Running with the birds or for the birds?

Marthastew · 09-01-2012 5:40pm #1

Another new person to start a log in January....

Spurred on by the 1000mile challenge and the fact that I have a busy marathon calander this year I've decided to start a log.
The first week of 2012 was possibly the highest mileage I have run in one week so anyone reading this might be misled as to my level of fitness.

Jan 2nd
Here is where the title for my log comes from... kids still off school, visitors staying with us and more vistors on the way meant that in order to get a run in I was up bright and early running at 7.30am. The sound of the birds cheered me up somewhat but it was freezing and I never really warmed up.
Character building

15.11 miles ang pace 9.06min/mile

Jan 4th
The visitors kindly looked after the kids so I could head out on a run. My legs were tired, the overeating of Christmas catching up with me so I was delighted when I bumped into a running pal on Vico Road, he was happy to have company on the hills and I upped the pace.

10.12miles avg pace 8.33min/mile

Jan 6th
In bad need of some LSR endorphins I booked a babysitter for the kids and headed out.
The wind and the hills were VERY tough going (I should never have opened another tin of quality street) this coupled with the fact that I had forgotten to charge my iPod (I usually download a marathontalk podcast to help the time pass) meant that this was another Characterbuilding run. All the time I was reminding myself that Connemara won't exactly be a walk in the park so I finished happy enough.

20.03miles avg pace 9.04min/mile

Jan 7th
Hadn't charged my Garmin and I usually use this as an excuse to skip a run but I needed to do medium long run on top of my LSR as part of my Ultra training so out the door I went. I'm not at all used to running without the Garmin but I felt strong and it was enjoyable. I had a rough idea of the distance and I checked it afterwards on mapmyrun.

15miles in 1 hour 55 minutes.

Jan 8th
Boys back to rugby training so I used the time to do my recovery run, tough going and I really felt the high mileage in my legs, by the end of it I felt better though, I guess that's why they call it a recovery run:)
6.00 9.02min/miles

I topped the week off with a family trip up the Sugar Loaf in the afternoon, the boys insisted we go straight up the middle, great fun but I was a little out of breath, how can that be? I think I'm quite fit, obviously not.
How do people run up and down the Sugar Loaf????

WEEKLY MILES 66.35

Monday January 9th

Joy of joys, the kids are back to school....
I started the day with a reviving dip in the Irish Sea at 40Foot about 7degrees celsius at the moment. Then I headed to the gym to do the stretching I should have been doing over Christmas.
Body Sculpt class nearly killed me, I haven't been in three weeks.

Short run with some intervals
3.7miles avg pace 8.24min/mile

menoscemo · 09-01-2012 5:57pm

Great to see you've got a log.

Lot's of great long runs there, they'll all stand to you come Connemara. You're ahead of me on the back to back long runs.

Marthastew · 09-01-2012 8:36pm

menoscemo wrote: »

Great to see you've got a log.

Lot's of great long runs there, they'll all stand to you come Connemara. You're ahead of me on the back to back long runs.

Yes, but you have a lot more miles and a lot more marathons in your legs:)
You seem to be flying with your training, keep up the hard work.

I'm actually quite surprised how I'm adapting to the back to back long runs, I usually took a rest day after my long runs in my previuos training, I guess I was just being lazy!

brownian · 09-01-2012 8:39pm

Welcome to log-land! Those are some savage runs for the middle of winter - I'm proud if I get ten miles in, never mind 15 or 20! Keep injury free and that'll set you up for some pretty good race results.

Rock on!

Brianderunner · 10-01-2012 10:40am

Welcome to the logs, you had to start one eventually

All those hills will set you up perfectly for those last few hilly miles in Central Park

Marthastew · 10-01-2012 5:06pm

Brianderunner wrote: »

Welcome to the logs, you had to start one eventually

All those hills will set you up perfectly for those last few hilly miles in Central Park

I wish those New Yorkers would hurry up and let us know we are in!
Mr Stew is talking about where we might go on our family Summer holiday this year, I'm not so sure we can afford one:)

Marthastew · 10-01-2012 9:54pm

Jan 10th

Crosstraining day for me;
Quick dip in the sea first thing followed by 45 minute lower body workout class and then 45 minutes much needed Pilates class. I felt about two inches taller on the way out of the gym.

I was seriuosly tempted to head out for a run this evening when I saw the full moon while collecting my 10 year old from GAA training earlier, a beautiful evening for a run, common sense prevailed and I'm home having a cuppa:)

Marthastew · 11-01-2012 8:08pm

january 11th

Lactate treshold run total 12.06 miles

Miles 1 to 5 a 9min/mile pace
Miles 6 through 12 at just over 8min/mile.

