The big 30, over the hill or just the start??

40whit

Hi all,

New blogger here although i've been reading quite a few training logs for a while now and have picked up some useful tips along the way!!!

My background is I started running in late 2011 post football injury to keep fit and went about everything the wrong way taking up marathons straight away off very little training or knowledge. I ran 9 in 2012 with a PB of 3:21:36 in Dublin and 2 ultras, Longford and Eddie Murphy. I ran my first 10km that October in 39:23.

2013 went pretty much the same logging average miles no quality but completing marathons, I would end the year with 17 giving me 28 overall. NEw PB3:08:18 in Athlone These included Belfast 24 hour where I ran 100 miles but really really struggled and Portumna 100km (another disaster 10:33).
The year also contained 1 more 10km again October and a time of 38:53 and a HM PB of 1:28:20 in Clonbur, Mayo.

2014 saw me go back to football and though initially went well, injury again (torn tendons in my stomach bi-lateral for the 2nd time) meant definite retirement, 3 months complete rest followed and running was back on the agenda. And a new more focused me I hoped with a better diet and new goals.

2014 finished with some quality training including some good speed sessions, a 10km PB in October of 37:23, 5km PB of 18:09 in December and 2 more marathons including a PB of 3:05:54 in Portumna in December rounded out my year.

2015 was simple PB everything and chase that elusive sub 3!!!!!

And thats exactly what I did in Liliput in January coming home in 2:59:32 at my 31st attempt at marathon distance!! Delighted but still not happy as I struggled through the last 5km even walking towards the end.
New focus and decided to up my weekly mileage and focus on Limerick for a bash at 2:55. Have since DNF'ed in Donadea @22m, stomach cramps and have a shiny new PB from Mullingar 1/2 of 1:20:47 finishing 12th on the day.
Training has been good since and doing between 70-80 miles per week.

Goals for the rest of the year include:-
Marathon<2:55:00
HM<1:20:00
10km<37:00
5km<17:30
Belfast 24 hour in July >200km.

Will post my weekly mileage since January and then from monday gone post my sessions.

Any feedback welcome please

40whit

Jan 1st-4th 26m
Jan 5th-11th 52m
Jan 12th-18th 52m
Jan 19th-25th 65m
Jan 26th-Feb 1st 46m

January Total 231m

Feb 2nd-8th 51m
Feb 9th-15th 54m
Feb 16th-22nd 43m
Feb 23rd-Mar 1st 75m

February Total 222m YTD 453m

Mar 2nd-8th 78m
Mar 9th-15th 70m
Mar 16th-22nd 74m
Mar 23rd-27th (today) 51m

YTD 737m

40whit

This week has included:-

MONDAY 23rd

6m 53:19 (8:53p/mile) Doing one 5/6 mile run a week as easy as possible for recovery instaed of rest days. Nice and relaxed.

TUESDAY 24th

AM:- Did this session on the treadmill at work as it suited and felt strong, 9m 59:32 including 3x2m @5:58 with 800mtr recovery.

PM:- 6m easy 44:28 @ 7:24p/m, felt good and used a nice local route, legs felt good after this one.

WEDNESDAY 25th

10m easy on the way to work in 1:14:31 @ 7:27p/m. Up early for this one as started work at 07:00 for my 12 hour shift, started off at 7:53 but gradually increased the pace. Was glad of my breakfast when I arrived into work.

THURSDAY 26th

AM:- Another 07:00 start meant another alarm call of 05:00 and 5 miles easy in 38:51 @ 7:47p/m followed by a cycle to work of 8m in just under 30 mins.

PM:- Treadmill session before I left work for home, tired after my 12 hour day and plan was for 5 miles with 3 @ 6:30 pace, decided to go with 1m @ 7:15 w/u, 1 @ 6:30, 1 @ 5:58, 1 @ 6:30 and then 1 @ 7:15 to c/d. 8m cycle home to finish in 31 mins. Got in the door shortly before 9 for a well earned dinner and shower.

