Hoping to run Cork City Marathon 2013

Karenmtob · 25-02-2013 5:41pm #1

About me, female age 41, 3 children aged 10 to 5. Have been a recreational runner for years, I've also done a few triathlons over the past two years, so I would say I'm relatively fit. I have always wondered if I could manage a marathon, so have decided to give a go this year. I did the Clonakilty half in December and came in with a time of 1:52 which I was pleased about. I started the Hal Higdon Novice 1 program 4 weeks ago and am finding it OK so far, but dreading the LSR's. Maybe if I keep a log of the training it might keep me going, it seems to have worked for a lot of other people on Boards!

Monday : 10.4K - 54 minutes

mr.wiggle · 25-02-2013 6:35pm

Karenmtob wrote: »

Maybe if I keep a log of the training it might keep me going, it seems to have worked for a lot of other people on Boards!

Hi Karenmtob, great time on Clonakilty, I chickened out of it cause I hate hills!:mad:
I started a log for the CCM on here, you're more than welcome to put your
miles in, if you want. I found it a great help myself.
All the best,

Mr.W.

Karenmtob · 25-02-2013 7:12pm

mr.wiggle wrote: »

Karenmtob wrote: »

Maybe if I keep a log of the training it might keep me going, it seems to have worked for a lot of other people on Boards!

Hi Karenmtob, great time on Clonakilty, I chickened out of it cause I hate hills!:mad:
I started a log for the CCM on here, you're more than welcome to put your
miles in, if you want. I found it a great help myself.
All the best,

Mr.W.

Cheers will do

Karenmtob · 26-02-2013 3:16pm

6 km 29mins 42 secs.

Karenmtob · 27-02-2013 8:47pm

Back to work today, Wednesdays don't suit for a run, so enforced rest day. Already obsessing over the long run, 10 miles due this weekend

Karenmtob · 28-02-2013 9:56pm

5 miles = 41 minutes - felt good, enjoyable run

Karenmtob · 01-03-2013 9:17pm

Didn't manage to get out today for swim or cross training, so plan to do LSR tomorrow 10 miles and then cross training on Sunday maybe a brisk walk while one middle daughter is at football training.

RunningKing · 01-03-2013 10:39pm

Best of luck with the training. We're a good auld group once you get to know us!!

One thing I've noticed on Boards is that there's a lot of lurkers reading your logs, mightn't always get the responses of the interaction that you think, as its not Facebook!
Make the log more for you, as a reminder of how certain runs went and how you felt etc.
You seem very driven so there's no doubt you'll manage a marathon!

Karenmtob · 02-03-2013 3:31pm

RunningKing wrote: »

Best of luck with the training. We're a good auld group once you get to know us!!

One thing I've noticed on Boards is that there's a lot of lurkers reading your logs, mightn't always get the responses of the interaction that you think, as its not Facebook!
Make the log more for you, as a reminder of how certain runs went and how you felt etc.
You seem very driven so there's no doubt you'll manage a marathon!

Thanks for the tip, all advice greatly.appreciated.
Set off this morning for my lsr 10 miles., picked a route that hadn't run before, well part of it, one very steep climb, so walked for 1 min, pace was approc 5.35 km, felt fine up to mile 8, legs started to tire then, walked for 1 min at this point and then finished the run maintaining same pace.
16km / 10 miles covered in 90 mins
Overall happy with run and time
tired legs after but they are fine now.
So my plan for tomorrow is a 40min walk, that will cover my cross training session. Week 5 of plan complete!

Karenmtob · 03-03-2013 8:24pm

50 min brisk walk completed, sometimes I'd prefer to run than walk, but I held myself back today, don't want to get over anxious, it's early days yet in the plan!!

dev123 · 03-03-2013 8:40pm

Hi Karenmtob, do you have a time in mind for cork? It looks like you are running your long runs at around 9min/mile which, if run at the right pace, would have you aiming for in or around 3.30? Is that correct? The lsr should be run around a minute slower than your goal pace. If you are not sure of your goal pace google "mcmillan calculator" and use your clon half time to give you an idea of where you are. Best of luck with the training

jcsmum · 04-03-2013 11:08am

Best of luck with the training for Cork. It's a nice marathon to pick for your first.
For your long runs, could you run with a group where you live? I find the long runs much more enjoyable in company.
Also judging by your times, you will be more than well able for a marathon.

ncmc · 05-03-2013 3:40pm

Best of luck with the log and your training Karen, I’m planning to run Cork as well, it will be my second marathon after Dublin last year. As Dev said, you’re LSR might be a little fast (depending on what your planned time for Cork is). Your LSR should be run at about 10% slower than your planned marathon pace, so unless you’re planning to run Cork in 3:30 or faster, then 9 min miles is a bit fast. I know it sounds counter intuitive, but it really does work to run your LSR slow. It teaches your body to burn fat as well as glycogen and long term will help prevent you ‘hitting the wall’ during the marathon when your glycogen runs out. Short term, it will make your LSR’s so much more enjoyable as you won’t be as wrecked during/after them.