Really enjoyable run along the coast into Sean Moore Park and back out to Dun Laoighaire. Finished it off with a half hour spin class and a fifteen minute Abs class.

Oisin11178 · 11-01-2012 10:28pm

Marthastew wrote: »

january 11th

Lactate treshold run total 12.06 miles

Miles 1 to 5 a 9min/mile pace
Miles 6 through 12 at just over 8min/mile.

Really enjoyable run along the coast into Sean Moore Park and back out to Dun Laoighaire. Finished it off with a half hour spin class and a fifteen minute Abs class.

Whats your lt pace there bud?
I read it as just over 8 min miles for the last 6 but you have a run logged futher up 15 miles in 1h55m,thats well under 8 min miles fot 15 miles so im think im getting the wrong end of the stick somewhere.

Marthastew · 11-01-2012 10:39pm

Oisin11178 wrote: »

Whats your lt pace there bud?
I read it as just over 8 min miles for the last 6 but you have a run logged futher up 15 miles in 1h55m,thats well under 8 min miles fot 15 miles so im think im getting the wrong end of the stick somewhere.

Actually you're not getting wrong end of the stick; the 15 mile run was done without my Garmin so I had no way of keeping an eye on pace at all. Also I was in a hurry to get home and was obviously having a good day because it felt fine as I ran it. I was very tired during the recovery run next day.
Today I planned on running 5 miles to warm up and then the next 7 miles at 7.30-8 min mile pace (I'm using a half Marathon time as my LT pace, is this correct?) but I was obviously tired today, only got under 8 min miles for the final mile

Oisin11178 · 11-01-2012 10:46pm

Marthastew wrote: »

Actually you're not getting wrong end of the stick; the 15 mile run was done without my Garmin so I had no way of keeping an eye on pace at all. Also I was in a hurry to get home and was obviously having a good day because it felt fine as I ran it. I was very tired during the recovery run next day.
Today I planned on running 5 miles to warm up and then the next 7 miles at 7.30-8 min mile pace (I'm using a half Marathon time as my LT pace, is this correct?) but I was obviously tired today, only got under 8 min miles for the final mile

Im not really into the faster stuff these days but yeah that sounds about right, somewhere between your 10 mile pace and half pace is my understanding of lt pace. I might be wrong and im someone will say so if i am.
Thats some solid training your doing there, welcome to the logs.

Marthastew · 12-01-2012 11:12pm

January 12th

Quick dip in Sea, trip to Lidl (what a glamorous life I lead:p) then down to gym for foam rolling, as the miles get higher I really start to feel my age.

I had planneda short run but wasn't sure what pace I'd be up for so I took the easy option and headed into Blackrock park. I felt good so this became a general aerobic 6.03 miles, 8.23 min/mile; fabulous day for it.
I arrived back to the gym in time for a half hour spin class, I took it easy enough, treated it as a cool down.

LSR tomorrow and the next day, I've booked a sport's massage for Monday

Marthastew · 13-01-2012 5:42pm

friday 13th (:eek:)

So far so good for me today, not unlucky, in fact very lucky.

LSR for me and my goals were; 21 miles and an avg pace of 9.15-9.30 min mile.
A cold but glorious morning, perfect running conditions.
My past few LSRs have been hills first, then flat in the second half so today I turned it round. However I didnt really hit the hills until about the 17th mile so i'll have to make sure I get more hills in on my next long run.
I usually never stop on my long runs but I'm off chocolate for the forseeable future since I overindulged so much at Christmas EXCEPT for on my long runs:D so today I stopped the timer and flew into a garage for a bottle of coke and a bar of chocolate (Malteser bunny, YUM)
During the run I also had two gels and a bottle of Lucosade sport so I was well fed and hydrated.
I really enjoyed this run, struggled a bit on the hills but I resisted the urge to stop and walk. My quads were sore on the downhills from mile 19 but it was lovely to be speeding up at that stage. Finished it off with a dip in the 40 Foot at almost full tide with warm sunshine, all in all a great way to spend the morning.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/141278400

21.71 miles avg pace 9.13min/mile.

The first part of my run was the same route I took last Saturday when my Garmin was out of battery, I was horrified to learn that my mapmyrun 15 miles was indeed 14.45 miles, I will be deducting the .55 mile from my total update today:o

Marthastew · 14-01-2012 6:42pm

Saturday January 14th

Second of my LSRs and for this one I was up running with the birds, Saturday is always busy in our house with Mr Stew's golf, rugby and GAA for my boys so my alarm was set for 6am. I had wisely made an arrangement to meet a pal for this run, otherwise I would have rolled over for a few more zzzzs...

