As you now know I have officially become a Spanish Football fan and will in due course change my name to Enrique; till then .....
Spain 1-0 Italy
Although we couldn't find anywhere in London to watch the match so had to resort to seeing England's dismall performance against the french.
This week has been a busy one away from the training so I have been unable to get more than a couple of 5 milers in, hopefully tonight I will try another short run and need to find some time over the weekend to step up to 10 miles, otherwise my body will start to forget what its like to do exercise ......
Friday, 28 March 2008
Sunday, 23 March 2008
Snow on Easter morning
Nearly bottled it this morning, but decided to risk doing an outside run.
I found a nice route, start from Barnes Hockey Club and go west to Teddington Lock, turn round to Hammersmith bridge then back to the finish. ~19.5 miles. The very last very long run.
Anyway at 7:45 I got out of the car and it started to snow. I thought about it for a bit but went for it. Off I trudged, by the time I got to Richmond bridge it was blowing a blizzard - there were quite a few other runners about even at that time and in those conditions (many were obviously London Marathon training).
Anyway, felt very virtuous when I'd finished - the run followed the usual pattern -- first 14 miles comfortable, then from 15 miles onwards pretty tough and down to 10min/miling-- 3hr 19min -- Right shin continuing to hurt a fair bit but not quite as bad as after Cranleigh.
I am certainly looking forward to this "taper down" period. I have come to the conclussion that I am not naturally suited to these extreme distances.
Next week will consist of 3 shorter runs during the week and a weekend easy(!) 1 hour max.
Looking forward to watching the football on Wednesday - will meet up with the boys in town.
Now that England have failed to qualify for Euro2008, we have had to find another team to follow; after much discussion we have plumped for ............. Espana! Henceforth I shall be know as Enrique.
If anyone knows where we can watch Spain v Italy in Central London, let me know..
I found a nice route, start from Barnes Hockey Club and go west to Teddington Lock, turn round to Hammersmith bridge then back to the finish. ~19.5 miles. The very last very long run.
Anyway at 7:45 I got out of the car and it started to snow. I thought about it for a bit but went for it. Off I trudged, by the time I got to Richmond bridge it was blowing a blizzard - there were quite a few other runners about even at that time and in those conditions (many were obviously London Marathon training).
Anyway, felt very virtuous when I'd finished - the run followed the usual pattern -- first 14 miles comfortable, then from 15 miles onwards pretty tough and down to 10min/miling-- 3hr 19min -- Right shin continuing to hurt a fair bit but not quite as bad as after Cranleigh.
I am certainly looking forward to this "taper down" period. I have come to the conclussion that I am not naturally suited to these extreme distances.
Next week will consist of 3 shorter runs during the week and a weekend easy(!) 1 hour max.
Looking forward to watching the football on Wednesday - will meet up with the boys in town.
Now that England have failed to qualify for Euro2008, we have had to find another team to follow; after much discussion we have plumped for ............. Espana! Henceforth I shall be know as Enrique.
If anyone knows where we can watch Spain v Italy in Central London, let me know..
Thursday, 20 March 2008
Easter Bunnies
Yesterday went to the gym and did 30mins on a low impact cross trainer. Today did a very gentle 45mins at 9kph.
I've been taking some anti-inflamatory drugs to ease the swelling of my right shin. Cautiously optimistic about getting through the worst. Still planning to do a final long run on Easter Sunday - probably 16-19miles along the Thames towpath - but will see how it goes next few days before commiting.
After this weekend I go into "taper down" - no longer than 30mins during the week, with the long runs at the weekend cut down drastically to 8-10miles weekend after next and 5 miles in the final weekend before the big day.
Will have to watch what I eat in this period as the anount of calories I'm burning off drops its important not to pig out too much!
Since I started training I've lost ~10 lbs
I've been taking some anti-inflamatory drugs to ease the swelling of my right shin. Cautiously optimistic about getting through the worst. Still planning to do a final long run on Easter Sunday - probably 16-19miles along the Thames towpath - but will see how it goes next few days before commiting.
After this weekend I go into "taper down" - no longer than 30mins during the week, with the long runs at the weekend cut down drastically to 8-10miles weekend after next and 5 miles in the final weekend before the big day.
Will have to watch what I eat in this period as the anount of calories I'm burning off drops its important not to pig out too much!
Since I started training I've lost ~10 lbs
Tuesday, 18 March 2008
Cyber Stalking
Shins are gradually getting better but will continue to rest up and follow the advice of Jim Desmond "..this is no time for recklessness"
A reality check on finish times. Decided to look at last years Cranleigh results and pick some runners who finished in the same time and then check whether they ran later at London.
5 runners last year finished Cranleigh in times ranging from 3:25-3:33 then went on the complete in London in times ranging from 4:35-4:50
So I think thats a decent guide to what I can expect.
