000 runners condensed to 900 and it was time to go around again. Still enjoying the pace and managed to pick it up to about 7.45 per mile between 10 and 16, and kept sensibly hydrating. It was getting warmer and the Welford Hill at about 17 miles was a little challenging, but big thanks to the girls giving out jelly babies in the local villages. Had a difficult mile at 19, at 8.30, for no apparent reason, but managed to kick out of this as we turned for a 4 mile stint back on the Greenway. Very flat, very straight and the mind does start to wander. I managed to get my head down, concentrate on the guys in front, ignore those who were now walking and laugh off even the suggestion that could be a wall. Without a wall, how could I hit it! I still felt at this point that a 3.30 was on the cards but the legs were heavy and a 8.15 pace between 22-24 miles and a 8.35 to 8.45 pace for the final couple put pay to this. Great to come off the Greenway and back down to familiar territory along the river bank, and spotted Helen + Paul, Sue + John and finally Sian and the boys, as the line beckoned. Not hugely emmotional (surprisingly) but then the reality of leaden legs took over. I could sit down, but in the style of a new-born baby giraffe, could I get up - could I 'eck! Wonderful to finish though and wear the medal with pride (although it was tight that the organisers hadn't provided seperate marathon / half marathon momentos)
As I write now, the following evening after a full day's work, it's fair to say that, boy, is this running thing infectious! Feeling mentally great, but walking with imaginery moon boots and the stairs are a new challenge. I guess it's a good week's rest now from any exercise.
It's been a journey and I hope I look back at this blog in years to come as an encouragement that if you work hard and sensibly, apply and enjoy yourself, a minimum of natural talent will not hamper the ability to reach a personal goal. Enough of the philosophising - time to Blog off!
Splits:
10km: 50.00
10m: 1.20.22
1/2 m: 1.45.00
20m: 2.40.11
full:3.32.42
Position: 167th
Monday, April 30, 2007
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Saturday 28th April
A few final words ....
Well it's the night before the big run and although heavily distracted by the Cricket World Cup final, I thought it worth penning a few thoughts. It's 8pm, kids are asleep and I've just prayed once more to the pasta god, filling me with endless supply of effortless energy for the big day! I have eaten sensibly for the past few days (forgiving the curly fries down David Lloyd!), hydrated well and feeling very positive. Haven't really had much sleep though, although this is due to James's sleeping patterns rather than any marathon concerns, but I'm ceratinly no worse or more nervous than before any other race I've tackled over the past couple of years. I've decided on jelly babies + water for the day as a fuelling strategy and the Met Check seems to throw up a warm but cloudy morning, nothing too extreme and probably a lot easier than the guys had last week for the London. I also feel well rested - no running since Wednesday, and just went down to BVH for the AGM on Thursday, with the Chairperson's seat going to Alison by the width of an midge's thigh.
Mentally I'm really up for this - my psyche just dosen't cater for failure and with four months solid training bejind me and a few really appreciated Good Luck's from some Bournville guys, I'm just going to enjoy it - true, after 20 miles every step will be one more than I've taken before in a race situation, but how many times in life do we get the opportunity to surpass a previous event, do achieve a life times first? After climbing Kilimanjaro, trekking the Inca path, completing my first 10km, then 1/2 marathon ... this is just another mouth watering personal challenge. Wonder if I'll feel the same this time tomorrow?
Off to pack and will try not to pin my number to my fingers rather than vest and my final pre-race thought is simply - whatever happens will happen, and I'm guaranteed a Personal Best!
Well it's the night before the big run and although heavily distracted by the Cricket World Cup final, I thought it worth penning a few thoughts. It's 8pm, kids are asleep and I've just prayed once more to the pasta god, filling me with endless supply of effortless energy for the big day! I have eaten sensibly for the past few days (forgiving the curly fries down David Lloyd!), hydrated well and feeling very positive. Haven't really had much sleep though, although this is due to James's sleeping patterns rather than any marathon concerns, but I'm ceratinly no worse or more nervous than before any other race I've tackled over the past couple of years. I've decided on jelly babies + water for the day as a fuelling strategy and the Met Check seems to throw up a warm but cloudy morning, nothing too extreme and probably a lot easier than the guys had last week for the London. I also feel well rested - no running since Wednesday, and just went down to BVH for the AGM on Thursday, with the Chairperson's seat going to Alison by the width of an midge's thigh.
