Date & Time : 17/02/10 21:15
Distance : 5.5 miles
Total Training Distance (since beginning Sept 09) : 384.5 miles
Route & Stats : Inner Ring Road
Really didn't want to run tonight. Didn't get home from work until 7.15pm, then needed to eat, then needed allow time to digest the food. By then it was 8.30pm. I really really didn't want to run. I got changed, had a headache, it was literally freezing outside. I DON'T WANT TO GO RUNNING, was all I could think about.
In the end I forced myself out the door by 9.15pm. I was angry. In fact so angry that I ran at 8 min miles for the first 2 miles just to spite myself and this whole bloody marathon training. Then I realised I was knackered and completed the rest at a more comfortable pace of 9 min miles, which is still 1 min per mile quicker than my target marathon pace.
Having finished this run I was pleased for 2 reasons. First because I had overcome the urge to not bother and secondly because I had no issues with my right ankle which was quite sore Mon and Tue, but thanks to a sports massage and tight ankle support was alright.
Friday, 19 February 2010
Saturday, 13 February 2010
71 Days To Go - Mind Games
Date & Time : 13/10/09 09:15
Distance : 18 miles
Total Training Distance (since beginning Sept 09) : 379 miles
Route & Stats: Ring Road & Colney Loop
The link above shows 16.5 miles, it was 18, I managed to accidently switch my garmin off for a mile or so much to my annoyance - so here is the proof it was 18. It certainly felt like 18, but actually wasn't too bad. My right ankle got quite sore towards the end and the steep up hill bit at the end of Marsden Lane at about 15 miles was just a physical impossibility to run up.
I think the biggest challenge with these long runs is the mental battle. You have to find a way to get into the zone, find a rythym where you're not constantly thinking about how far you've gone and how far there is left to go. If you're not in the zone, every mile can seem like it takes forever, whereas when you're tuned in and running with a nice steady rythym then 3 or 4 miles can slip by without you even noticing.
Today's run was definitely a run of 3 stages. The first 6 miles weren't a problem at all. The middle 6 were a bit of a struggle and then the last 6 were OK. Again I think this is all about the psychology. After 6 miles I was thinking that there was still 3 miles to go until I was halfway, and then at 9 miles I felt rough and was thinking that there was another 9 miles to go which is mentally tough to deal with. But once I got past 12 miles, I started to feel much better knowing that I was turning for home and the last couple of miles were actually good and I felt quite strong, apart from my sore ankle, which actually felt worse while I was walking than when I was running.
It's the Great East Run 20K next Sunday in Bungay which I am looking forward to, so will try and get a couple of decent runs in during the week in preparation for that.
Distance : 18 miles
Total Training Distance (since beginning Sept 09) : 379 miles
Route & Stats: Ring Road & Colney Loop
The link above shows 16.5 miles, it was 18, I managed to accidently switch my garmin off for a mile or so much to my annoyance - so here is the proof it was 18. It certainly felt like 18, but actually wasn't too bad. My right ankle got quite sore towards the end and the steep up hill bit at the end of Marsden Lane at about 15 miles was just a physical impossibility to run up.
I think the biggest challenge with these long runs is the mental battle. You have to find a way to get into the zone, find a rythym where you're not constantly thinking about how far you've gone and how far there is left to go. If you're not in the zone, every mile can seem like it takes forever, whereas when you're tuned in and running with a nice steady rythym then 3 or 4 miles can slip by without you even noticing.
Today's run was definitely a run of 3 stages. The first 6 miles weren't a problem at all. The middle 6 were a bit of a struggle and then the last 6 were OK. Again I think this is all about the psychology. After 6 miles I was thinking that there was still 3 miles to go until I was halfway, and then at 9 miles I felt rough and was thinking that there was another 9 miles to go which is mentally tough to deal with. But once I got past 12 miles, I started to feel much better knowing that I was turning for home and the last couple of miles were actually good and I felt quite strong, apart from my sore ankle, which actually felt worse while I was walking than when I was running.
It's the Great East Run 20K next Sunday in Bungay which I am looking forward to, so will try and get a couple of decent runs in during the week in preparation for that.
Saturday, 6 February 2010
78 Days To Go - Blue Sky & Coffee
Date & Time : 06/02/10 09:00
Distance : 16.5 miles
Total Training Distance (since beginning Sept 09) : 361 miles
Route & Stats : Local Loops & Big Broad x 2
I've decided that Saturday mornings is definitely the best time for the weekend long run - get it done and out of the way as soon as possible, because the feeling I have now as I write this update with a nice fresh coffee in my hand, is just great, in the knowledge that my work is done for this weekend.
This was a good run, and easily the best long run I've done so far. The pace was decent and consistent from the start to the end, no real physical problems, apart from sore ankles for the last mile or so, and mentally not an issue. The time seemed to pass quite quickly even though I was on my feet for close to 3 hours. I'm listening to Dan Browns, new novel The Lost Symbol on my iPhone which is really helping me take my mind off the running.