40whit

THURSDAY 27th

AM:- 10 mile tempoish run 1:07:51 @ 6:47p/m. This one was really difficult and pacing was all over the shop, legs felt heavy and just couldn't get into a groove. Was surprisingly sticky out this morning too which didn't help and after a few long days at work it just didn't go well.

Splits were 7:02, 6:58, 6:44, 6:55, 6:26, 6:27, 6:55, 6:42, 6:56 and 6:42.

PM:- 5 mile recovery in 38:16 @ 7:39p/m. Legs felt surprisingly good after earliers session and were nice and loose. Tipped around nice and easy.

Was delighted also when my OH got me an entry into Manchester marathon for my birthday, only 3 weeks to go until it happens. Can't wait as its a great chance to catch up with family who live in the area so don't need to worry about accomadation or anything either.

Rest of the night plans for training with my eldests soccer team, I coach them for my sins followed by a sneaky pizza and maybe some cake seeing as it is my birthday and all

ultraman1

Welcome to the logs G..hope to see u soon..

menoscemo

Good man Graham, great result in Mullingar, pity I didn't see you down there.
I heard Lilliput was tough enough so I am sure you will smash that time in Limerick

40whit

Thanks guys good to be here eventually.

Was delighted with the time in Mullingar and yeah Liliput was tough especially as had to deal with ice on the roads for the first half and mucky trails thereafter!!

40whit

SATURDAY 28th

6m easy 46:56 @ 7:50pm

As far as runs goes this was pretty routine, took a lot of effort to get out of the door though this afternoon as 4 hours sitting at the laptop working on a case study about hip fractures in the elderly had left my hips feeling rather like they were fractured

Glad I did get out though as after the first 1/2 mile I loosened out and just glided along. Effort here was only 2/10 with maybe 3/10 into the wind. Legs will thank me tomorrow for todays session. Plan tomorrow 20 miles @ 7:00-7:15 pace.

40whit

SUNDAY 29th

So the planned 20 miler got the bin due to a catalogue of events conspiring against me. The OH is sick and so couldn't get out in the morning as planned, then my eldest had a match in the afternoon and then Ireland vs Poland for good measue.

I eventually dragged myself out the door last night at 9:45 for 8 miles and I don't know if it was frustration at the day lost or the adrenaline from watching Shane Long get us a vital point but a planned 7:30 pace turned into a comfortable 6:42 pace and 8 miles in 53:44.

OH still sick this morning and more football this afternoon as I go with my eldest to an U12 FAI session, U8 GAA tonight at 7 too so hoping to get my 20 done later at maybe 8:30 around the Athlone 3/4 route. Only time will tell huh.

Week ended with 70 miles total.

YTD 756

tang1

40whit wrote: »

hoping to get my 20 done later at maybe 8:30 around the Athlone 3/4 route.

Kamikaze running!!

40whit

tang1 wrote: »

Kamikaze running!!

Kamikaze how tang?

Need to get my session in at some stage and its my last big LSR before manchester?

If I skip the session altogether its a big one to miss.

What would you suggest?

Thanks

tang1

40whit wrote: »

Kamikaze how tang?

Need to get my session in at some stage and its my last big LSR before manchester?

If I skip the session altogether its a big one to miss.

What would you suggest?

Thanks

Ah no, it was only a joke. I meant kamikaze running on those roads at night, orginally from the area & a few hairy spots to be running on at night. By all means do your session.

40whit

tang1 wrote: »

Ah no, it was only a joke. I meant kamikaze running on those roads at night, orginally from the area & a few hairy spots to be running on at night. By all means do your session.

Are you from tang? Didn't mean to sound sharp, do you think I should bin the session altogether and do something short and sharp maybe 800's
800's?

40whit

tang1 wrote: »

Ah no, it was only a joke. I meant kamikaze running on those roads at night, orginally from the area & a few hairy spots to be running on at night. By all means do your session.