I used to dread my LSR’s, but now I just take them slow and also try not to think too much about them before hand! I always find the thought of them worse than the actual reality!

Karenmtob · 05-03-2013 7:57pm

ncmc wrote: »

Best of luck with the log and your training Karen, I’m planning to run Cork as well, it will be my second marathon after Dublin last year. As Dev said, you’re LSR might be a little fast (depending on what your planned time for Cork is). Your LSR should be run at about 10% slower than your planned marathon pace, so unless you’re planning to run Cork in 3:30 or faster, then 9 min miles is a bit fast. I know it sounds counter intuitive, but it really does work to run your LSR slow. It teaches your body to burn fat as well as glycogen and long term will help prevent you ‘hitting the wall’ during the marathon when your glycogen runs out. Short term, it will make your LSR’s so much more enjoyable as you won’t be as wrecked during/after them.

I used to dread my LSR’s, but now I just take them slow and also try not to think too much about them before hand! I always find the thought of them worse than the actual reality!

Hi NCMC, DEV and JCSMUM, I am taking your advice about the LSR's. I would love to do the marathon in 4 hours, that is the aim for the moment.
Still on track with Hal Higdon's plan, completed 3 mile recovery run yesterday, on threadmill before work, time was 27mins. Not sure what pace these should be run at either? Any ideas folks?
Rest day today
5 miles run with a friend tomorrow, hoping to talk her into the marathon as she has just completed Ballycotton and it would be great to have a training buddy. By the way, the support on Boards is great, really encouraging!!

ncmc · 05-03-2013 8:02pm

If you're hoping for about 4 hours then your LSR's should be at a pace if 9:45-10:00 mins. I did the marathon in 3:57 and that's the pace I did my LSR's.

recovery runs should be much slower, the idea is to aid recovery by increasing blood flow to the muscles but without risking further damage by setting too hard a pace. Recovery runs should be 10:30 or slower.

I know it sounds strange to run slower to get faster, but it really does work.

Karenmtob · 05-03-2013 8:57pm

ncmc wrote: »

If you're hoping for about 4 hours then your LSR's should be at a pace if 9:45-10:00 mins. I did the marathon in 3:57 and that's the pace I did my LSR's.

recovery runs should be much slower, the idea is to aid recovery by increasing blood flow to the muscles but without risking further damage by setting too hard a pace. Recovery runs should be 10:30 or slower.

I know it sounds strange to run slower to get faster, but it really does work.

So just slow down and spend more time running!! It feels strange, but i'm sure i'll probably only manage that pace when the LSR's get longer

ncmc · 05-03-2013 9:25pm

That's pretty much it! You'll train your body to burn fat as well as glycogen by running slower, and that means when your glycogen runs out at about mile 20 in the marathon, you'll be able to keep on going! Glycogen is the fuel you store in your muscles from food - on average we can store about 2000 cals worth which is about 20 miles of running.

I'm probably explaining it badly, but if you Google it, you'll find loads of info on it.

Doing the mileage will really improve not only your fitness, but also your strength and as a result, your speed.

Karenmtob · 06-03-2013 5:43pm

Today, is the start of my week off, so I had planned to meet a buddy to run 5 miles. I had to hold myself back a bit and we held the pace at approx 9min miles.

5 miles - 45 minutes

Karenmtob · 06-03-2013 5:43pm

Today, is the start of my week off, so I had planned to meet a buddy to run 5 miles. I had to hold myself back a bit and we held the pace at approx 9min miles.

5 miles - 45 minutes

beeroclock · 06-03-2013 5:49pm

Best of luck with the marathon Karen, Im in the one day maybe club!

Karenmtob · 08-03-2013 11:46am

Thursday 7th March - 3 mile run - 28 minutes

Did this on the threadmill as I didn't fancy getting soaked.