My goals for this run were 14/15 miles and nice easy pace. I most definitely felt yesterday's run in my legs as I headed out the door. My pal lives half mile away so I walked down and did a dynamic warm up on the way, nobody around this early to laugh at me as I did my kick butts and my John Cleese ministry of silly walks routine.
We headed off and the first few miles passed by easily. I was surprised how good my legs felt. She's just back from Oz so she found it a little cold, it was actually quite mild. With 7 miles down we were rewarded with a magnificent sunrise as we left hilly Killiney and headed towards Sandymount. At about 9 miles she started to get really tired and we slowed considerably, jet lag was setting in. I was happy it wasn't me who was slowing us down. However I was starting to get hungry. I normally never need food on an early morning run under 17/18 miles and I had eaten lots yesterday but all I could think about was breakfast! I left my friend at 14 miles so I added an extra lap to bring my total up

15.02 miles 9.27 min/mile.
I rewarded myself with a huge bowl of porridge, maple syrup, cream, bananas and walnuts, YUM!
I'm thrilled with my two LSRs, a total of 36.73 miles completed within 24 hours (a sneaky night's sleep in the middle of it though), although still not the full ultra distance!
8 weeks to taper so I've a long, lobg way to go yet but I finally feel I'm well on the road to Connemara

Marthastew · 16-01-2012 10:36pm

Sunday 15th Jan
A very well deserved rest day. I managed a two mile recovery walk home from the rugby pitch and then I took it easy for the day.

Total weekly miles 58.52

Marthastew · 16-01-2012 10:41pm

Monday January 16th

Half hour sport's massage, I was advised to stretch more (no sh*t Sherlock) so I spent a half hour doing some gentle stretching afterwards.
45minute body sculpt class.

7 mile recovery run this evening, my legs are tired, but tired all over so nothing to worry about.

Marthastew · 17-01-2012 10:48pm

Tuesday January 17th

Fantastic start to my day; my confirmation of acceptance into the New York marathon email:D My time from DCM has been verified.
All going well I plan to use a friend's UK address next year for London to get a GFA entry and that will be all the majors done for me.

A measly 3 miles to add to the 1000mile challenge this evening, I had to travel back to my home town for a funeral so I spent most of the day driving, sitting in the church and sitting having tea with my 86 year old aunt who (thankfully) is showing no signs of slowing down yet. If there was an Ultra distance in talking she would definitely be first across the line.
I arrived home just in time to bring the boys to karate and tired from sitting all day I used my spare half hour to stretch my legs.

3.05 miles avg pace 8.43 min/mile

Brianderunner · 17-01-2012 11:03pm

Great news delighted for you

Dyou know how long it took for it to be ratified?

neilc · 17-01-2012 11:06pm

Hi Martha, just seen your log. Best of luck with it, your getting some miles in lately.
Congrats on New York too, great news. I actually entered the lottery myself, still haven't told herself though

Marthastew · 18-01-2012 12:38pm

Brianderunner wrote: »

Great news delighted for you

Dyou know how long it took for it to be ratified?

I emailed them last week on reghelp@nyrr.org to ask why it was taking so long and they answered saying it would take about three weeks to verify all the results.
Maybe drop them an email, perhaps they verify full marathons first then halfs?

Marthastew · 18-01-2012 8:20pm

neilc wrote: »

Hi Martha, just seen your log. Best of luck with it, your getting some miles in lately.
Congrats on New York too, great news. I actually entered the lottery myself, still haven't told herself though

Delighted to see you're back on track, the rest probably did you good, as I always tell Mr Stew; the missus knows best:)
If you do get in to New York in the lottery I'm sure it will be a well deserved break for you both, she can shop while you run.
Mr Stew has also entered the lottery, end of April is when they let people know, fingers crossed

Marthastew · 18-01-2012 9:58pm

Wednesday january 18th

Plan for today was 6 miles easy followed by 7 miles LT pace; I was meeting a friend for the first 10k and she likes an easy enough pace. She was having so much fun she decided to stay with me but that meant no fast miles for me. I suppose I could have suggested I head off on my own but I was so happy to have company I stayed with her. I used to think I really enjoyed running on my own but now I've increased the miles I realise I'm not that good company after all....