Are you from tang? Didn't mean to sound sharp, do you think I should bin the session altogether and do something short and sharp maybe 800's
800's?

tang1

40whit wrote: »

Are you from tang? Didn't mean to sound sharp, do you think I should bin the session altogether and do something short and sharp maybe 800's
800's?

Got it in one, long time gone from there now. I'd say do the long run, if its the last one before Manchester i wouldn't miss it.

40whit

tang1 wrote: »

Got it in one, long time gone from there now. I'd say do the long run, if its the last one before Manchester i wouldn't miss it.

Thanks and for some reason I sense relief at being gone from Tang, i'm a tubberclair man so being away from tang is probably for the best lol

tang1

40whit wrote: »

Thanks and for some reason I sense relief at being gone from Tang, i'm a tubberclair man so being away from tang is probably for the best lol

Ah, not a whole lot in Tang, you know that yourself. Its GAA or the pub, figured you were Tubberclair or Glasson. At least your not from Maryland!!!

40whit

tang1 wrote: »

Ah, not a whole lot in Tang, you know that yourself. Its GAA or the pub, figured you were Tubberclair or Glasson. At least your not from Maryland!!!

Oh jesus no lol

Ah sure Tang is grand maghera and pigeons are the spots to be

40whit

MONDAY 30th

A planned 20 miler again got the bin due to the atrocious weather outside, spent over 2 hours standing out watching a training session this afternoon so i'd had my fill.

Changed to a treadmill session 8miles in 53:49 @ 6:43p/m. Threw in 8x800 and times for these were 2:58, 6x2:44 and 2:53 to finish. Gradient 1 on the treadmill just to get the little extra out of it.

Threw in 400m swim to cool down.

Easy recovery tomorrow, followed by fitness test at work wednesday morning, followed by 5km in Liliput that evening.

40whit

TUESDAY 31st

Little man again training for 2 hours so decided I'd get a session in too as had a busy evening including a 12 hour shift at work that night.

7m in 55:29 @ 7:56p/m

March total 318 miles

WEDNESDAY APRIL 1st

AM Supposed to do my annual fitnes test in work and arrived in at 9 to find put it had been changed to the afternoon. Fairly annoyed considering I came straight from a night shift to do it, decided to hang around and meet the wife so whilst i was waiting did 3m easy in 21:53 @ 7:18p/m.

PM Eventually got to do my fitness test consisting of push ups in a minute, sit ups in a minute and a 2 mile run. Top grade in push ups and sit ups and because I turned 30 actually had an extra minute to do the run. Cut off for fail was 16:30, cruised around in 11:20. 1 mile warm up and 2 milecool down gave me 5 miles for the afternoon.

Planned 5km in liliput got scrapped as I was late finishing up in work. Ah well always next week.

tang1

Army?

40whit

tang1 wrote:

Army?

Yes you have it in one, medical core in custume barracks.

Only job that consists of an annual fitness test.

40whit

THURSDAY 2nd

Today called for the next part of my fitness test. A loaded run with a 15kg pack, assault vest and done in full combat uniform and boots.

Managed to do the 6.31m in 53:58 @ 8:33p/m. Tough session but enjoyable.

Was supposed to do a recovery run but an u12 match ran late so a rest is probably as good. Stop me over training when I should be tapering anyway.

tang1

40whit wrote: »

Yes you have it in one, medical core in custume barracks.

Only job that consists of an annual fitness test.

My auld man done 30 years in it so it sounded familiar, spent most of his time in Custume Barracks, retired since '96.

40whit

tang1 wrote:

My auld man done 30 years in it so it sounded familiar, spent most of his time in Custume Barracks, retired since '96.

Very good, what rank/job did he do?

You didn't follow him into the job so?

tang1

40whit wrote: »

Very good, what rank/job did he do?

You didn't follow him into the job so?