Mentally I'm really up for this - my psyche just dosen't cater for failure and with four months solid training bejind me and a few really appreciated Good Luck's from some Bournville guys, I'm just going to enjoy it - true, after 20 miles every step will be one more than I've taken before in a race situation, but how many times in life do we get the opportunity to surpass a previous event, do achieve a life times first? After climbing Kilimanjaro, trekking the Inca path, completing my first 10km, then 1/2 marathon ... this is just another mouth watering personal challenge. Wonder if I'll feel the same this time tomorrow?
Off to pack and will try not to pin my number to my fingers rather than vest and my final pre-race thought is simply - whatever happens will happen, and I'm guaranteed a Personal Best!
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Wednesday 25th April
5 miles @ 7.49 p/mile
This is definitely my last run before the big event and last entry before I blog off, post marathon. A mantra of rest, rest, rest keeps nagging me but my legs fought valiantly to have one last hurrah before the marathon. Really enjoyed the run, around the University and down the canals, on a warm, pleasant evening. 4 months of training and this is what it's all about. I'm ready and injury free and just looking forward to testing my physical and mental capacities. I'm a stubborn bugger so I'm sure I'll get around - now it's just a matter of thinking out a strategy for split times. One last decision made today - I'm not going with the energy gels. I thought long and hard about it, but with amaple water and sports drink stations and a back burner of jelly babies, I reckon this will suffice - next time if I train with the gels, I'll give them a go. Been checking out the met office sites - looks as if I should be lucky - not too warm, cloudy and largely dry.
This is definitely my last run before the big event and last entry before I blog off, post marathon. A mantra of rest, rest, rest keeps nagging me but my legs fought valiantly to have one last hurrah before the marathon. Really enjoyed the run, around the University and down the canals, on a warm, pleasant evening. 4 months of training and this is what it's all about. I'm ready and injury free and just looking forward to testing my physical and mental capacities. I'm a stubborn bugger so I'm sure I'll get around - now it's just a matter of thinking out a strategy for split times. One last decision made today - I'm not going with the energy gels. I thought long and hard about it, but with amaple water and sports drink stations and a back burner of jelly babies, I reckon this will suffice - next time if I train with the gels, I'll give them a go. Been checking out the met office sites - looks as if I should be lucky - not too warm, cloudy and largely dry.
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Sunday 22nd April
Summary of Week 15 - 20.3 miles
Just eating up a few last miles and retaining fitness. Thinking of a strategy for next week - will probably run it out slowly first and so how it goes. Definately aiming for early nights, loads carbs and an easy week now. Running mileage a little lame this week although all part of the tapering I guess.
Run:
6.6 miles @ 7.50 p/mile
Much of my thoughts today went out to those doing the London Marathon - in record high temperatures (23 degrees) it must have been very tough. Mind you, looking at the BVH web site and hearing from Harvey, it looks as if some pretty impressive times have been posted. Gives inspiration for next week. Out early with my mum staying with us and did my last real run before the big day and bumped into a fair contingent of the club who weren't doing the FLM! Enjoyed stretching the legs down at the canals and feeling ready now. Bring it on ...
Just eating up a few last miles and retaining fitness. Thinking of a strategy for next week - will probably run it out slowly first and so how it goes. Definately aiming for early nights, loads carbs and an easy week now. Running mileage a little lame this week although all part of the tapering I guess.
Run:
6.6 miles @ 7.50 p/mile
Much of my thoughts today went out to those doing the London Marathon - in record high temperatures (23 degrees) it must have been very tough. Mind you, looking at the BVH web site and hearing from Harvey, it looks as if some pretty impressive times have been posted. Gives inspiration for next week. Out early with my mum staying with us and did my last real run before the big day and bumped into a fair contingent of the club who weren't doing the FLM! Enjoyed stretching the legs down at the canals and feeling ready now. Bring it on ...
Friday, April 20, 2007
Thursday 19th April
BVH
5.6 miles @ 8.39 p/m
Lots of splintered groups at the club tonight - the London guys taking it easy, others hitting the hill reps whilst I joined Martin on the evening run through Kings Norton park and down the canals. Had a good natter and drew on Martin's marathon experiences for any last minute tips. I'm confident I've done all I can now to prepare (should I have practiced with gels though?), running freely and beginning to think more on strategy. If it's warm next Sunday I'm definately gonna go off slowly and conserve energy. Seemed a few nerves around tonight as the countdown for FLM begins - i'm hoping it will be a great source of inspiration hearing their tales next week.