13.19 miles avg pace 9.24 (:eek:)

Marthastew · 19-01-2012 4:26pm

Thursday January 19th

Busy week with lots of last minute changes have meant that I havent had any real structure to my runs and today was much the same, found myslef with an hour free so I decided to just run for fun and didn't allow myself to look at pace distance etc. Really enjoyed it in spite of the wind along the coast and I even got to run with a rainbow as backdrop.
I follwed this run with a class in the gym becasue I missed pilates on Tuesday and was badly in need of a proper stretch before my long runs tomorrow and Saturday.

6.09 miles avg pace 8.37min/mile
45 minute lower body class

Marthastew · 20-01-2012 5:40pm

Friday January 20th LSR,

I was meeting my friend for most of this run so I decided to head to Killiney and get some hills in to start and then headed back to Sandycove for her. The wind on the way into town along the coast was horrific at times and I kept thinking we should head inland but I love running by the sea and it was somewhat sheltered in parts. I acccidentally stopped my Garmin for a portion of the run but since we basiclaly did a loop I was able to figure out our distance/time. It was the first time I have run into the city centre on a training run and it was really enjoyable except for the traffic lights around Pearse street although lots of happy memories around Westland Row from DCM:)

Another longish run tomorrow and then a much needed step back week for me, I'm feeling the high miles in my legs and I don't want to arrive at the start in Connemara to find I've used up all my energy by the sea in Dublin

23 miles avg pace 9.45 min/mile

Marthastew · 22-01-2012 8:22pm

Saturday January 21st

I had planned 16mile LSR but I decided not to set the alarm early and catch up on some sleep after a very busy week. the whole house slept until 9am, in fact I had to wake the boys for GAA. My ten year old has moved back to Shanganagh Park so I decided I'd run while he trained. In spite of the strong winds I really enjoyed this run. Having only ever stood on the sidelines of the pitches at the front of this park I never realised it went all the way back to the sea, there's even a field with cows, lots of other people of all shapes and sizes running and plenty of dogs not to mention the fantastic surfaces. I'm looking forward to next week already! I did a couple of loops and then headed out and down to Bray, I'm usually in a car or on my bike around this part of county Dublin so it was fun to be running here.

10.37 miles 8.42 min/mile. Not an LSR but I've 10 more weeks of worrying about my training plan, a change is as good as a rest:-)

Marthastew · 22-01-2012 9:39pm

Sunday January 22nd

TOUGH recovery run in a very windy Kilbogget Park. The only reason I didn't give up half way through was because the far side of the park was sheltered and also I couldn't give up on my run while my boys played rugby in the same horrific conditions
6.07 miles, avg pace 9.12min/mile. I felt a lot better at the end of the run, not just because it was over; I'm really starting to see the value of recovery runs. I managed to escape to the gym later this afternoon and I did lots of stretching and foam rolling. My legs feel like new again:)

total weekly miles 68.87

Annual miles 193.74

I thought I had been updating the 1,000 mile challenge on a daily basis but I've just added up my last three weeks (with a calculator, where has my brain gone??) and I've more miles. I'm really glad I started this log, it really helps to see the miles adding up. Although I'm well aware that it's still only January and a long way to go to Connemara (10 weeks in fact) via Donadea (4 weeks).

This coming week will be a step back week for me. Also Mr Stew and I are doing the Raheny 5 mile on Sunday, he caught up with me at the Aware 5 miler, I reckon this will be the race he overtakes me. Nothing like a bit of competition to spice up middle aged suburban matrimonial life;)

menoscemo · 22-01-2012 9:41pm

Marthastew wrote: »

[
This coming week will be a step back week for me. Also Mr Stew and I are doing the Raheny 5 mile on Sunday, he caught up with me at the Aware 5 miler, I reckon this will be the race he overtakes me. Nothing like a bit of competition to spice up middle aged suburban matrimonial life;)

Men are generally quicker at the short stuff. You'll still get him at the longer races

Marthastew · 23-01-2012 8:25pm

Monday January 22nd

Rest day for me today so I headed down to the gym; crosstrainer to warm up for 20 minutes and then I spent half hour stretching and foam rolling. Followed this with a 45 minute body sculpt class. My legs are feeling much better, I almost feel like going out for a run now:)

I made the mistake of lending my copy of Advanced Marathoning to Mr Stew.... I've created a lycra wearing monster who now talks more about running than me. What have I done??

