Saturday.... is long run day.
16 miles today.
Did the same route as last week; just added an extra mile to the beginning. I plan it so that when I get to the turnaround point, at Ovingdean roundabout, I am well over halfway through (10.5 miles). Pyschologically, this just seems like a good idea. And it works. I kind of trick my mind into thinking I have to do the same distance again, and it's always such a JOY to get to Grand Avenue and realise that I can turn off and head home.
I was really not looking forward to today, but it was OK. I won't say it was brilliant, but there were times when I actually enjoyed it, and that doesn't happen very often. First of all, it was probably the most beautiful day of the year so far. Clear skies, and almost warm. Short-sleeved t-shirt for the first time since last October. And the sea looked so incredibly blue today; lots of different blues. There was also a lovely light breeze, nothing too heavy, even up on the cliffs where it's normally always windy. Just perfect conditions really.
I followed advice and took it very, very slowly today. Even slower than normal. I'd have been going backwards if I'd gone any slower. But I think this strategy works, as my heart rate never went above 170, even at the end, and I didn't feel at any point as though I was going to run out of energy. I did feel quite dehydrated though, which must have been the heat, and I'd finished all my water quite a long way before the end. Not sure what I'll do when I have to run 18 and 20 miles in a few weeks time.
The last four miles were tough. I tried to increase my pace a little, as I did last week, but I had a severe pain in my lower back. My back is so dodgy at the best of times, and I know this is the one injury I can't afford to get again because then it really will be all over, so I just carried on the same. By the final mile my legs felt like they were filled with wet sand. It took all my mental strength just to keep putting one foot in front of the other.
I don't feel too bad tonight. I'm really sore and uncomfortable and walking like a freak again but I'm used to that now. I hope if I just continue to stretch and ice and do some light cross-training over the next couple of days then I'll be OK to do four miles on Tuesday, which is what I have on my schedule.
The London Marathon is tomorrow. I try and imagine how I'd feel if I was doing it. In 7 weeks time, fingers crossed, that will be me lining up on the starting line. The mere thought of it makes me break out in a cold sweat.
16 miles today.
Did the same route as last week; just added an extra mile to the beginning. I plan it so that when I get to the turnaround point, at Ovingdean roundabout, I am well over halfway through (10.5 miles). Pyschologically, this just seems like a good idea. And it works. I kind of trick my mind into thinking I have to do the same distance again, and it's always such a JOY to get to Grand Avenue and realise that I can turn off and head home.
I was really not looking forward to today, but it was OK. I won't say it was brilliant, but there were times when I actually enjoyed it, and that doesn't happen very often. First of all, it was probably the most beautiful day of the year so far. Clear skies, and almost warm. Short-sleeved t-shirt for the first time since last October. And the sea looked so incredibly blue today; lots of different blues. There was also a lovely light breeze, nothing too heavy, even up on the cliffs where it's normally always windy. Just perfect conditions really.
I followed advice and took it very, very slowly today. Even slower than normal. I'd have been going backwards if I'd gone any slower. But I think this strategy works, as my heart rate never went above 170, even at the end, and I didn't feel at any point as though I was going to run out of energy. I did feel quite dehydrated though, which must have been the heat, and I'd finished all my water quite a long way before the end. Not sure what I'll do when I have to run 18 and 20 miles in a few weeks time.
The last four miles were tough. I tried to increase my pace a little, as I did last week, but I had a severe pain in my lower back. My back is so dodgy at the best of times, and I know this is the one injury I can't afford to get again because then it really will be all over, so I just carried on the same. By the final mile my legs felt like they were filled with wet sand. It took all my mental strength just to keep putting one foot in front of the other.
I don't feel too bad tonight. I'm really sore and uncomfortable and walking like a freak again but I'm used to that now. I hope if I just continue to stretch and ice and do some light cross-training over the next couple of days then I'll be OK to do four miles on Tuesday, which is what I have on my schedule.
The London Marathon is tomorrow. I try and imagine how I'd feel if I was doing it. In 7 weeks time, fingers crossed, that will be me lining up on the starting line. The mere thought of it makes me break out in a cold sweat.
posted by Rab at 2:08 PM
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