Friday 8th March - 7 miles LSR - 64.30 mins

Couldn't fit this in over the weekend, so headed out this morning, battery in my garmin footpod so couldn't measure the distance, so just did and out and back run which I know covers the 7 miles. Went too fast again!!

ncmc · 08-03-2013 11:52am

Karenmtob wrote: »

Thursday 7th March - 3 mile run - 28 minutes

Did this on the threadmill as I didn't fancy getting soaked.

Cop out! You're not a proper runner until you get drenched at least 3 times a week

By that logic, I must be an elite at this stage :rolleyes:

Karenmtob · 09-03-2013 8:14pm

Saturday 9th March - Cross Training
Went for a 6K walk (50 mins). Week 6 complete, the work really starts from here on in.

Anybody have experience with Garmin Footpods, I recently changed battery and can't pair it now with watch, so now I've idea of distances or pace I'm running if I change my route?
If I do have to replace it, not sure to go with footpod again or the Garmin F10, any opinions greatly appreciated.

Karenmtob · 11-03-2013 3:24pm

Sunday 10th March - Rest Day

Monday 11th March - 6K - 31 mins

Karenmtob · 12-03-2013 4:01pm

Tuesday 12th March

6 Mile run - 53 minutes. Ran with a friend it makes all the difference having someone to chat to, she has offered to do the LSR with me this weekend, so no dreading it as much!

Karenmtob · 16-03-2013 3:16pm

Wednesday 13th March

3 miles - 27.30 mins - Did this on the treadmill, probably could have gone a bit faster, but sticking to the plan

Thursday 14th March

Rest day

Friday 15th March

12 miles 2 hours - Had company for this one, so it was actually a pleasant run, pace was fine, legs started to tire at 10 mile mark, but just kept plodding away. Glad it's over so I can relax and enjoy the long weekend!!

Karenmtob · 20-03-2013 6:12pm

Sat 16th March
Cross training - 50 minute fast paced walk

Sunday 17th March

Rest day

Monday 18th March
Was supposed to do a 3 mile run today, 6miles on Tuesday and 3 on Wednesday, but with time a bit of an issue on Tuesday, I did the 6miles today

6 miles 54 minutes

Tuesday 19th March
3.5 miles threadmill - 31 minutes

Wed 20th March
3 miles turned into 5miles today as I had the time and the weather this morning was glorious. Would have loved to have done the LSR today with this weather. Not sure how I'm going to fit it in as the forecast for the next few days isn't good. Would 13miles on a threadmill be a bad idea?

Karenmtob · 20-03-2013 8:31pm

Karenmtob · 25-03-2013 5:05pm

Karenmtob · 25-03-2013 5:10pm

Week 9 - This is the plan for the week beginning 25th March

Day|Distance|Comments
Mon|3 miles||
Tues|7 miles||
Weds|4 miles||
Thurs|Rest||
Fri|10M LSR||
Sat|Cross Train||
Sun|Rest||

Karenmtob · 31-03-2013 3:38pm

Day|Distance|Comments
Mon|3 miles|27 minutes easy run|
Tues|7 miles|63 minutes felt a little tired on this one|
Weds|4 miles|threadmill run 37 mins|
Thurs|Rest||
Fri|10M LSR|changed the route hilly run this week pace probably a bit too fast 93 mins|
Sat|Cross Train|bike for 30mins easy spinning|
Sun|Rest||

Last Easy Week before the mileage increases:(
I've a few busy weeks ahead, so not sure how I'm going to fit all the running in, early morning runs or late evenings I think.

Karenmtob · 02-04-2013 3:09pm

Week 10 - Beginning 1st April- Here's the plan

Day|Distance|Comments
Mon|3 miles||
Tues|7 miles||
Weds|4 miles||
Thurs|Rest||
Fri|15M LSR||
Sat|Cross Train||
Sun|Rest||

Karenmtob · 03-04-2013 2:52pm

Day|Distance|Comments
Mon|7 miles|62 mins|
Tues|5 miles|42 mins -faster than probably should have been but felt fine|
Weds|Rest||
Thurs|15m LSR||
Fri|Cross Train||
Sat|Rest||
Sun|3m Light Run||

Plan has been changed around bit to fit in with kids been off from school. Bank Holiday Monday I did the 7 mile run - 62 mins. Tuesday - met up two friends and did 5 miles in 42 minutes probably a bit too pacy but felt fine. Rest day as hubby is not around to mind kids this evening. LSR planned for tomorrow, again I've managed to get a partner for this one, so shouldn't be too bad I'm hoping!!!