The other great thing about today was the weather. A really lovely spring day, clear blue skys, light frost, no wind - just about the perfect conditions for marathon training I would imagine. It's also the first time I have been able to get my legs out and wear shorts for many weeks, although I did keep the gloves and beeny on.
This weeks thanks go to the Trowse Ski Club for accommodating my emergency stop, you will never know how grateful I am!
Distance : 16.5 miles
Total Training Distance (since beginning Sept 09) : 361 miles
Route & Stats : Local Loops & Big Broad x 2
I've decided that Saturday mornings is definitely the best time for the weekend long run - get it done and out of the way as soon as possible, because the feeling I have now as I write this update with a nice fresh coffee in my hand, is just great, in the knowledge that my work is done for this weekend.
This was a good run, and easily the best long run I've done so far. The pace was decent and consistent from the start to the end, no real physical problems, apart from sore ankles for the last mile or so, and mentally not an issue. The time seemed to pass quite quickly even though I was on my feet for close to 3 hours. I'm listening to Dan Browns, new novel The Lost Symbol on my iPhone which is really helping me take my mind off the running.
The other great thing about today was the weather. A really lovely spring day, clear blue skys, light frost, no wind - just about the perfect conditions for marathon training I would imagine. It's also the first time I have been able to get my legs out and wear shorts for many weeks, although I did keep the gloves and beeny on.
This weeks thanks go to the Trowse Ski Club for accommodating my emergency stop, you will never know how grateful I am!
Friday, 5 February 2010
81 Days To Go - Under 9m Miles
Date & Time : 03/02/10 20:00
Distance : 4 miles
Total Training Distance (since beginning Sept 09) : 344.5 miles
Route & Stats : Chapplefied Gardens and Back
I so did not want to go for a run tonight as anyone reading my facebook status would have seen. However, after a few friends replied telling me to get my arse in gear, I managed to find the energy to get my trainers on and get out there into the freezing cold rain.
And guess what .... I had one of my best runs of the year. It was only 4 miles, but I decided to get my head down and put in some effort and ended up completing the run at an average of 8 mins 41 secs per mile which considering there is at least a mile of up hill running I was really pleased.
By the next post I will have, hopefully got 16 miles under my belt which I am actually looking forward to. Famous last words!
Distance : 4 miles
Total Training Distance (since beginning Sept 09) : 344.5 miles
Route & Stats : Chapplefied Gardens and Back
I so did not want to go for a run tonight as anyone reading my facebook status would have seen. However, after a few friends replied telling me to get my arse in gear, I managed to find the energy to get my trainers on and get out there into the freezing cold rain.
And guess what .... I had one of my best runs of the year. It was only 4 miles, but I decided to get my head down and put in some effort and ended up completing the run at an average of 8 mins 41 secs per mile which considering there is at least a mile of up hill running I was really pleased.
By the next post I will have, hopefully got 16 miles under my belt which I am actually looking forward to. Famous last words!
Sunday, 31 January 2010
84 Days To Go - Offroading On The Marriotts Way
Date & Time : 31/01/10 10:00
Distance : 14.5 miles
Total Training Distance (since beginning Sept 09) : 340.5 miles
Route & Stats : Drayton and Back, via Marriotts Way
This was more like it, 14.5 miles and it hurt a bit, but nothing like the run I did last Friday. I was supposed to be running in the Reedham 10m race today but the weather put paid to that, so I decided to get another long run in, only this time I was going to prepare properly.
The preparation certainly helped and I remembered to take my 'Go Gel' with me this time. I still found it tough going towards the end, but then I suppose that is what training runs are all about. The route was good and I particularly liked running up the Marriotts Way and it was nice to run off road for a change. With snow on the ground some of the scenery was beautiful.
Looking ahead to next weekend, I will be aiming for 16 miles, and will probably stay local and do a few laps around Whittlingham Hall and The Big Broad. The good thing about that is that I'm never more than a few minutes away from a toilet which is becoming an issue on these long runs. This weeks thanks go to Chapplefield shopping centre for my emergency stop, fortunately there weren't too many shoppers around.
Distance : 14.5 miles
Total Training Distance (since beginning Sept 09) : 340.5 miles
Route & Stats : Drayton and Back, via Marriotts Way
This was more like it, 14.5 miles and it hurt a bit, but nothing like the run I did last Friday. I was supposed to be running in the Reedham 10m race today but the weather put paid to that, so I decided to get another long run in, only this time I was going to prepare properly.
The preparation certainly helped and I remembered to take my 'Go Gel' with me this time. I still found it tough going towards the end, but then I suppose that is what training runs are all about. The route was good and I particularly liked running up the Marriotts Way and it was nice to run off road for a change. With snow on the ground some of the scenery was beautiful.