Soberingly that means the last 5 miles is done at ~14min/mile at best ---- Ouch!
As Glen said "To paraphrase Mr T I predict PAIN!"
A reality check on finish times. Decided to look at last years Cranleigh results and pick some runners who finished in the same time and then check whether they ran later at London.
5 runners last year finished Cranleigh in times ranging from 3:25-3:33 then went on the complete in London in times ranging from 4:35-4:50
So I think thats a decent guide to what I can expect.
Soberingly that means the last 5 miles is done at ~14min/mile at best ---- Ouch!
As Glen said "To paraphrase Mr T I predict PAIN!"
Monday, 17 March 2008
Shin Splints
I hope I haven't got them but could hardly walk on my right calf today and according to the web I look to have the symptoms. Very very bad news.
Will have to lay off completely for at least 48 hours and see how it feels mid-week.
Will have to lay off completely for at least 48 hours and see how it feels mid-week.
Sunday, 16 March 2008
Cranleigh
3:32
Horrible weather. Went through half-marathon at 2:06 and then on the last few miles the wheels came off a bit and went from sub-10min/mile to averaging 10min/mile for full distance.
I think I need to consult my guru for advice as I would have probably lasted the final 5 miles but it wouldn't have been pleasant I fear!
Interesting observation - the pace I'm runing means after the first 6 or 7 miles I tend to be in a pack of young lady atheletes; there are some compensations for being slow!
Another observation was being passed my male atheletes at about 14 miles. At first I thought they were adopting some negative split race strategy only to realise that they were actually doing a final sprint to complete 21 miles when I was just finishing my first lap!
I nearly burst out laughing when I got passed by a guy in matching yellow fluorescent vest and shoes, black cycle shorts and "Paul Radcliffe-style" knee high white socks. Still fair play to him, he was seriously moving and I guess if you turn out in that kind of gear you'd better be good.
Will enjoy a gentle sauna tonight before reflecting on the final hard week.
Horrible weather. Went through half-marathon at 2:06 and then on the last few miles the wheels came off a bit and went from sub-10min/mile to averaging 10min/mile for full distance.
I think I need to consult my guru for advice as I would have probably lasted the final 5 miles but it wouldn't have been pleasant I fear!
Interesting observation - the pace I'm runing means after the first 6 or 7 miles I tend to be in a pack of young lady atheletes; there are some compensations for being slow!
Another observation was being passed my male atheletes at about 14 miles. At first I thought they were adopting some negative split race strategy only to realise that they were actually doing a final sprint to complete 21 miles when I was just finishing my first lap!
I nearly burst out laughing when I got passed by a guy in matching yellow fluorescent vest and shoes, black cycle shorts and "Paul Radcliffe-style" knee high white socks. Still fair play to him, he was seriously moving and I guess if you turn out in that kind of gear you'd better be good.
Will enjoy a gentle sauna tonight before reflecting on the final hard week.
Saturday, 15 March 2008
Calm before the storm
Spending the day chillin'
The only training I'm doing is on the sofa watching England beating Ireland :)
My calf is really really sore though -- hope it gets better by 9 am tomorrow
The only training I'm doing is on the sofa watching England beating Ireland :)
My calf is really really sore though -- hope it gets better by 9 am tomorrow
Friday, 14 March 2008
Final preparation for Cranleigh
54 days ago I did my first Ricmond Park circuit and was pleasantly surprised at being able to complete the 7.25miles in 72 minutes.
Well today I returned to do my final run before this weekend's 21 miler at Cranleigh on Sunday morning.
I have a slight twinge in the front of my right calf which is a little uncomfortable but hopefully shouldn't be a big deal .... anyway today I went round in 65 minutes which I'm really pleased with.
Saturday will be a day of relaxation, I'll try and practise my "day before" schedule. No run. Gentle walk maybe. Porridge for breakfast, Pasta for diner. Early night. What is they call it ... oh yeah "visualisation" :)
With the day's gradually lengthening I'm just about getting to stage where I could do a training run in daylight. Makes a big difference to my mood.
Feeling cautiously optimistic.
Well today I returned to do my final run before this weekend's 21 miler at Cranleigh on Sunday morning.
I have a slight twinge in the front of my right calf which is a little uncomfortable but hopefully shouldn't be a big deal .... anyway today I went round in 65 minutes which I'm really pleased with.
Saturday will be a day of relaxation, I'll try and practise my "day before" schedule. No run. Gentle walk maybe. Porridge for breakfast, Pasta for diner. Early night. What is they call it ... oh yeah "visualisation" :)
With the day's gradually lengthening I'm just about getting to stage where I could do a training run in daylight. Makes a big difference to my mood.
Feeling cautiously optimistic.
Wednesday, 12 March 2008
Back on the blog
Met up with Glen at the gym tonight and he pointed out I'd been neglecting my blogging duties so apologies and here goes...