Na, went for blue uniform instead! He retired as a Sergeant in Engineers, he done 9 tours in the Leb in his time.

40whit

FRIDAY 3rd

12m run in 1:26:50 @ 7:15p/m.

Legs were tired after the loaded run the previous day but needed to get out and get this done. Loosened out after 4 miles or so but wind was still very strong and on an out and back course it was in my face on the return leg. Got new runners too and heavier than normal, mizuno ones and I definitely won't be racing in them, training runs only.

SATURDAY 4th

Local 7km race in glasson for st lukes.

4.25m in 24:57 @ 5:52p/m and 1st place.

An annual race in my own parish and one I'd finished as runner up in previously. Today I wanted to right that wrong. Not a huge field of only 70 or so runners but still very enjoyable race.

Decided I'd go out hard and see who would follow etc so took off like a bat out of hell, the course is an out and back race so at halfway I'd be able to judge my lead or what I had to do.

Went through mile 1 in 5:30 and although I didn't look back i couldn't hear any footsteps within ear shot, this was going to be about racing myself and not getting complacent, went through mile 2 considerably slower though in 5:55 but cruising without working too hard.

Shortly after reached the turn around point and realised I had at least a 50 second lead, relaxed more into it and mile 3 was 5:57, followed by mile 4 in 5:59. I was cruising at this stage and completed the run with a 1:33 .25.

Won a tshirt for my troubles and enjoyed the fabulous spread afterwards.

Was disappointed with pace and will have to work on concentration as I felt I completely cruised and could have knocled up to 1 min off that time, still though delighted with the win and I look forward now to manchester in 2 weeks time.

Tomorrow is 16m hopefully at 6:50 pace with a 6m pick up to 6:30, fingers crossed.

tang1

Well done on the win, always nice to win a race.

40whit

tang1 wrote:

Well done on the win, always nice to win a race.

That's for sure and wins don't come around too often

40whit

SUNDAY 5th

Today planned for 16 miles and for once the plan got executed. Although I only got 4 hours sleep after work last night the fabulous weather out gave me the spur to get out.

Donned my newly acquired tshirt, won at yesterday's race and set out at a decent pace. Consistent throughout as slowest mile was 6:30 and quickest 6:20 through half marathon in 1:24:08, eased back a little for the remaining 3 miles and finished them out still under sub 3 pace.

16m in 1:43:22 @ 6:29p/m

This was my last long run for Manchester in 2 weeks and hopefully I can hold it together on the day for my sub 3.

40whit

MONDAY 6th

5 miles in 44:51 @ 8:58p/m

Recovery run, try to do at least one of these a week although this was my first one in 10 days. Really relaxed and waited until the evening when the sun was gone in.

TUESDAY 7th

8 miles in 58:24 @ 7:18p/m

Speed session today including 12x400's controlled.

As I'm tapering this session wasn't done flat out, after a 1.5m warm up into my first rep and even with the afternoon sun reasonably happy with the 12 reps, each off 70secs recovery.

Times were :-

80
78
78
79
77
79
78
78
79
80
81
81

Aim going in was 80 so delighted with the splits even if the last 2 were over, the sun was fairly sapping though.

2 mile cool down to round out the session.

40whit

Quick update as its been one of those weeks, kids football, work and a case study taking up 90% of my time. Still managed to squeeze in some runs though.

Taper week with Manchester in 6 days so focus was easy running with 1-2 pacy runs.

TUESDAY 7th

8m in 58:24 @ 7:18p/m steady run.

WEDNESDAY 8th

6m in 39:59 @ 6:39p/m. Nice marathon paced blow out here legs feeling strong on a rolling course.

THURSDAY 9th

8m in 57:39 @ 7:13p/m legs felt great after the blowout on tuesday and really just couldn't slow this one down. Wanted 7:30 pace just couldn't get there.

FRIDAY 10th

6m in 45:06 @ 7:31p/m much more controlled run felt a little tired though.