Karenmtob · 04-04-2013 4:57pm

Well, I did 15 miles today, like alot of other people training for the Cork Marathon I decided to head to Mahon to do this run. Started in Harty's quay and ran to passage and back to the Harty's quay which is 5 miles, stopped and had a drink (high 5 about 400mls), set off from there to blackrock castle along by water, marina (at 9 miles my head was struggling with this whole marathon obsession), anyway put the head down and carried on into town, back out by Monahan road,Blackrock castle and Harty's Quay, 15 miles done!! 2hrs 27mins

Now I'm obsessing with next weeks 16 miler!!!!

scriba · 05-04-2013 12:34am

Karenmtob wrote: »

Well, I did 15 miles today, like alot of other people training for the Cork Marathon I decided to head to Mahon to do this run. Started in Harty's quay and ran to passage and back to the Harty's quay which is 5 miles, stopped and had a drink (high 5 about 400mls), set off from there to blackrock castle along by water, marina (at 9 miles my head was struggling with this whole marathon obsession), anyway put the head down and carried on into town, back out by Monahan road,Blackrock castle and Harty's Quay, 15 miles done!! 2hrs 27mins

Now I'm obsessing with next weeks 16 miler!!!!

Brilliant stuff. The head, lungs and legs all can mouth off at different times during a long run. The more long runs you do, you realise it's only temporary, and they'll shut up after a while.

As the runs get longer, that Marina, Harty's Quay, Old train line loop is really handy, you can do a couple of loops to up the mileage as required.

Karenmtob · 08-04-2013 4:08pm

Day|Distance|Comments
Mon|7 miles|62 mins|
Tues|5 miles|42 mins -faster than probably should have been but felt fine|
Weds|Rest||
Thurs|15m LSR completed 2hrs 27||
Fri|Cross Train| 40 min walk|
Sat|Rest||
Sun|3.4m Light Run|33 mins|

Summary of last weeks training. Over half way there now, mileage is really increasing now, so we'll see how the body holds up,so far so good.

Below is the plan for this week

Week 11 - April 8th
Day|Distance|Comments
Mon|4 miles||
Tues |8 miles||
Weds|Rest||
Thurs|4miles||
Fri|Cross Train| |
Sat|Rest||
Sun|16M lsr||

Karenmtob · 13-04-2013 3:23pm

Week 11 - April 8th
Day|Distance|Comments
Mon|4 miles|completed in 34 mins - felt good after the long run|
Tues |8 miles| 1hr 14 mins|
Weds|4 miles|threadmill before work 37 mins|
Thurs|Rest||
Fri|16 M LSR|2hrs 34 mins. Did the same route as last week but tagged on a mile |
Sat|Cross Train||
Sun|Rest||

Had to jig the plan a little bit, LSR moved to Friday as I had a running buddy, I've been so lucky have had company for all my LSRs to date, makes such a difference, I really don't know if I would get through them on my own (the boredom and the mind games would kick in)
16 miles this week, can't believe I'm doing that distance, but still have major concerns on how I'm going to run a further 10 miles on the day!
My legs were feeling it at 8 miles yesterday, took a gel at this stage and it made a difference, next time out will have more than one with me.
It took us 2hrs 34 mins which is avg of 9.30 min miles, so it is probably too fast.
I was fairly tired after it, thought I would have a great nights sleep as well, but legs were sore and kept me awake. But on the plus side, legs are fine today, going to head out for a walk this evening.

Steroo · 13-04-2013 7:00pm

Making good progress Karen well done.

Karenmtob · 22-04-2013 3:55pm

Week 12 - April 15th
Day|Distance|Comments
Mon|4 miles|Threadmill before work 37 mins |
Tues |8 miles| 1hr 14 mins outside early morning run|
Weds|5miles|Felt good|
Thurs|Rest||.
Fri|12 M LSR|1hr 49mins, felt very good and enjoyed the run |
Sat|Cross Train|Walk 40 mins|
Sun|Rest||

Having spoken with a work colleague who also is a first timer, he is using the jeff galloway run/walk method, so I decided to try it out on my 12m LSR. I ran 5mins, brisk walk for 1 min and felt really good, the intervals kept me focused and I quite enjoyed it, plus I found €20 on the pavement during the run, so was well chuffed. When I compared my previous 12mile time, I was actually faster using this method, so I think I'm going to do this for the remaining long runs and on marathon day.
Good week of training, but then it was a step back week, which always helps.

ncmc · 22-04-2013 4:10pm

Karenmtob wrote: »

Week 12 - April 15th

Having spoken with a work colleague who also is a first timer, he is using the jeff galloway run/walk method, so I decided to try it out on my 12m LSR. I ran 5mins, brisk walk for 1 min and felt really good, the intervals kept me focused and I quite enjoyed it, plus I found €20 on the pavement during the run, so was well chuffed. When I compared my previous 12mile time, I was actually faster using this method, so I think I'm going to do this for the remaining long runs and on marathon day.
Good week of training, but then it was a step back week, which always helps.