Marthastew · 25-01-2012 10:15pm

Tuesday Jan 24th

Lower body workout 45 minute class followed by 45 mins Pilates for some much needed stretching of my legs.
Despite having a bowl of porridge with a banana and some toast for breakfast I was starving during both classes and all I could think about was lunch. I had intended to run after the classes but I was too hungry and tired so I decided to go out at 6pm while the boys were at karate. Lovely easy run up Vico Road (well, Vico road was not easy obviously) for 7.42 miles, the weather is so fabulous at the moment. This time last year we were all cracking up after weeks of interrupted training becasue of the snow:(

Marthastew · 25-01-2012 10:28pm

Wednesday Jan 25th

Medium LSR.
I was not really in the mood for this run, work was annoying me and I had a million things to do but I started the day with a 40 Foot dip to clear the cobwebs, tackled some of my jobs and then I headed off out to Bray along the coast before the rain arrived.
Fabulous run, tough going on the hills but lots of downhills also and it gave me a chance to practice what Mr. Stew has been reading up on hills and how to tackle them.
It was quite windy but this meant fantastic sounds from the sea and when I got bored with that I popped on a Marathon talk podcast for inspiration. The anniversary show had some repeat interviews (Ron Hill, MacMillan, Matt Dixon, Steve Jones) and lots of useful information. Matt Dixon was talking about nutrition and I realised I really have not been eating/drinking properly during and after long runs, I really need to address this and I plan to be extra vigilant on my LSR tomorrow.
Spring is on its way:) I passed snowdrops, crocuses and cherry blossoms.
As I'm allowed chocolate on my long runs I went for a Malteser Bunny again this time, YUM!

16.11 miles avg pace 9.12min/mile

Younganne · 25-01-2012 10:55pm

fair play ....you will have no bother in April with the hills...you weren't in the mood to start with but i bet you enjoyed the run...you paint a lovely picture!!

yes i noticed the snowdrops at the weekend...hurray spring is definitely on the way!!!

Marthastew · 26-01-2012 11:30pm

Thursday January 26th

LSR
I was running this with a friend who has signed up for Conn Full as her first marathon so although she wasn't thrilled about the idea of hills she agreed on this route. I've found that it's much easier to run on my own the first day and then have company the second day for these back to back long runs. We started at the 40foot as the plan was to go for a dip on our return at high tide. We were very, very lucky with the weather, although it was cold we had no rain and not too much wind and even some sunshine. Along the coast, Killiney, Shankill then Bray and the plan was to turn back at 9 miles, we ran along the promenade in fabulous sunshine up Bray Head and onto the start of the route to Greystones, I was enjoying the views so much I almost didn't hear my Garmin tell me it was 9 miles:) We turned around and headed home. Glorious sunshine and high tide made for a perfect end to our run and my legs felt much better after the dip, or maybe I just couldn't feel them??
I had two gels, another Malteser Bunny, some more chocolate, water and orange juice en route and I had a big breakfast before I headed out. I've also been careful to eat and drink lots today so I'm hoping to be recovered well tomorrow.

Pace was a little bit slow for me but time on my feet is what I need and I was thrilled to have the company.

18.12 miles avg pace 9.50 min mile

brownian · 26-01-2012 11:51pm

wow - great route, MarthaStew. That's some run - I've run many bits of it, but never linked them all together like that - nice going.

I'm starting to fret - other connemara-bound have a lot more miles in than I have :eek:

Anyway - that's good going!

Marthastew · 27-01-2012 6:09pm

brownian wrote: »

wow - great route, MarthaStew. That's some run - I've run many bits of it, but never linked them all together like that - nice going.

I'm starting to fret - other connemara-bound have a lot more miles in than I have :eek:

Anyway - that's good going!

Thanks, it's actually not that tough at all, you should give it a go. Plenty of shops en route and super scenery.

And DO NOT fret about the amount of miles people are doing,
I perform better on race day if I have had a fairly heavy duty taper so I need to do lots of hard work now.
best of luck with the rest of your training, time is flying by now.....

Marthastew · 29-01-2012 9:51pm

Fri Jan 27th
Dip in 40foot and a 45 minute body sculpt class

Saturday 28th

Rest:), although I did spend the morning cheering my son on in his first Schools Cup rugby match, a great start tough match but a win for his team.