SATURDAY 11th

13.12m in 1:27:07 @ 6:39p/m after arriving at work early for an easy 6 before I started i realised I'd gotten my shifts wrong and was 8pm start not 7pm doh extra hour meant I moved sundays tempo and last medium LR to saturday. Eased in with 7 min mile picking up each mile until mile 9 in 6:15 eased back to cool down for last 4 finishing again with a 7 min mile.

SUNDAY 12th

5m in 38:28 @ 7:42p/m easy run, tired setting out after a 12 hour shift and then straight to a soccer match with my eldest. Meant I did this on 2 hours sleep and another shift that nihht to come. Still got it finished and really freshened me up for work.

The week ahead is all about ticking over with nice easy miles and a 200's session thrown in for good measure. I like yhese sessions race week as i feel they benefit not my fitness but sharpness.

Toblerone1978

Hi 40whit. Your runniing paces are only something I could dream off!

In relation to your Wed session, did you do a warm-up / cool down? Or did you leave it out of the log as non-relevant.

Are you feeling confident for your target? I think you should be.

40whit

Toblerone1978 wrote:

In relation to your Wed session, did you do a warm-up / cool down? Or did you leave it out of the log as non-relevant.

Hi Toblerone not generally great for warm up went out on wednesday @ 6:51 for first mile and quickened from there. I find in these marathon pace sessions where I'm not running flat out I dont need too.

If I was doing an interval session or hard tempo i generally do 1-2 miles@ 7:30-8:00 min miles and into the session.

Always get a good stretch after my runs and foam roll 4-5 times a week.

Toblerone1978 wrote:

Are you feeling confident for your target? I think you should be.

Feeling fairly good about my target, will go out at 6:30 pace and hopefully get into a group makes things easier. If I got to 20 miles at that pace I'll push for 2:49 but think I'll be more 2:54:59 fingers crossed. If not sub 3 would still be a good result.

tang1

Best of luck Sunday, say you'll be coming back the fastest marathoner in Tubberclair, nice bragging rights that!!

40whit

tang1 wrote:

Best of luck Sunday, say you'll be coming back the fastest marathoner in Tubberclair, nice bragging rights that!!

Thanks really looking forward to it.

Not too sure about the competition in tubberclair may be some runners I've not discovered yet. But I'll take that title

40whit

So quick update on the week so far, with Manchester looming everything has been pretty low key with no doubles

MONDAY 13th

5m Recovery run very easy 44:29 @ 8:54p/m. Weekly recovery avg HR for this 120bpm

TUESDAY 14th

5m Easy in 38:26 @ 7:42p/m Avg HR 143 Felt horrible doing this mainly due to the fact I spent 6 hours finishing my case study and was sapped of all life.

WEDNESDAY 15th

4m Steady 27:57 @ 7:00p/m Avg HR 133bpm max 162bpm Plan was 7:15 but felt greatand half way through mile 4 looked at the garmin to see 6:22 pace, had to tone it down and ease home.

THURSDAY 16th

6m 43:44 @ 7:18p/m Avg HR 132bpm max 178bpm

Last serious session before Sunday and was doing a session I did 3 days out from Mullingar 1/2 last month, a 1m W/U followed by 16x200 off 45sec recovery and then 2m C/D.

Felt great running this without too much effort and splits better than 4 weeks ago which surprised me as I felt I didn't work as hard. This months splits below with last months in brackets next to them.

1m W/U 7:45

16x200 off 45sec recovery

31 (34)
32 (33)
32 (34)
33 (34)
32 (33)
33 (33)
32 (34)
32 (33)
32 (32)
31 (33)
32 (32)
32 (32)
32 (33)
34 (33)
32 (32)
31 (30)

Total now 511 sec, last month 522 sec

Hopefully by the end of the summer maybe get this below 500 secs for the 16x 200 total??