Looking ahead to next weekend, I will be aiming for 16 miles, and will probably stay local and do a few laps around Whittlingham Hall and The Big Broad. The good thing about that is that I'm never more than a few minutes away from a toilet which is becoming an issue on these long runs. This weeks thanks go to Chapplefield shopping centre for my emergency stop, fortunately there weren't too many shoppers around.
Wednesday, 27 January 2010
88 Days To Go - Running On Empty
Date & Time : 27/01/10 19:30
Distance : 5.5 miles
Total Training Distance (since beginning Sept 09) : 326 miles
Route & Stats : Inner Ring Road
Didn't really enjoy this one. Tried to complete my 'Tempo' run. I know what it's called now after attending an interesting marathon training workshop tonight with Paul Evans. Tempo, means running for a sustained period at approximately 80% of flat out. I managed to do this ok for about 3.5 miles, but then needed to take a break. After that I completed the run at a decent but slower pace. I seem to be short on energy at the moment which might be because I'm still recovering from by long run on Friday, football on Sunday and an hour on the cross trainer last night. So, for the rest of this week I'm going to take it easy and rest up in preparation for the 10m race on Sunday.
Well done to Norwich last night for a great win away at Walsall coming back from 1-0 down to win 2-1, with the added bonus that Dirty Leeds lost 3-0 at in form Swindon. I've got a pass for Saturday and am looking forward to a visit to Carra Rud. My prediction is that by 5 o'clock we will be 6 points clear of Dirty Leeds as they have a tough game against Colchester and then it will be a straight race to the finish.
Distance : 5.5 miles
Total Training Distance (since beginning Sept 09) : 326 miles
Route & Stats : Inner Ring Road
Didn't really enjoy this one. Tried to complete my 'Tempo' run. I know what it's called now after attending an interesting marathon training workshop tonight with Paul Evans. Tempo, means running for a sustained period at approximately 80% of flat out. I managed to do this ok for about 3.5 miles, but then needed to take a break. After that I completed the run at a decent but slower pace. I seem to be short on energy at the moment which might be because I'm still recovering from by long run on Friday, football on Sunday and an hour on the cross trainer last night. So, for the rest of this week I'm going to take it easy and rest up in preparation for the 10m race on Sunday.
Well done to Norwich last night for a great win away at Walsall coming back from 1-0 down to win 2-1, with the added bonus that Dirty Leeds lost 3-0 at in form Swindon. I've got a pass for Saturday and am looking forward to a visit to Carra Rud. My prediction is that by 5 o'clock we will be 6 points clear of Dirty Leeds as they have a tough game against Colchester and then it will be a straight race to the finish.
Sunday, 24 January 2010
93 Days To Go - What Was I Thinking, Stupid Boy
Date & Time : 22/01/10 19:30
Distance : 14 miles
Total Training Distance (since beginning Sept 09) : 320.5 miles
Route & Stats : Inner Ring Road, Out To UEA, Bluebell Road, Zigzag Back
Ow, ow, ow, ow, ow....this one really hurt. First 11 miles went well, then boom, the wheels came off. No energy, legs like lead, calves on fire, ankles raw. It was also pouring with rain and I was soaked through. What this proves more than anything is that I must prepare better for my long runs and nipping out on a Friday night having not eaten for several hours is not going to work.
My friend Matt had kindly given me a 'Go Gel' isotonic carbohydrate energy gel sachet to try out, which I stupidly forgot to take with me .... boy I could have really done with that as I turned to go out on Newmarket Road.
That all said, I could have shortened my route and didn't, and I did complete 14 miles, even though the last couple were a combination of jogging, stretching, cursing and walking. The other quite pleasing thing is that my recovery period from these long runs is good and after 1 day of rest I'm ready to go again.
Anyway lesson learnt, and I am already looking to the next long(ish) one, which will be the Reedham 10m race next Sunday. After that I plan to push on with my target of 18 miles by the end of February .... gulp.
Distance : 14 miles
Total Training Distance (since beginning Sept 09) : 320.5 miles
Route & Stats : Inner Ring Road, Out To UEA, Bluebell Road, Zigzag Back
Ow, ow, ow, ow, ow....this one really hurt. First 11 miles went well, then boom, the wheels came off. No energy, legs like lead, calves on fire, ankles raw. It was also pouring with rain and I was soaked through. What this proves more than anything is that I must prepare better for my long runs and nipping out on a Friday night having not eaten for several hours is not going to work.
My friend Matt had kindly given me a 'Go Gel' isotonic carbohydrate energy gel sachet to try out, which I stupidly forgot to take with me .... boy I could have really done with that as I turned to go out on Newmarket Road.
That all said, I could have shortened my route and didn't, and I did complete 14 miles, even though the last couple were a combination of jogging, stretching, cursing and walking. The other quite pleasing thing is that my recovery period from these long runs is good and after 1 day of rest I'm ready to go again.
Anyway lesson learnt, and I am already looking to the next long(ish) one, which will be the Reedham 10m race next Sunday. After that I plan to push on with my target of 18 miles by the end of February .... gulp.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