5.6 miles @ 8.39 p/m
Lots of splintered groups at the club tonight - the London guys taking it easy, others hitting the hill reps whilst I joined Martin on the evening run through Kings Norton park and down the canals. Had a good natter and drew on Martin's marathon experiences for any last minute tips. I'm confident I've done all I can now to prepare (should I have practiced with gels though?), running freely and beginning to think more on strategy. If it's warm next Sunday I'm definately gonna go off slowly and conserve energy. Seemed a few nerves around tonight as the countdown for FLM begins - i'm hoping it will be a great source of inspiration hearing their tales next week.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Wednesday 18th April
8.1 miles
To work: 4.7 miles @ 7.52 p/m
Back: 3.4 miles @ 7.36 p/m
A lovely day for running - dry and warm, but not too warm. The sort of day you just want to go out to the hills and do some multi-terrain stuff! Really toning it down now and just can't wait to get out there and do the marathon next week. Played tennis on Monday and too depressed with Engand's dismal cricket performance against South Africa yesterday to run (dumped out of the World Cup), so felt fresh on the way to work, and took in a couple of circuits of Canon Hill Park. Knee feeling a little dodgy, so another good reason to take it easy. After a day's work and monitor staring, the run back was also very comfortable. Will take it nice'n'easy at the club tomorrow and keep thinking, what's the next challenge after Stratford?
To work: 4.7 miles @ 7.52 p/m
Back: 3.4 miles @ 7.36 p/m
A lovely day for running - dry and warm, but not too warm. The sort of day you just want to go out to the hills and do some multi-terrain stuff! Really toning it down now and just can't wait to get out there and do the marathon next week. Played tennis on Monday and too depressed with Engand's dismal cricket performance against South Africa yesterday to run (dumped out of the World Cup), so felt fresh on the way to work, and took in a couple of circuits of Canon Hill Park. Knee feeling a little dodgy, so another good reason to take it easy. After a day's work and monitor staring, the run back was also very comfortable. Will take it nice'n'easy at the club tomorrow and keep thinking, what's the next challenge after Stratford?
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Sunday 15th April
Summary of Week 14: 27.6 miles
Well, I'm getting there and still fighting fit. Just looking forward to having completed the marathon now and not having to adhere to the discipline of a training schedule! No more long runs and I'm gonna try and stock up on sleep (as James has been up at 6am every morning for a while now, it's starting to take it's toll), eat sensibly and wind down the running. In my head, the little devil inside says run hard right up to the event or you'll lose vital fitness, then the angel reminds me taht it's cool to rest, the training will see through safely. I'll trust my running angel!
Today: 11.07 miles @ 7.53 p/mile
1hr 27 mins
Last 10 miler until the marathon and hot, hot, hot! Even though I was back by 9am, we're going through an unseasonably warm spell at the mo, up to about 26 degrees later on. Run was good, a favourite route down through Bearwood, Handsworth and back along the canals. Funny thinking back over the past 4 months, through so many miles and so many different running conditions. After the 20 milers I had it all sussed as to how to plan for marathon day but now I'm not so sure - if we have temperatures like this it's going to be be pretty tough. Hope the guys for London next week have it a little easier well, we could do with consecutive Sundays of mild, cloudy mornings - maybe a little easy Spring rain! Anyhow, after warming the muscles in the first mile, no niggles or injuries to concern over. A minor persistent knee strain remains but I'm just gonna have to give it time to settle after the marathon.
Well, I'm getting there and still fighting fit. Just looking forward to having completed the marathon now and not having to adhere to the discipline of a training schedule! No more long runs and I'm gonna try and stock up on sleep (as James has been up at 6am every morning for a while now, it's starting to take it's toll), eat sensibly and wind down the running. In my head, the little devil inside says run hard right up to the event or you'll lose vital fitness, then the angel reminds me taht it's cool to rest, the training will see through safely. I'll trust my running angel!