PaulieC

Best of luck at the weekend, looks like your in great shape for it.

Toblerone1978

PaulieC wrote: »

Best of luck at the weekend, looks like your in great shape for it.

+1

paddybarry

Good luck 40whit, you are in great nick.

40whit

Quick update before I head off tonight, flying out at 6:30am so long night travelling ahead. Good early night tomorrow.

Managed to get out twice today one steady effort and one recovery, checked my prep for mullingar half and this formula the day after my 200 session served me well then so sure why not now.

Instead of 5m tomorrow though will probably cut it to an easy 3. Roll on Sunday.

Time to maybe try and be optimistic here so have 3 times in mind and will be disappointed if I dont achieve at least one of them.

1. Ultimate goal 2:49:59 (probably just a touch too soon but hey I'll go for it)

2. My year start goal 2:54:59 (think I'm in shape for this)

3. Consolation goal 2:59:29 (a new pb if all else fails)

Anything outside this = disaster

FRIDAY 17th

AM 6m 43:20 @ 7:13p/m Avg HR 150bpm

PM 5m 39:58 @ 8:00p/m No HR data as monitor packed for the off.

Anyone interested in following progress race number is 11677

PaulieC

40whit wrote: »

Quick update before I head off tonight, flying out at 6:30am so long night travelling ahead. Good early night tomorrow.

Managed to get out twice today one steady effort and one recovery, checked my prep for mullingar half and this formula the day after my 200 session served me well then so sure why not now.

Instead of 5m tomorrow though will probably cut it to an easy 3. Roll on Sunday.

Time to maybe try and be optimistic here so have 3 times in mind and will be disappointed if I dont achieve at least one of them.

1. Ultimate goal 2:49:59 (probably just a touch too soon but hey I'll go for it)

2. My year start goal 2:54:59 (think I'm in shape for this)

3. Consolation goal 2:59:29 (a new pb if all else fails)

Anything outside this = disaster

FRIDAY 17th

AM 6m 43:20 @ 7:13p/m Avg HR 150bpm

PM 5m 39:58 @ 8:00p/m No HR data as monitor packed for the off.

Anyone interested in following progress race number is 11677

Tough luck, still a fantastic time, but I doubt you'll see it that way...

Toblerone1978

To echo PaulieC's sentiments, well done on a great time but I'm sure you'll be disappointed.

tang1

What did he run lads?

Great running, but have no doubt as the lads said you will be disappointed with it. I'm sure you'll learn from it & come back even stronger.

40whit

So ended up with disaster, just wasn't in me today and from 8m onwards calves really sore/tender.

Finished in 3:03:47 and learned a lot. Will throw up a race report Tuesday when I'm home.

Thanks all for the well wishes.

40whit

RACE REPORT Manchester marathon Sunday April 19th

Preparation

Training has gone well in the lead up to the race with good times being hit, even hitting 80 mins for mullingar 1/2 and winning a local 7km race.I got this entry as a birthday present and so it brought my target race forward by 2 weeks. Original target was limerick may 3rd. This put my sessions a little skewed and as a result I missed a planned 20 mile and a 22 mile run in the lead up and rushed my taper. Not ideal but still confident.

Travel

Set out Friday night at 10:30pm to catch a bus to the airport, a long night in departures(very little sleep)followed as flight wasn't until 6:30am Saturday, had to get a bus as the wife needed the car and couldn't get anyone to watch the kids overnight. Arrived at 7:30 and started to make my way to old Trafford for number collection, disappointing expo and then had to tram and bus it to my sisters an hour away. Arrived at hers exhausted at 1pm. And as my sister is super organised she had no shopping done so 2 hours walking around asda was up next. Went for dinner that night and eventually retired to bed completely exhausted at 10pm.
I did do an easy 3m that evening hoping the legs would ease out, they didn't.