Sunday January 29th
Raheny 5 mile

I'm not exactly a fair weather runner but it was hard to get motivated this morning. So much rain had fallen that rugby was cancelled for two of my boys but the hardy under 9s played their matches. Don't think I've ever seen so much muck and I've seen plenty! A win for him also so with those rugby victories in mind Mr Stew and I headed off with to Raheny feeling that we were a champion sporting family. The glory stays with the boys as we arrived home with no PBs, in fact Mr. Stew was a DNF! He got muscle spasm/cramps at mile two and decided to walk through the park and cheer me on instead. My Garmin gives me 35.47, only 49seconds off a PB so I'm happy enough with that.
We met up with meno, claralara and rainbow Kirby; fantastic PBs for them:)
We also got a chance to catch up with some other pals while having yummy chocolate bikkies and tea, PBs for all bar one of them so I can't even blame the weather!
It was our first time doing Raheny, Fantastic Race and THE BEST GOODY BAG EVER, I've fallen off my "no sweets" wagon this evening with the "I've done a race" excuse, Yum!!!
the race confirmed the fact that I get slower as my mileage gets higher, this is probably down to the fact that I'm not doing any speedwork at all now, I think I really need to join a running club, maybe after Connemarathon. While I was running today all I was mostly thinking was "I wish this was a marathon", I like a race where I'm eating chocolate en route:D

Weekly miles 46.69
Annual miles 236.43

claralara · 30-01-2012 7:21pm

Well done yesterday. It was lovely to meet you after the race. Now back to the nice looooonng slow runs for a few weeks. One session like that is enough to last me for a while!! :cool:

Marthastew · 30-01-2012 10:59pm

claralara wrote: »

Well done yesterday. It was lovely to meet you after the race. Now back to the nice looooonng slow runs for a few weeks. One session like that is enough to last me for a while!! :cool:

Great to meet you both also. Well done again on the massive PB, I'm also really impressed you ran yesterday evening with Meno after all that hard work and in that rain! I'm sure your non-running friends think you're certifiable, on here that kind of carry on seems almost normal:)

Marthastew · 31-01-2012 9:39pm

Monday January 30th

Miserable weather again confirmed my theory that I needed a rest day.
45 minute Body Sculpt class at lunchtime that left me feeling much more agile.

Tuesday January 31st
45 minute lower body class
45 minutes pilates
... I was feeling great so I decided I would push my total monthly milege up by running a little over a half marathon at GA pace. I cheated a little and avoided the hills; west Pier in Dun Laoghaire and then into the roundabout before the East link then back home (into strong wind unfortunately). I felt really, really good on this run and apart from the cold and wind it was perfectly enjoyable; a rest day really makes a difference to me.
13.52 mile avg pace 8.25 min/miles

total monthly mileage 249.95 (I know, I should have checked exactly how far off 250 I actually was before I headed out)

this time four years ago my average monthly mileage was a big fat zero, I hadn't yet started running, who woulda thunk it???:)

Marthastew · 01-02-2012 10:24pm

Wednesday February 1st; Spring is here!!

A great start to the day; birthday breakfast for a pal at the 40 foot, although the sea was so rough we had to get in at Sandycove Beach instead but the sun was shining and no rain. The water temperature is down to 7 degrees Celsius at the moment so it was a very, very quick dip but my legs felt much better all day. Yummy bacon bagels and mugs of coffee afterwards.
Half hour spin class at lunchtime and fifteen minutes abs.
I had planned 6 easy miles this evening but I've been sniffling all afternoon, think I've got the head cold one of my boys had so it's early to bed for me and lots of vitamin C. Another rest day won't do me any harm.

Marthastew · 02-02-2012 10:04pm

Thursday February 2nd

Another glorious day, sunshine and cold, perfect running weather.
I started off with a 45 minute lower body class to loosen the legs. My left quad is quite tight and I was very aware of it while doing one legged dead lifts etc,not too bad but I am going to make an appointment with the physio next week. My two LSRs this week will definitely let me know if it's something I need to be concerned about. I headed out on my run and once again cheated by choosing the flat easy trip in and back to Merrion Gates. My quad seemed fine, bit tight but ok. Thinking about it reminded me how self-obsessed I become in the run up to a marathon; constantly wondering if a niggle is something more serious, avoiding people with colds, bugs, getting plenty of early nights, very little wine...
A sort of self-centred nun is what I am now:) Poor Mr Stew, just as well he's also training for Conn, our crazy college life is a very distant memory now....

7.27 miles 8.42min mile pace, supposed to be easy pace, I got carried away in the sun. Followed this with half hour spin class.

Marthastew · 03-02-2012 5:23pm

The title for today's entry comes from the Marathon Talk Podcast I listened to on my LSR today. I stole it from Martin Yelling who likes his superlatives and he would probably have a much better way of describing my LSR today but I'm happy enough with that description.

Another cold, dry day, perfect and with two pairs of running gloves and an underarmour top on I stayed cosy all the time.