Today: 11.07 miles @ 7.53 p/mile
1hr 27 mins
Last 10 miler until the marathon and hot, hot, hot! Even though I was back by 9am, we're going through an unseasonably warm spell at the mo, up to about 26 degrees later on. Run was good, a favourite route down through Bearwood, Handsworth and back along the canals. Funny thinking back over the past 4 months, through so many miles and so many different running conditions. After the 20 milers I had it all sussed as to how to plan for marathon day but now I'm not so sure - if we have temperatures like this it's going to be be pretty tough. Hope the guys for London next week have it a little easier well, we could do with consecutive Sundays of mild, cloudy mornings - maybe a little easy Spring rain! Anyhow, after warming the muscles in the first mile, no niggles or injuries to concern over. A minor persistent knee strain remains but I'm just gonna have to give it time to settle after the marathon.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Thursday 12th April
BVH
2.27 miles
Rowheath Track speed Reps (100m)
Running with a twist at the club tonight. Reminiscent of school day athletics we headed for Rowheath's poor excuse for a running track, more akin to a dune system with it's uneven surfacing, and did circa 100m reps with about 100m warm down between these. Managed 12 Reps at between 4.30 and 5.30 mins/per mile pace, and it proved to be a decent work-out. Not sure it was particularly sensible in respect to the marathon but good for the fast twitch muscles I guess. A lot of people seem to be tapering now for the London. With mine a week later I think I'll really wind it down after the weekend. In a way I just want to get it over with now. Bring it on!
2.27 miles
Rowheath Track speed Reps (100m)
Running with a twist at the club tonight. Reminiscent of school day athletics we headed for Rowheath's poor excuse for a running track, more akin to a dune system with it's uneven surfacing, and did circa 100m reps with about 100m warm down between these. Managed 12 Reps at between 4.30 and 5.30 mins/per mile pace, and it proved to be a decent work-out. Not sure it was particularly sensible in respect to the marathon but good for the fast twitch muscles I guess. A lot of people seem to be tapering now for the London. With mine a week later I think I'll really wind it down after the weekend. In a way I just want to get it over with now. Bring it on!
Wednesday 11th April
9.5 miles
To work: 5.95m @ 8.11 p/m
Back: 3.55m @ 8.03 p/m
Enjoyed my favourite run in to work, down the canal to Stirchley and on to the Rhea Valley route before heading up through Canon Hill Park. Fantastic spell of warm Spring weather has continued and felt very good. Didn't particularly enjoy the run back though - it does seem hard after a sedentary day, and the breaking out of the dark chocolate digestives!
To work: 5.95m @ 8.11 p/m
Back: 3.55m @ 8.03 p/m
Enjoyed my favourite run in to work, down the canal to Stirchley and on to the Rhea Valley route before heading up through Canon Hill Park. Fantastic spell of warm Spring weather has continued and felt very good. Didn't particularly enjoy the run back though - it does seem hard after a sedentary day, and the breaking out of the dark chocolate digestives!
Monday, April 9, 2007
Monday 9th April
4.7 miles @ 7.55 p/mile
Last day of the Easter Holiday's so after another Scotney Family Day-Out, this time to Hatton Country Park in Warwick with the mandatory James tantrum, histrionics and restaurant sickness, I only had a few minutes to snatch a run this evening. Took in the hillier aspects of Harborne as their was no BVH and took it pretty easy. Feeling good after the long run on Saturday. Could do with a few more days off - it's all gone just that too bit quickly!
Last day of the Easter Holiday's so after another Scotney Family Day-Out, this time to Hatton Country Park in Warwick with the mandatory James tantrum, histrionics and restaurant sickness, I only had a few minutes to snatch a run this evening. Took in the hillier aspects of Harborne as their was no BVH and took it pretty easy. Feeling good after the long run on Saturday. Could do with a few more days off - it's all gone just that too bit quickly!
Sunday, April 8, 2007
Sunday 8th April
Summary of week 13: 27.8 miles (and 26 miles biking)
Well, it's countdown time! Only 3 full weeks to go and after a bit of a hairy week feeling a few niggles, it was good to get a last long run under my belt, especially as it could easily simulate race conditions - warm and flat. Didn't push the pace though, although still up for the 3.30 guide pace in the RW schedules (not that these have been adhered to much in the past month or so!)
Today - 10 miles on the X-Bike
No running as we had a chilled out Easter Day. Sian's folks were down so we made best use of the garden. Walked a few miles with James in the morning down at the canals to stretch the legs (he wasn't suitably impressed!) and I'm really surprised at how quick the recovery has been from yersterday. No aches and pains or niggles - all seems to be in order!