Race morning

Slept pretty well all things considered and my nieces mickey mouse bed was actually pretty comfortable, woke at 6:00 and stayed in it until 6:30, usual routine of porridge and honey and sipping on water. Felt pretty drained but hoped adrenaline would kick in soon. Legs were sore and tender.Arrived at the start area at 8:15 loads of time but again not feeling very Olympic and fairly apprehensive. Conditions were perfect cool,dry and barely any breeze.

The race

Miles 1-4(6:31,6:24,6:27,6:34)
After the trek to the start line which wasn't signed or marked which I found odd, we started bang on time at 09:00. I had positioned my self in the first wave about 8 rows back as to get good clear road out. I knew I wasn't 100% but still thought once I settled in I'd loosen out and so went out at my originally planned pace of 6:30 per mile, as with any race like this the start is exciting and a little fast but soon settled in and found my rhythm although working a little harder than I should have been. Miles ticked by quickly early on and we would go around our first turn around point here, a roundabout and with being in the top few hundred the sight of the other 10,000 coming the opposite way was quite the sight. Did notice in this section too a girl from mullingar harriers and 2 athenry guys running. Go on Ireland.

Miles 5-8(6:30,6:32,6:36,6:35)
The effort was definitely there now and the ache in my calfs was worsening but as I'm a thick fecker just kept the head down and plowed on. The course was uninspiring with everything looking the same, just masses of houses and buildings, no scenery like at home, no landmarks to look forward too just drab housing estates and shop streets everywhere. This wasn't helping my mood. Another little out and back this time around a set of cones then brought us onto the road to Altrincham a long 4 mile road we'd have to go both ways on. Hell.

Miles 9-13(6:30,6:36,6:44,6:54,6:48)
The plan here was to get to 1/2 way in decent time and then hopefully just hang on, really long straight road here didn't help and as I hit mile 10 just felt dead, pushed on until half way but was now being passed on a regular basis and this hit me hard and I started to fade. The pace now was really uncomfortable and my calves were very tight. So much so that if I had stayed pushing I'd have cramped. Damage limitation time and hopefully have enough time banked to see me under 3. Half way in just over 1:26.

Miles 14-17(6:47,7:05,7:28,7:40,7:32)
Crash bang wallop is all I can say about this section on the return from Altrincham, it was hell. If I knew how to get to old Trafford quickly I'd have quit at this point as my head completely went and with it any sub 3 hopes. I just couldn't stop the doubt in my head as I was literally a step away from walking at times here. Bodies were going past me like I was standing and I just wanted the ground to consume me so I could stop and the pain in my calves would go away. Although the encouragement from the oncoming runners was great I really wasn't in the mood for any pleasantries and must have seemed like an awful ignorant pig. Sorry to anyone I offended.

Miles 18-22(7:32,7:27,7:16,7:18,7:24)
Off the long stretch and started to feel a small bit better after my 3rd gel, legs still sore that wasn't going to change but mentally accepted my demise and so set about staying ahead of the 3hour pacer for as long as I could. Stayed ahead until mile 20 and proceeded to run my best 2 miles in a long time in pursuit of staying with them. Plenty of walkers and people pulled in stretching now and I really didn't want to join them so when I started to get woeful pains in my calves again decided to ease right back to avoid cramping. A good decision as I was on the edge.

Miles 23-26.2(7:35,8:08,8:05,7:58)
Seriously in pain seconds from cramps but for some reason I'd embraced it and actually enjoyed the last few miles, pressure off sub 3 gone and grumpiness subsided, I even started to encourage the runners who were now passing me and not cursing them. Really had to slow here and could see old Trafford from a mile out. Only decent sight or landmark the whole 3 and a bit hours, brought it home nice and gently to finish in a time of 3:03:47. Nice medal and tshirt and plenty of protein, food and erdinger to get me over the pain.

Finished 586/10,551.

