What I log about when I log about running

Thanks for the comments on Enniscorthy - no doubt I made some rookie errors that I can learn from. The good news is: 1. Post-race pancakes taste almost as good as PB pancakes; 2. my bad races are getting quicker; and 3. the windburn subsided quickly enough :P Every cloud, eh?!

Monday, February 12th 
Plan: Easy 10km
Total: 10.23km
Splits: 7:42; 7:35; 7:45; 7:48; 7:40; 7:46; 7:33; 7:35; 7:35 and 7:29
Avg HR: 143 Max: 163

Apart from the constant wind in my face, this was okay. Sure, my legs were tired but it wasn’t a struggle at any point. You can see the point where my legs loosened out in the splits above. I was constantly trying to remind myself to slow down. No harm in running at the slower end of the range, particularly the day after a race.

Tuesday, February 13th 
Plan: 6x800@5k pace
Total: 7.19km easy
Splits: 7:28; 7:42; 7:46; 7:37; 7:40; 7:50; 7:37; and 7:46
Avg HR: 142 Max HR: 155

I was never going to do the SOS two days after a race, even if the plan suggested it would be okay. My legs were heavier today and I was glad of the shorter, recovery-type run.

Thursday, February 15th 
Plan: Tempo 6km
Total: 11.5km, incl 6km tempo.
Tempo Splits: 6:06; 6:08; 6:03; 6:07; 6:06; and 6:08:
Tempo Avg HR: 164 Max HR: 175

I was looking forward to this all day and while it was fine, it wasn’t as fun as usual. I’d read on the Hanson Facebook page that being more then three seconds outside the appropriate pace is frowned upon. Anyway, I tried to just run by feel but more practice needed it seems. I never really got a comfortable rhythm going. If that sounds like it was a negative experience, it shouldn’t. I still enjoyed it well enough.

Friday, February 16th 
Plan: Easy 8km
Total: 10.32km
Splits: 7:46; 7:40; 7:50; 7:37; 7:39; 7:42; 7:27; 7:37; 7:24; 7:28 and 7:09
Avg HR: 140 Max HR: 156

I really enjoyed this. My legs felt fine until about the 6k mark and then a touch of fatigue set in. Still, there’s something great about running into the weekend.

Saturday, February 17th 
Plan: Easy 10km
Total: 8km
Splits: 7:39; 7:32; 7:09; 7:00; 7:14; 6:58; 7:04; and 7:29
Avg HR: 140 Max HR: 155
Swapped this run with Friday’s as it made more sense.

D had an errand to run in Raheny, so I jumped on the opportunity to take in what is technically my home parkrun at St Annes. Incorporating parkrun into runs has the benefit of keeping things interesting. I suppose a downside is despite convinced I ran this bang on pace, I ran the parkrun segment a touch too fast. I love parkrun. This was a really enjoyable pootle around my old stomping ground.

Sunday, February 18th
Total:  19km
Splits: 7:25; 7:10; 7:09; 7:10; 6:57; 6:50; 6:52; 6:33; 6:45; 6:46; 6:44; 6:35: 6:27; 6:41; 6:40; 6:33: 6:34; 6:41 and 7:16
Avg HR: 144 Max HR: 163

I was really looking forward to getting out on this run. D had a similar distance to do, so he opted to drive to the seafront. We timed it so that I could run to meet him there. He was able to leave 20 minutes after me, drive to the carpark, get his run done and finish slightly before me I ran down to Blackrock, then through Monkstown, Dun Laoire, Sandycove and Dalkey - all sorts of rough places, before running back to Monkstown. There was obviously quite a lot of downhill - certainly, from home to Blackrock but the rest was a nice mix of gentle up and downs. I really enjoyed every step of this. I like the slightly faster long runs. In some ways, they’re easier than easy long runs - I pick up my feet more and maintain better form.

Approx 67kms this week. Despite skipping the SOS on Tuesday and doing a substantially shorter run than the SOS would’ve entailed, I’m actually still ahead of the plan’s 64 km because of the longer long runs. I’m saying this now, so it doesn’t look like I’m making excuses when I log next week, but my consistency is going to be severely tested this week and it’s looking like at least one run will be missed.