Well, it's countdown time! Only 3 full weeks to go and after a bit of a hairy week feeling a few niggles, it was good to get a last long run under my belt, especially as it could easily simulate race conditions - warm and flat. Didn't push the pace though, although still up for the 3.30 guide pace in the RW schedules (not that these have been adhered to much in the past month or so!)
Today - 10 miles on the X-Bike
No running as we had a chilled out Easter Day. Sian's folks were down so we made best use of the garden. Walked a few miles with James in the morning down at the canals to stretch the legs (he wasn't suitably impressed!) and I'm really surprised at how quick the recovery has been from yersterday. No aches and pains or niggles - all seems to be in order!
Saturday 7th April
19 miles @ 8.25 p/m
2hrs 40 mins
Last long run before the marathon. Certainly, at least for the first few miles it brought out all the joys in running. Running mid-morning it was by the far the warmest conditions I've run in this year and taking in my fave canal route up to Kings Norton, and then an untried stretch of the Stratford Upon Avon canal towards Solihull, it was very enjoyable. Took it easy with an interesting music mix, from Jesus Christ Superstar (well it is Easter), a jazzy old Tribe Called Quest LP and Blur, and at a constant circa 8.30 mile pace, it didn't seem too difficult. Double backed to town and, although I was starting to feel tired after about 15 miles, hit the roads to get back to Harborne and my very least favourite hill coming back into the "village"! Took out plenty of water as well, and although managed to lose a lot of salt, as usual, felt fine for the rest of the day as the boys took their bikes in Canon Hill Park, and we enjoyed the good weather.
2hrs 40 mins
Last long run before the marathon. Certainly, at least for the first few miles it brought out all the joys in running. Running mid-morning it was by the far the warmest conditions I've run in this year and taking in my fave canal route up to Kings Norton, and then an untried stretch of the Stratford Upon Avon canal towards Solihull, it was very enjoyable. Took it easy with an interesting music mix, from Jesus Christ Superstar (well it is Easter), a jazzy old Tribe Called Quest LP and Blur, and at a constant circa 8.30 mile pace, it didn't seem too difficult. Double backed to town and, although I was starting to feel tired after about 15 miles, hit the roads to get back to Harborne and my very least favourite hill coming back into the "village"! Took out plenty of water as well, and although managed to lose a lot of salt, as usual, felt fine for the rest of the day as the boys took their bikes in Canon Hill Park, and we enjoyed the good weather.
Friday, April 6, 2007
Friday 6th April - Good Friday
Family Day Out!
No running today but burnt off a few calories chasing the boys around Drayton Manor Park, while James showed no fear in the face of the Vertical Drop (although even his persistence wouldn't get a 2 yr old on the ride!) and Dan just wanted to ride on everything, and then again, and again .... Going out for a long, slow run tomorrow.
No running today but burnt off a few calories chasing the boys around Drayton Manor Park, while James showed no fear in the face of the Vertical Drop (although even his persistence wouldn't get a 2 yr old on the ride!) and Dan just wanted to ride on everything, and then again, and again .... Going out for a long, slow run tomorrow.
Thursday 5th April
BVH - Speed Reps
Total 8.82 miles - 1hr 8 mins
Reps at 6.20 - 6.30 p/mile
Felt really good running at the club this evening. Light for almost the whole session and after warming up running to the club and Sue bringing back in the plyometrics / dynamic stretching on the running field, we did some hill speed reps locally. Must have been the physio work early in the week but the legs were feeling very 'springy' and managed a decent tempo at about 6.20 - 6.30 min/miles for just over 1/2 mile circuits. Spurred on keeping up with Scott and as there was a relatively small turnout, there was a good chance to catch up with some of the guys. Then ran back again to build in a bit of mileage this week, as it's been sadly lacking.
Total 8.82 miles - 1hr 8 mins
Reps at 6.20 - 6.30 p/mile
Felt really good running at the club this evening. Light for almost the whole session and after warming up running to the club and Sue bringing back in the plyometrics / dynamic stretching on the running field, we did some hill speed reps locally. Must have been the physio work early in the week but the legs were feeling very 'springy' and managed a decent tempo at about 6.20 - 6.30 min/miles for just over 1/2 mile circuits. Spurred on keeping up with Scott and as there was a relatively small turnout, there was a good chance to catch up with some of the guys. Then ran back again to build in a bit of mileage this week, as it's been sadly lacking.