I got my marathon registration instructions today; where to go to get your number, kitbag, arrangements for travel to start etc etc.. Brought it sharply into focus that in 5 weeks time it'll all be over!
Tonight I did 8 miles in 76 minutes on the treadmill - test drove my new pair of shoes curteosy of Decathalon at Canada Water. Felt very comfortable so hopefully these will be the ones that will see me through on the big day. I may use them on the Cranleigh 21 this weekend - after that I plan to do only one more 3 hour plus run -- scheduled for Easter Sunday before I enter the "taper zone" - this is where the distances get cut drastically and I can slouch around eating masses of pasta. I need to restore some of the body weight I've lost in the last 6 weeks somehow!
Huge thanks to recent responses on my justgiving site from friends and old collegues at CAP -- my fundraising total stands at £2,365 which is amazing.
Finally, big respect to Charlie tonight -- the sly old dog did the WCTT 5km at the weekend in 24 minutes -- top time! -- well done..
I got my marathon registration instructions today; where to go to get your number, kitbag, arrangements for travel to start etc etc.. Brought it sharply into focus that in 5 weeks time it'll all be over!
Tonight I did 8 miles in 76 minutes on the treadmill - test drove my new pair of shoes curteosy of Decathalon at Canada Water. Felt very comfortable so hopefully these will be the ones that will see me through on the big day. I may use them on the Cranleigh 21 this weekend - after that I plan to do only one more 3 hour plus run -- scheduled for Easter Sunday before I enter the "taper zone" - this is where the distances get cut drastically and I can slouch around eating masses of pasta. I need to restore some of the body weight I've lost in the last 6 weeks somehow!
Huge thanks to recent responses on my justgiving site from friends and old collegues at CAP -- my fundraising total stands at £2,365 which is amazing.
Finally, big respect to Charlie tonight -- the sly old dog did the WCTT 5km at the weekend in 24 minutes -- top time! -- well done..
Monday, 10 March 2008
Mickey Mouse
The weekend training schedule took second fiddle to a family trip to Eurodisney this weekend. So fresh from my encounter with Mickey and friends I've got to get down to it this week and prepare for the Cranleigh 21 on Sunday.
In the last 4 days I've only done 1 run -- Friday 5.5 miles, but I felt quite good so maybe it was a case of giving my body a bit of a rest from the grind.
Anyway, tonight 7 miles; Tuesday & Wednesday 6 miles each should get me back on track.
So far in 52 days of training I have racked up just over 242 miles - my tainers are now on their last legs so will look to replace them soon with the ones that will hopefully get me round on the big day.
In the last 4 days I've only done 1 run -- Friday 5.5 miles, but I felt quite good so maybe it was a case of giving my body a bit of a rest from the grind.
Anyway, tonight 7 miles; Tuesday & Wednesday 6 miles each should get me back on track.
So far in 52 days of training I have racked up just over 242 miles - my tainers are now on their last legs so will look to replace them soon with the ones that will hopefully get me round on the big day.
Tuesday, 4 March 2008
Fundraising Target Acheived !!!!
Absolutely fantastic news ! Yesterday after 46 days I hit £1,800
A massive, massive thanks to each and every one of you.
I've still got some more friends and family to approach so hopefully I can keep going and raise even more for ChildLine.
Inspired by the news I went out and did a 2o km yesterday in 2 hours, forgot my top tip of Vaseline (Won't be doing that again I can tell you!)
Since last week I've been suffering from a bad chest cough which has affected my training and this weekend we have some family plans so I have had to juggle the schedule a bit.
Last Tuesday did 9.5k, Weds did a 10 miler then was laid up on Friday and Saturday; Sunday I was on the point of panicking at the thought of spending 3 days without putting on my running shoes so dragged myself to the gym for a slow 40 minutes.
The Cranleigh 15/21 is looming - Jim Desmond assures me that if I can crack that then I'll be fine on the day.
We shall see!
When I first started I just looked at that target and wondered where the money would come from as I'd never tried to do anything like this before. The way that people have responded and the generosity with which you have donated has given me an enormous lift.
I've still got some more friends and family to approach so hopefully I can keep going and raise even more for ChildLine.
Inspired by the news I went out and did a 2o km yesterday in 2 hours, forgot my top tip of Vaseline (Won't be doing that again I can tell you!)
Since last week I've been suffering from a bad chest cough which has affected my training and this weekend we have some family plans so I have had to juggle the schedule a bit.
Last Tuesday did 9.5k, Weds did a 10 miler then was laid up on Friday and Saturday; Sunday I was on the point of panicking at the thought of spending 3 days without putting on my running shoes so dragged myself to the gym for a slow 40 minutes.
The Cranleigh 15/21 is looming - Jim Desmond assures me that if I can crack that then I'll be fine on the day.
We shall see!
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