First of all, nice one on the €20! I love when stuff like that happens!

I would be a bit worried about the run/walk method being totally honest with you. I have heard of it before and I could see it working on shorter runs like 12 miles, but I wouldn’t be so sure about it working on longer runs and the marathon itself. You are obviously having to run faster when you are running to make up for the minutes walking and I would worry that would tire you out very quickly on the day. Also, I would imagine it gets harder and harder to speed up again after walking as you get more and more fatigued. I don’t know anyone on Boards who has used this method successfully. I honestly think you’d be better setting a steady pace, follow a pacer and let them do the calculating for you and that way you don’t have to be constantly worried about your speed/looking at your watch.

Obviously, different things work for different people, but I think if this was a successful method, more people would do it. That’s just my 2c, I’m certainly no expert. Maybe put a post on the main forum and see what some of the seasoned marathoners think?

Karenmtob · 22-04-2013 4:25pm

ncmc wrote: »

First of all, nice one on the €20! I love when stuff like that happens!

I would be a bit worried about the run/walk method being totally honest with you. I have heard of it before and I could see it working on shorter runs like 12 miles, but I wouldn’t be so sure about it working on longer runs and the marathon itself. You are obviously having to run faster when you are running to make up for the minutes walking and I would worry that would tire you out very quickly on the day. Also, I would imagine it gets harder and harder to speed up again after walking as you get more and more fatigued. I don’t know anyone on Boards who has used this method successfully. I honestly think you’d be better setting a steady pace, follow a pacer and let them do the calculating for you and that way you don’t have to be constantly worried about your speed/looking at your watch.

Obviously, different things work for different people, but I think if this was a successful method, more people would do it. That’s just my 2c, I’m certainly no expert. Maybe put a post on the main forum and see what some of the seasoned marathoners think?

Thanks for the advice, I'll put it on the main forum to get people's views. Well done in Wexford, I think you are being very tough on yourself, you have huge mileage done and I'll bet you will nail that 3.30.

Karenmtob · 24-04-2013 6:37pm

Week 13 - April 22nd
Day|Distance|Comments
Mon|5 miles|54 mins |
Tues |9 miles| 9.30 min miles avg|
Weds|4 miles|threadmill - 9.30 min miles|
Thurs|Cross train||.
Fri|Rest| |
Sat|18M LSR||
Sun|Cross Train||

I'm having major doubts about the marathon now, I know I've followed the plan to the letter, haven't missed any sessions, but the thought of the long runs over the next few weeks, is really not appealing to me. This weekend I have to do an 18miler, 14 miler the following week and then a 20 miler the weekend after that. I'm thinking will I just do the half and enjoy it, is the marathon going to be a total nightmare, am I going to be so nervous on the day that I won't enjoy it. Do I really have enough of a base to take this on, considering I have only one half marathon run? It is wrecking my head!!!! Also have a child making their holy communion in mid May, so I'll have a busy few weeks coming up to that.

ncmc · 24-04-2013 6:58pm

Everyone has doubts about whether they'll be fit for the marathon - everyone. You have followed the plan to the letter and the idea of the plan is to get you to the start line fit and fresh and most importantly, get you to the finish line. Every single person on the DCM mentored novice thread last year that started the marathon finished it. We all foliwed the same plan as you. There wasn't a single dnf. The vast majority of us were happy with our time and had a positive experience.

The long runs over the next few weeks will help build your confidence, especially the 20 miler, it's a great confidence booster. Don't doubt yourself, you are doing great and you WILL finish that marathon!

Karenmtob · 24-04-2013 8:11pm

ncmc wrote: »

Everyone has doubts about whether they'll be fit for the marathon - everyone. You have followed the plan to the letter and the idea of the plan is to get you to the start line fit and fresh and most importantly, get you to the finish line. Every single person on the DCM mentored novice thread last year that started the marathon finished it. We all foliwed the same plan as you. There wasn't a single dnf. The vast majority of us were happy with our time and had a positive experience.