The plan tops out at 80km, all going well. I chose to do a half marathon plan, because even though I hate racing halfs, I love training for them. I also had Berlin in mind and wanted to build my base mileage as much as possible before starting a training plan for that. The recent thread about “training to train” had made me question this a bit - that maybe I’d be better off just following a pure base-building plan. Having thought about it, though, I think I’ll continue as planned. I need the spectre of the half to keep me focused. Otherwise, it would be a very long road to Berlin, indeed.

eyrie wrote: »

Serious training, it really is impressive. I'm daydreaming about getting up to the levels you're at but can't see how to fit it in! I think you're right to stick with what you're doing too - the plan you're on already has you increasing the mileage really substantially, so I would assume it's covering that base anyway, as long as it's not tiring you out too much. Plus racing a half is bound to bring it's own gains. You might even enjoy this one!

You're pretty equal with me in terms of recent mileage, I'd have thought. I try not to compare myself to others, and I don't want to sound sorry for myself, so I hope it doesn't come across like that, but I feel like I've more work to do than others to actually be able to complete a marathon.

Anyway, yeah, lots to think about. I am building a base but there's quite a bit of intensity in the plan, so I guess that's the worry.

Monday, February 19
Plan: Easy 8k
Actual: Easy 8k
Avg HR: 133 HR Max: 147
Splits: 7:28; 7:57; 7:44; 7:42; 7:51; 7:31; and 7:30

Delighted with this. I’ve been trying, and failing, to run these Monday runs within the prescribed paces but towards the slower end to keep them as recovery efforts. This is the first time I managed it and it was a really enjoyable run. To be perfectly honest, it was the pace the legs wanted to run at, but it meant I could largely ignore my watch for the duration. Ran around a carpark a few times to hit the 8k; running is making me slightly lula.

Tuesday, February 20
Plan: 6x800@5k pace
Total: 5.3km
Avg Pace: 7:32 min/km
Splits: 7:47; 7:41; 7:42; 7:51; 7:32; 7:50; 7:30; 6:57; 7:02; 6:47; 6:55; 7:25 and 8:05
Avg HR: 135 Max: 145

I knew I wasn’t getting a session done today. I thought I wasn’t going to get a run in at all. A very stressful day, indeed, and when I spotted a small window of opportunity, I had my gear on and was out the door before I could’ve talked myself out of it. More of a stress busting run than anything else. Progress, though. The old Huzzah! would’ve taken the unscheduled day off.

Wednesday, February 21
Plan: Off.
Total: 12.33km, 6x800@5k pace
Avg HR: 151 Max HR: 179
Splits: 4:02; 3:58; 4:00; 4:02; 3:59; and 4:03

I’m proud of me for not skipping my session because I hate these. Although, they’re getting less horrific the more I do of them. I just jinxed next week’s, didn’t I?

Turns out there’s a loop outside my apartment that’s exactly 800m, which was useful as this was where I chose to do the intervals. My neighbours probably think I’m batty, but sure. The first one was horrible. It felt so tough and I was constantly behind pace, but after that, it was okay. It helped that I knew exactly where each one would end, so I could pretty much ignore my watch and just run at what felt like the correct effort. It became clear to me how much the Garmin struggles with measuring these types of intervals. At one point, I was brought to a complete standstill by a doggie who thought I was his mum and my watch was buzzing at me to tell me to slow down. I have been taking full recoveries for these, but I shortened some for this session.

Friday, February 23
Plan: Tempo 6k
Total: 11km, incl 6km tempo
Tempo Splits: 6:08; 6:06; 6:02; 6:06: 6:11; and 6:06
Avg HR: 153 Max HR: 162

Tempo Thursday became Tempo Friday to allow for a rest day between SOS. This was great. I loved it. I started the tempo on Strand Road and ran to Merrion Gates and back, finishing with a wee loop of the park. I had been warned that the wind was strong on the way out and it was, which made the first part tough enough. It didn’t feel any tougher than doing it as the runmute, though. Then, I turned at the Merrion Gates and it felt great. I was gliding along, not wanting it to end. For once, the wind was a help and not a hindrance Turned back into the wind for the last 700m or so, so at least it wasn’t all easy

Saturday, February 24
Plan: Easy 10k
Total: 10k
Avg pace: 7:25min/km

Forgot my HRM for the first time ever. This run felt fine. My legs weren’t hugely tired or anything and it really was a beautiful day for running. Maybe could’ve been slower, but not necessary, I don’t think.

