Mum on the Run

An unexpected lie-on for everyone today (i.e. child not awake at crazy o'clock) meant no morning run for me so I had to postpone until this evening. I’m not a fan of running in the dark because it means footpaths rather than grass. Also I think my night vision is fairly poor and I’m always afraid of tripping up and going splat. However I will never make the holy grail that is the Ten Round Numbers Table if I talk myself out of every evening training session!

• 3 miles in the lashing rain (25:15)

Well I misjudged the temperature this morning! I looked like the Michelin Man in layers of vests, tops, a hoodie and a rain jacket and by the time I’d run half a lap I was roasted. Felt a little sluggish but I think it’s just down to the seasonal over-indulgences (opened a box of Ferrero Rocher last night for no apparent reason other than they were there). Sure enough the scales confirmed and extra couple of festive pounds so will need to get rid of them before the Fat Turkey 10K or I’ll never get up those hills!

* 4 miles easy on grass (36:30)

SamforMayo wrote: »

I can post you my bug if you like!!! Will keep the IB s down!

I'm actually typing this while eating a Ferrero Rocher . Best send that bug Express Post ! Hope you are feeling better?

SamforMayo wrote: »

I am! Although I'm lacking in energy!

Have a Ferrero Rocher!
(glad to hear you're feeling better)

Had the morning off so instead of doing what I should have been doing (shopping, cleaning, laundry and writing Christmas cards), I spent the time wisely doing Pilates, Body Balance and a nice run in the winter sunshine. I am never going to be one of those people who is organised for Christmas by September. Or by Christmas week even

I did the Raheny 5 route today at what I suppose is a ‘steady’ pace. Probably on the easy side of moderate. It’s a great training loop because there’s very few roads to cross so you’re not stopping at lights all the time jogging on the spot like a loon.

5 miles steady (40:23)

Now all I have to do is knock 5 minutes plus change off that in a few weeks time :eek:

A parkrun 5K tomorrow, with the obligatory Santa Hat, and then I need to figure out how to fit in a long run on Sunday when it appears that 24 of the available 24 hours have already been allocated.

Did the Ardgillan parkrun yesterday. Such a spectacular location! It’s fairly hilly (even the winner/first finisher was 20 mins+) so I wasn’t expecting anything in terms of time. Really I just wanted to test the legs ahead of next week’s (even hillier) Fat Turkey. Pleased enough to take over a minute off my previous attempt at this one back in April. That said the course had changed a bit so I’m not any the wiser really :rolleyes:. It sure didn’t feel any easier. But it was a lovely festive atmosphere with everyone wearing Santa hats. Finished off the morning with a big stack of pancakes, happy days.

5K on trail + 1 mile w/up (walk cool down)

Managed to fit in my long run this morning betwixt the Xmas madness. Plan was for 70 mins nice and easy. Another really mild day and again, too many clothes. It just seems wrong to head out on 21st December in shorts and t-shirt but that’s probably what I should have done. Kept it nice and easy and was pleasantly surprised after the run to see that I’d covered 8 miles

8 miles easy (1:10:00)

TOTAL WEEKLY MILES : 27

Had to get my run done first thing as there won't be a hope of getting out later on. Body's feeling a bit tired but I suppose that's normal enough in the last week of a 12 week training programme. I've also done a lot of races so in the interests of being sensible I'm going to follow this week with a very easy low mileage week then ramp it up again before Raheny (after which I'm going to be even more sensible and take the week off running completely). Just hope the body holds out until then :eek::eek:

4 miles incl. 2 fartlek (34:30) on grass

Body Balance class today as the gym has reopened after the break. It wasn’t too busy, but going by last year the January classes will be packed out with all the new years resolutions. My balancing skills are sketchy at the best of times, and not improved by having some lad’s hairy toes two inches from my face. It’ll be a case of grin and bear it until only the truly dedicated are left come February.

I followed this with a couple of miles and some strides* on the treadmill. I really should have gone outside but I was short on time and I think I’d actually forgotten what torture it is, it’s been that long since I was on one.

2 miles + 4 strides (25:00)

*I say strides, I mean I ramped up the speed on the treadmill and flailed wildly and inelegantly as the dastardly contraption tried to throw me off. Did that 4 times.

So that’s all the prep done! 12 weeks of hills, LSRs, parkruns, cross country races, short runs, medium runs, the odd speed session and the dreaded strength & conditioning leading up to the last race of the year: The Fat Turkey 10K.

I’m not even sure what my target is, just quicker than last year hopefully and improve my placing. 46:xx would be the dream as it’s deffo not a PB course, but that means shaving 2 mins+ off last year’s time. We shall see. Gobble gobble!