Post race

Delighted with my disaster really as it could have been a lot worse, I stuck in well and still got a pretty decent time considering all the factors. The lost sessions didn't help but my poor taper was to blame too, looking back this was my 62nd consecutive running day and I was drained. Poor travel arrangements and all the walking the day before didn't help but ultimately weren't the main factor in my failure, my lack of rest in hindsight cost me a good time, and after a 5mile recovery Monday this week will now be about rest, and think I'll definitely take one day a week off from now on even if I feel I don't need it as it catches up on you eventually.

Next up is a 100km race in donadea in may I was invited to run, only 20 invites sent out so get my body well rested for that test and learn my lessons hopefully from this experience.

40whit

Quick update post Manchester and it's been a struggle this week, felt every bit of last sunday up until yesterday's run.

MONDAY 20th

5m recovery in 42:26 @ 8:29p/m

Had, to get out and do this one but felt drained from the day before, flew home that night landing in ireland at 10:30, the better half didn't arrive until 11:15

TUESDAY 21st

A shift start of 08:00 and no car meant an early rise to cycle the 8 miles to work and the 8 mile return leg that night. 61:13 for the two combined and my first day not to run in 63 days.

WEDNESDAY 22nd

Another 12 hour shift and again a commute in, I was going to an u12 soccer match after work so just the cycle in today so took the longer route and 12.5 miles done in 48:11. Legs still dead.

THURSDAY 23rd

Back running today and needed a blow out so ran what felt like 6 min miles which in reality were 7:11 average.

6 miles in 43:01 @ 7:11 p/m.

By the end I was hanging on and realised I had gone out too hard. Do I ever learn?

FRIDAY 24th

Our car combusted during the week and so we were using my brother in laws, he required it for the weekend so had to drop it into him and run home. Took this nice and easy.

9 miles in 1:11:39 @ 7:58p/m

SATURDAY 25th

5 miles 40:49 @ 8:10 p/m HR avg 144

After leaving my HR monitor in work during the week had it back and kept this in my easy zone of <152bpm. Amazing how tired I was still as my rums at that avg HR 2 weeks ago were 7:30-7:40 pace. Back on nights too, and it was busy.

SUNDAY 26th

Another commute to work this time on foot and wanted a steady effort, the difference a day makes is amazing felt great initially although after eating a big salad just before I left started to get stomach cramps and bloating to an uncomfortable level during the last 2 miles, just slowed down and finished it out.

8 miles in 57:00 @ 7:08p/m HR avg 158

Finished my week with 33 miles.

40whit

MONDAY 27th

5m recovery in 38:38 @ 77:43p/m Avg HR 151bpm

What a difference a few days makes. HR still very high up until Saturday but this run pace was right back down keeping HR in the recovery zone.

I will be working completely off HR for this block leading into donadea 100km and then belfast 24 hour and see how this training suits me.

I was vo2 tested in january and will be working off the following zones:-

Easy/Revovery 137bpm-152bpm (5-6 sessions per week)

Steady/Lactate threshold 158bpm-163bpm (up to 90 min efforts, 1 session per week)

Heavy lower/Lactate turn point 171bpm-176bpm (30 min efforts, 1 session per week ex 3x10min or 4x8min)

Heavy higher 177bpm-182bpm Tempo pace (1 session every 2 weeks, 800's- 2 mile repeat)

Maximal/vo2 and speed max 189bpm (200's-600's one session per week)

Long runs will start Sunday with a 4 hour effort increasing by 1 hour per week until taper and then start again 2 weeks after donadea right up until Belfast. My mid week medium long run will start this week at 10 miles and hit 20 miles for belfast.

One rest day a week scheduled but as mileage increases this may become 2.

2 double days per week scheduled.

tang1

40whit wrote: »

MONDAY 27th

5m recovery in 38:38 @ 77:43p/m Avg HR 151bpm

How the hell do you run at 77min/mile pace.........

DragonBourne

all downhill from here

Ed Mc

tang1 wrote:

How the hell do you run at 77min/mile pace.........

Slowly