Sunday, February 25
Plan: Easy 16KM
Total: 16km
Splits: 7:28; 7:27; 7:19; 7:28; 7:32; 7:38; 7:28; 7:17; 7:03; 7:33; 7:16; 7:12; 7:08; 7:01; 7:16 and 7:15
Avg HR: 144 Max HR: 159

Too fast in places but felt very easy. Bit of a humdrum run, plodding along. There was a 5k road race on in Curracloe and I ran some of the route in reverse. Wouldn’t fancy trying to race 5k on those hills. Small bit of a niggly hip. Need to watch that.

63 kilometres this week and a drop-back week. Bang on halfway through the plan, which is small bit daunting. No doubt the easy half is behind me.

juke wrote: »

You're showing impressive determination!

That's exactly the word I'd use to describe the week, actually!

Monday, February 26
Plan: Easy 10k
Total: 10k
Avg HR: 140 Max HR: 158
Splits: 7:32; 7:57; 8:04; 7:52; 7:55; 7:33; 7:35; 7:33; 7:29; and 7:23

Tough enough, if I remember correctly, until my legs loosened out.

Tuesday, February 27
Plan: 5 x 1K
Total: 9.87k, incl 5 x 1k
Avg HR: 152 Max HR: 179
Splits: 5:00; 4:41 (short); 5:04; 5:06; and 5:02.

Very difficult session that I struggled through from start to finish. Canned the second one early as you can see. I did these outside the apartment and it was difficult not to quit. This is the last of these types of session and it would’ve been nice to finish on a good note. I’m a bit scared of VO2 Max sessions, but I was starting to come around to them.

Thursday, March 1
Plan: SOS – 6k Tempo plus warm up and cool down. 1-3 miles suggested.
Total: Nada

First missed run of the plan – not bad for 10 weeks in. If I’m not able to get to work, I’m not able to run.

Friday, March 2
Plan: Easy 8k
Total: Nada

I went for an exploratory walk to the village and back, if that counts.

Saturday, March 3
Plan: Easy 8k
Total: Nada

Starting to get antsy.

Sunday, March 4
Plan: Long 19.11k
Total: 19k@7:12min/km (Three episodes of the Gilmore Girls)
Avg HR: 148 Max HR: 164

The roads are pretty clear but the pavements are full of compacted ice. It’s not safe to run on the road – they’re quite busy, so I bought myself a day pass to a gym and loaded up my iPad with some Gilmore Girls. Tis a long time to spend on a treadmill and I nearly caved when D finished his 14k GA, but I stuck at it. The last 4k were pretty tough. It got very warm and my HR started to climb a bit from where it had been. I was so dizzy when I got off – must’ve confused my inner ear with all the ‘flix watching. Got a nice bit of arm chafe, too, to remind me of what’s to come when the weather improves. (It will improve, right?!) Kind of ragin’ I hadn’t signed up for the Lusk 4 mile. Could’a made use of the enforced taper.

39 kilometers and not a week to remember. I haven’t missed a run before this week and I did some extra runs at the start of the plan, so, hopefully, there won’t be too much of an impact. I don’t think I’ll have to review my target provided there aren’t any more hiccups during the next seven weeks. I spent my copious downtime looking at potential marathon plans, but haven’t settled on one yet.

This week sees a change from speed sessions to strength sessions, which look pretty intense. I am looking forward to giving one a go, though. Better the divil you know, or something.

eyrie wrote: »

Ooooh do share what you're thinking about the marathon plans! What ones are you looking at?