I had been avoiding hills all week but there'll be no way to avoid them in Connemara so off I went on my day trip to Bray.
My chocolate treat today was lots of those yummy little daim type bars that you get in Ikea:)
I stopped once to buy a drink on the way and other than that nothing major to report except for the fact that I thoroughly enjoyed this run. Along with the Marathon Talk podcast I also listened to an Ultra one.
interesting facts I learnt today...
According to Haile Gebreselaisse; Discipline is the one thing you need to be a great runner,
I fully agree and I felt VERY disciplined on my run today, I came very close to using my head cold as an excuse not to run when I got up this morning.
And according to Ryan Sands (Ultra runner) distance isn't the only thing you have to worry about in an Ultra in the jungle, poisonous plants and pythons to name only two..... My little run to Bray sounded very tame and easy in comparison
I had planned 19 miles but I ended up doing just over 20.
In my quest for adventure I strayed from the main road and went down a road thinking it was a more scenic route and of course it was a dead end.

My legs feel fine and my head cold appears to be clearing up and to top it all off I had agreed (rather reluctantly) to run at 6am tomorrow morning with a friend but she has just changed to tomorrow afternoon instead.

20.11 miles avg pace 9.12min/mile

Marthastew · 05-02-2012 7:21pm

Saturday February 4th

Luckily I had arranged to meet my friend for this long run, not sure I would have had the discipline to head out in the rain. I woke with head cold even worse and definitely tired from Friday but by the time I'd been to cheer my boys on at GAA and rugby I was more or less back to normal. My friend didn't want hills and I was delighted to suggest we head into town. My legs were stiff and tired at the start and I really had to relax into the run while also concentrating on my form and after a couple of miles I felt good. We stopped in town for chocolate and coke and headed for home. Then the rain really started coming down, I was so glad of the company and we cheered each other up along the way. When we reached Dun Laoghaire she suggested we also do the West Pier to add a couple of miles, at this stage I was feeling very tired but thought I'd give it a go. Half way down the pier I started to feel really great (possibly a sugar fuelled high) and I was so happy, I'd started the run wondering how I'd make it to 16 miles and now I felt like I could run forever. I suppose you could say I've finally HTFUed:D
We added on a few more laps around Glasthule and I was thrilled to see the garmin beep at 21miles. Connemara doesn't seem quite so daunting now with two great LSRs like that.

21.02 miles avg pace 9.31 min/mile

Sunday February 5th

Still battling the head cold I decided to skip the recovery run and headed to the gym instead to sort out my tired legs;
45 min spin class
15 min abs class
45 min Body Sculpt class
And lots of stretching, I feel great now.

Weekly miles 61.92

menoscemo · 05-02-2012 7:41pm

Marthastew wrote: »

We stopped in town for chocolate and coke and headed for home.

Getting in some vital practise I see:D

Great going on getting in two 20+ milers in a row in. The rest of it should be easy enough from here on.

Marthastew · 06-02-2012 4:34pm

menoscemo wrote: »

Getting in some vital practise I see:D

Great going on getting in two 20+ milers in a row in. The rest of it should be easy enough from here on.

Chocolate and coke taste the absolute bestest while on a long run, I have definitely perfected that part of my training:)

Well done on your 27 MILES:D:D at the weekend, I really must get the name of the shop you bought your new legs in after that virus you had

menoscemo · 06-02-2012 5:27pm

Marthastew wrote: »

I really must get the name of the shop you bought your new legs in after that virus you had

It was all very shortlived. I might have to go back to that shop next week for another new pair

Marthastew · 07-02-2012 8:42pm

Monday 6th February

Still smothered with head cold so I had a very quick dip in the 40 foot to help my legs and a 45 minute Body sculpt class.

Tuesday 7th Feb

Head cold, much, much better today.
Dip in 40 Foot,
Physio sport's massage, she said my left quad wasn't anything sinister(phew) and suggested lots of foam rolling.
45 minute pilates class, legs flet very tired during this.
Half hour spin class (fun)

I decided to enjoy the full moon and fabulous evening and headed for the Vico Road while the boys were in karate, tough going but the moon did cheer me up a bit.....
6.15 miles avg pace 9.26 min/mile, maybe the head cold isn't quite gone yet?

Marthastew · 08-02-2012 9:26pm

Wednesady 8th Feb

I woke feeling much better this morning, head cold defintely gone.
I met up with my friend who hadn't run since our LSR on Saturday so we decided to take it easy. My legs felt great but she found it tough going, so we went at recovery pace for her.
We finished up with lots and lots of stretching and some abs, a great way to start the day.
Lunchtime half hour spin class.