The long runs over the next few weeks will help build your confidence, especially the 20 miler, it's a great confidence booster. Don't doubt yourself, you are doing great and you WILL finish that marathon!

Thanks NCMC, but I'm really questioning am I even enjoying this!!

ncmc · 24-04-2013 8:15pm

I think it's totally normal to get into a bit of a funk in the middle of a training plan. It can feel like a lot of slog and miles without any pay off. But look at it this way, you really only have 3 tough weeks left and then it's taper time. Trust me, it will be all worth it come June 3rd! It's such a great experience.

mr.wiggle · 24-04-2013 11:49pm

Just to reiterate what ncmc has well put..we all have doubts, especially once the miles start building up and trying to fit the runs in, worrying about a missed run, here and there. Picking up injuries and missing a week or two..getting fed up of sticking to the plan..whats going to happen on the day..
As you see..its ALL normal, in fact if you didnt question yourself, I'd get worried! Non runners only see or think of the race day, the majority have no idea of the commiment you are putting in, leading up to it. You'll find that the actual race is going to be the enjoyable part..mostly!! So, deep breaths, you and me...and you will get through it !!

docjewel · 25-04-2013 10:42am

^^^+1 to what ncmc & mr.wiggle have already said.To question yourself is quite normal,its like anything you study/practice/train for in life,it may take weeks/months/even years but coming close to the big day you'll always question whether you've done enough,miseed a chapter,maybe should have stayed awake another hour to study one more chapter,heck Ido & know others who have already done a marathon or two are still questionong themselves so welcome to the club,your right on track.

Your on course to do this mararthon,you've hardly missed a session & you may even find in the lead up to the communion that it's great to get out there for a run & have a realease from the stress of it all.

Karenmtob · 25-04-2013 12:17pm

Folks, thanks for the positive thoughts, trying not to obsess over the long run this weekend
Its like the leaving cert all over again!!

Ecoenergy · 25-04-2013 1:06pm

I actually enjoy the 18 or 20 milers even though it feels like somebody is sticking pins in my legs when I'm finished. Just keep saying "I'm running 18 miles today". Its a great achievement already to run this kind of distance.

ncmc · 25-04-2013 2:14pm

Karenmtob wrote: »

Folks, thanks for the positive thoughts, trying not to obsess over the long run this weekend
Its like the leaving cert all over again!!

I’m a great one for obsessing about certain runs, in my case any kind of speed session or run that involves PMP miles. The way I try and look at it now is to say ‘what’s the worst that can happen?’ If I have to walk for a minute or don’t hit my target speed for a mile or two, well really, what harm is done? It’s only one run out 70-80 runs in the training program. Everyone has the odd bad run, I think the key is not to obsess about the bad runs but to try and analyse what was bad about it and try and work on that the next time.

I recommend audio books for the longer runs, I find they keep my mind off running much more than music, or there are people who swear by podcasts. Also, try and give yourself the best possible chance of having a good run by eating properly and hydrating for the few days prior, have a couple of gels and make sure you keep hydrated during the run. You will feel so great having 18 miles under your belt, I think it’s the first run where you really begin to see that you’re not that far off marathon length and that you really can do it!

Karenmtob · 27-04-2013 6:23pm

Week 13 - April 22nd
Day|Distance|Comments
Mon|5 miles|54 mins |
Tues |9 miles| 9.30 min miles avg|
Weds|4 miles|threadmill - 9.30 min miles|
Thurs|Cross train| Gym, light weights and stretching|.
Fri|Rest| |
Sat|18M LSR| 2.54, delighted to have this under my belt|
Sun|Cross Train||

I had such a difficult week, deliberating about the marathon and this pending 18 mile run. I managed to rope someone in to join me, so the plan was for me to run 5 miles and they joined me to run 13 together. I was concerned about drinks and gels etc, so planked a few of these earlier in the day. Ran the first 5 miles, took a gel and was joined by my running partner and honestly I think I would have just quit if it wasn't for her. I felt tired and legs were not feeling fresh for the whole of the run, so I am so delighted that mentally I was able to keep going. At mile 13 took another gel and more drinks and we pushed on from there. Completed in 2.54.
Tired now, but not feeling too bad, achilles tendons in both legs sore, so will ice later when I put feet up. Now its time to obsess over the next LSR!!