Your goal might be different to mine? I'm trying to find a plan that strikes a balance between having enough miles to get me around (as) comfortably (as possible) with the fact that I'm a beginner at the distance. My goal is twofold: 1. to get to the start line in one piece; and 2. to finish. It may be a cop out, but I won't be pursuing any real time goal, apart from having a sub-5hour in my mind and that's largely to do with basing training paces off, rather than being a goal time.

I've discounted: Pfitz and Meno, as they're too advanced for me and the novice Hal plan, as it's too light on midweek mileage (for me, personally).

I'm intrigued by the Hanson plan and a lot of what's said by them and others around here, who I trust a lot in, is that the long-long run poses more risks than its worth. I am, however, aware that I'm not mentally strong enough to top my long run out at 16 miles. Sure, I was a basket case at the idea of doing RTL I also like the look of the BAA plans: http://www.baa.org/races/boston-marathon/participant-information/boston-marathon-training-plan.aspx

But I'll probably end up doing the tried-and-trusted Boards plan. It tops out at 40/43 miles, which might mean I ended up doing more mileage for a half than a marathon

Any thoughts yourself?

ariana` wrote: »

You could always seek advice on increasing the mileage on the plan? I'm sure whoever is mentoring and the backroom staff will be happy to advice you. We had plenty of people last year with a lot of marathon experience who were very quick to help us out on any queries we had. Maybe someone will do a Boards Advanced plan for you

So annoyed for you that your half was cancelled! Don't worry about losing the mojo a bit - it's perfectly natural. No doubt it will return once you've a new point of focus.

Thanks for the suggestion - I'm conscious that a sub-5hour marathon isn't exactly "advanced" territory and I also think I'd need to be careful of asking for advice on the general novices' thread. You know yourself it might put doubts in other posters' minds about the plan they're following, which wouldn't be fair. I might either pop it up here with a few additional miles on the easy days and ask for input or just aim to add a few miles on certain days here or there.

OOnegative wrote: »

If your looking at BAA plans the Meno & Pfitz plans are not to advanced for you IMHO. In years past I know some have done the Meno plan on the Novices thread. It’s all about finding what you feel comfortable with plan wise and one you know suits you.

chickey2 wrote: »

Totally agree. You'd be well able for the meno plan, whether it suits you is another question. How are you finding the Hanson half plan? If you're liking it I'd chance the full plan.

Thanks, both. I've had a closer look and read through some of the grads thread, but I'm still undecided. I'd need to condense it to 15 weeks, which I think is fine given some of Meno's comments in that thread. My main concern is that I'm so slow some of the sessions would have me on my feet for a considerable amount of time. Ho hum. I've pretty much discounted Hanson. Too fwightened of the lack of long runs.

eyrie wrote: »

I don't have a goal, other than to manage to do it and have it not be total agony! I haven't really looked into plans yet, beyond having a bit of a squint at the Boards plan and the Meno plan, since they're both online. And hal higdon too, but I don't plan on following his. I know nothing about the other ones you're talking about, apart from having heard of them! I ruled out all the famous names (Pfitz, hanson), assuming they would be too advanced. But I haven't seen them, so that's not an opinion that's based on anything really.

I plan to keep it fairly simple given it's all so new, so I'd say I'll do the Boards plan (maaaaaybe with a few extra miles) or Meno once I look at it a bit more closely. I get the feeling you'd be well able for it as you've such a good base built up, you seem to have no problem handling the training, and you're really consistent. So whatever you start I'll probably copy you a few weeks later :P

Cool - similar goal to myself so. Thanks for your confidence. I'm feeling a bit dead this week, so I'm not sure that I am handling the mileage all that well. Although, tbf, training for a half will do that to a person

eyrie wrote: »

I had a very similar experience re: the dead legs all this week - maybe there's something in the air!
Personally I wouldn't start questioning your target pace just yet. We all have those days/weeks where the effort is higher than normal, could be down to any number of things. Only an issue if it keeps up.

Hope the HR strap turns up!

I hope it turns up before I convince myself that I need a new watch to replace it

Annie get your Run wrote: »

You can buy the HR straps on their own #buzzkill

Actually, I have at least one spare you're welcome to....

You're very good. I'm borrowing one at the moment, so I'm not badly stuck. I want to make sure it's actually lost before I pull the trigger on a new one