LSR tomorrow as I want to do some sort of taper for Donadea, I don't want to be still running around in the dark after everyone has gone home:eek:

5.35miles avg pace 9.24 min/mile

Marthastew · 11-02-2012 8:24pm

Thursday 9th February

Long VERY, VERY Slow Run

Thursday was one of those runs I put down as character building;
I had planned to run with my new found running partner who is training for her first marathon. I was delighted in November when never having met her before she stopped me while I was out walking and asked me if I was a runner. My first thought was; I must finally look like a runner now:) and my second thought was; what pace does she run at? She had recently moved to Dublin and has been running half-marathons for over 10 years at a very similar pace to me.
So we've been running LSRs together the last few weeks. I've been sharing my very limited marathon knowledge and we have lots more in common so the time has flown by. Last Saturday she did really well on the 20miler.
She usually starts too fast (just like I used to do all the time) and I have to keep slowing her down. Thursday started great and I told her she was on a nice easy pace... Fast forward to our return from Bray Head and it turns out she was actually having a bad day at the office (which I have had plenty of also). I reassured her that it's perfectly normal to have a bad day and asked what she'd eaten the day before and she admitted to having forgotten to have lunch and having a small dinner, how could she forget lunch? She said she was so busy with the kids, I think I'd be more likely to forget I had kids before forgetting food:)
As the miles ticked by ever so slowly I decided to take the pressure off her by running down side roads, up ahead and back to her again, with the result that our run started to resemble The Benny Hill Show, except for the fact that I'm pretty sure we weren't being followed by a little bald man and we weren't dressed as French Maids:p. I even ran up and down hills so in actual fact I got a good workout.
She kept apologising and I kept reassuring her. The view was amazing, the weather was great, I wasn't in a hurry so what was the point in getting stressed? We finally made it back to Sandycove.... Phew!

21.01 miles avg pace 10.10 min/miles

Marthastew · 12-02-2012 10:21pm

Friday, Saturday and Sunday

I felt great on Friday, it felt so nice waking up knowing I didn't have to do another long run. I did a nice easy, flat run into Sean Moore park and back. My legs felt fine and the weather was super. I nearly lost my life when I almost ran into a giant rat in Blackrock park, as big as a small dog, that's not the first time one has been happily wandering round the path, he looked at me as if to say "nothing to see here" and waddled away; yes, waddled, he was so fat.
10.74 miles pace 8.56 min mile
Body Pump class at lunchtime

Saturday:recovery run, I was busy with the boy's sports in the morning so I managed to sneak out for a tough 5.28 mile run, pace 9.28, my legs are tired and I need to take it easy this week before Donadea. To add insult to injury (well, thankfully not injury, I hope) Mr Stew arrived back as fresh as a daisy from his LSR, he had even added on three extra hilly miles. I'm thrilled for him, no, really I am;)
Sunday; more recovery with legs feeling a bit better. Around lovely soft, soggy Kilbogget park while the boys played rugby. Similar pace and distance to yesterday.
Body Pump class

Weekly miles 54.03

The plan for this week is to do lots of foam rolling, stretching and just run enough to keep the legs ticking over till Donadea on Saturday. I'm actually really looking forward to it now. It will be great if we get this super weather. I LOVE running in the Spring:)

Marthastew · 13-02-2012 7:52pm

Monday 13th February

Quick dip in the Irish Sea at 40foot this morning. It was low tide so heading down the step ladder into the seaweed was not much fun but I'm going to try and get down as much as possible this week cos my tired legs need all the help they can get.
Foam Rolling and then lunchtime Body Sculpt class, my left quad/IT band still feels a bit tight, especially when I'm usiing only my left leg. I'm going to take another running-free day tomorrow if it stilll feels tight.

I got the emial for Donadea today and began to panic when I read through the list of competitors.... I'm pretty sure there will be nobody for me to hide behind dressed in a gorilla suit:p Up till now I've only ever run big races, with a minimum field of probably a couple of hundred and definitely a big range of abilities. This will be the first race where everybody (except me:o) is a seriuos runner. If I'm honest I'm petrified. I think I may have to give myself one of those positive, ego-boosting talks that I give to my sons on a regular basis.
One good thing about the list of runners, there is only one other female in the F45 category, (I'm incorrectly down as F40, normally I don't mind being mistaken as younger but running is the one area where it's good to be old), all I have to do is finish in under 5 hours and I can tell all my non-running friends I came second in my category..... how hard can that be??

neilc · 13-02-2012 10:11pm

Don't sell yourself short Martha, you're a pretty serious runner yourself now. You've trained really hard for this (and Connemara), you've nothing to fear.

Running with the birds or for the birds?

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