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Wednesday 4th April 2007
As I write this at Wednesday lunchtime, there's been NO RUNNING since Sunday. Boo! Plenty of cycling (to work and on the X-Trainer) but I'm giving the calves a good chance to rest after they've been inflamed since last week. Went to see the physio Alison recommended yesterday,Ben Levine, and he put my calves and hamstrings through their paces. At one point, my legs were feeling like car jacks being lifted and stretched and thoughts of Mrs Macca kept flashing through my mind - surely it would be less painful just to have a prosthetic leg! I think he's done the trick though as they feel a lot more 'normal' today and although I'll lay off the running this evening (Sian's going out) I'm looking forward to the club tomorrow and then one last long run before the marathon, this weekend. Funny how I'm getting withdrawl symptoms, but I'm convinced it's best not to aggravate these niggles!
Sunday, April 1, 2007
Sunday 1st April
Summary of Week 12: 20.5 miles
Well, after three 20 mile races and a quick half-marathon in March, the cracks were bound to appear! After the initial euphria of last weekend, the legs felt tired and strained and I've spent much of the second half of the weeking resting. Sunday, although it was a short run, was critical and thankfully I think I'm back on track. Will have to be careful though - I've been given my first written warning!
Well, after three 20 mile races and a quick half-marathon in March, the cracks were bound to appear! After the initial euphria of last weekend, the legs felt tired and strained and I've spent much of the second half of the weeking resting. Sunday, although it was a short run, was critical and thankfully I think I'm back on track. Will have to be careful though - I've been given my first written warning!
Sunday 1st April
6.3 miles @ 8.02 p/m
50.38
Well, it was the run that nearly wasn't! Got up before 7am to do a decent run this morning and put James back to bed. Next thing I knew it was nearly 8, and I'd got in a few more unexpected zzzz's! Bugger. With a family day planned it, the running was out of the window. After visiting a very underwhelming Dudley Zoo (where were the animals?) I managed to negotiate an evening session. I had some trepidation though as there is still a little discomfort when I strike off with the right foot. Had a really enjoyable run though at marathon pace - down the canals and back through town to Harborne. It felt very easy. Could feel a strain but not really problematic. The trouble is I just can't locate where the discomfort is coming from. It's not a particular spot on the leg (like last year's stress fracture) and not on the knee, more a general strain. However, working on the premis that it feels a lot better than midweek, I'll check it out with the physio guy Alison recommended a while back, and just take it easy next week. I know I've got the miles in me now, so I don't want to lose sight of the end goal - finishing the Shakespeare marathon in a respectable time and in a respectable physical state! It all feels more real now as well, as the info came through yesterday with the course route - will have to check out the gradients though.
50.38
Well, it was the run that nearly wasn't! Got up before 7am to do a decent run this morning and put James back to bed. Next thing I knew it was nearly 8, and I'd got in a few more unexpected zzzz's! Bugger. With a family day planned it, the running was out of the window. After visiting a very underwhelming Dudley Zoo (where were the animals?) I managed to negotiate an evening session. I had some trepidation though as there is still a little discomfort when I strike off with the right foot. Had a really enjoyable run though at marathon pace - down the canals and back through town to Harborne. It felt very easy. Could feel a strain but not really problematic. The trouble is I just can't locate where the discomfort is coming from. It's not a particular spot on the leg (like last year's stress fracture) and not on the knee, more a general strain. However, working on the premis that it feels a lot better than midweek, I'll check it out with the physio guy Alison recommended a while back, and just take it easy next week. I know I've got the miles in me now, so I don't want to lose sight of the end goal - finishing the Shakespeare marathon in a respectable time and in a respectable physical state! It all feels more real now as well, as the info came through yesterday with the course route - will have to check out the gradients though.
Saturday 30th March
No Running
25Km on X-Bike
No running now for 3 days. Today was very much a family day - took the boys to swimming and then the garden got it's first cut for the year - with Dan + James fighting over the toy lawnmower! Felt good to do a workout for an hour on the exercise bike, but I've given the legs an extended rest after the last few weeks. Pain has completely gone in the left leg, but there's still a niggle in the right. Will go for a run tomorrow
25Km on X-Bike
No running now for 3 days. Today was very much a family day - took the boys to swimming and then the garden got it's first cut for the year - with Dan + James fighting over the toy lawnmower! Felt good to do a workout for an hour on the exercise bike, but I've given the legs an extended rest after the last few weeks. Pain has completely gone in the left leg, but there's still a niggle in the right. Will go for a run tomorrow
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