Bupa London 10000 - Challenge 3 - 25/5/15

So this is the second time I have completed this race and the last time I set a PB for a 10K race of 59 mins 42 so I was chuffed with that, not sure will manage that again but you never know I'm going to go for it if I can. Am a bit gutted that Jay won't be running with me (and think he is too) but its no good running if ankle gives way after a while as obviously I'd stop too. So at least this way, I get to enjoy running the new route in London, Jay gets to walk around, and its only an hour and we can be travelling back home.

So kit and running gear is all ready again.

So Challenge Number 3 completed:-) Unfortunately didn't beat my PB of the last time I ran it last  year, but was close enough really on a very hot day again (and I hate the heat!!). So 1 hour and 55 seconds and I really went for it on the last 2 miles, which shows on my watch time as had 2 negative splits so can't really complain at that. Most runners don't run quicker at the end than the beginning as they are too knackered, I admit I did run quick at the start, then at just before half way point I checked my watch and thought wow I could do this in 48 mins (too quick for me to keep up that pace) and yes it was too quick as by the 5K splits I'd dropped to over 29 mins for the half way so knew I wouldnt beat my time. Anyway I didn't stop, just slowed down a little when I had to and danced around a few slower runners, although some had to pass me at points and then ran like the clappers for last 2 miles:-) Saw Jay at Bird Cage Walk again and he took a video of me, and just concentrated on running to the end as it wasn't far.  Hit my watch button at 1 hour 55 seconds (although Jay thought I was quicker) but chip time confirmed I was right.  Still good time though, I was wilting in the heat but was determined to just keep going.  Didn't enjoy the new route as much, the Strand was a bit boring although Jay and I go up London so recognised loads of it.  Had a nice ice cream afterwards on walking back and was amazed that people were still walking/jogging (not many really running) along Bird Cage Walk even then - I'd finished, collected goody bag and medal, had pictures taken, collected baggage, met Jay, changed, walked to get an ice cream and walked back towards Westminster so must have been at least half hour if not more.

So would I do again, ofcourse, I've already paid my money to do next year on 30th May 2016.  Just the matter of a couple more 10K's this year and a bike ride and not sure what else, will have to see as still have ankle issues but hopefully they will sort themselves.

Now hope I don't get bored, but will still be running and cycling even if no races planned, but I'll always be updating my blog - you just never know.

Life post Marathon and pre Challenge No 3

Well, I can honestly say I've not had the marathon blues this time around. So pleased about that as I remember only too well how I felt 2 years ago. I haven't managed a run yet, been very good resting up but managed spin Friday night which was good, nice weekend away walking and then hopefully put me in good form for a little run Bank Holiday Monday. It's only another 4 weeks till my next challenge and although much smaller - just 6 miles, I'd like to go a little quicker and get another PB there like last year if I can:-)

So first run since the Marathon and it felt great. Ankles good, legs good, hips good, the only bad thing is still the ball of left foot still.  I did go to Dr's and as they are pretty useless (which is why I never go normally), all he said was pad it out - yeh great tried that and had to stop last Sunday about 6 times and even this mornings little run of 6.5 miles I had to stop 3 times to re-adjust the padding as it had gone flat and then was pressing on toes and making them go numb!! Not sure what I can really do apart from try different padding each time I go out -just a pain especially as felt good today.  The sun was shinning, there was a few cars on the road and the odd dog walker (who wouldn't move over!!) but wasn't too bad really. Glad it wasn't as hot last Sunday thats for sure, but nice to get out in the sun again, even though its not the best weather for me to cope with when I run.

So plan for next few weeks till the Bupa 10000 is few little runs in the week, maybe at the weekend (if Jay is working), back to combat and spin and hopefuly a few bike rides when Jay is off too as we need to get pedling practice for the London to Southend Bike ride too. Not going to knock myself out much, its a much smaller distance and I know I can run that as my normal runs now-a-days but would be nice to get another PB there but you just never know.

The ballot has opened today for next years Marathon, I haven't been on line yet - but know my friends already have, so I'm contemplating it again.  Its only the ballott, wouldn't be a hardship not getting in, and if got in again its an omen I suppose so can either run it again or defer till the following year - won't be 50 but one year nearer I suppose:-)

So I decided to enter the ballot again much to Jay's dismay and him telling me I shouldn't but if you don't enter you just don't know.  I'd like to do in 2019 when I'm shhhhh 50 but thats a few more years so need to keep running for the next few years and see how it goes.  Been looking on line for new races, just 10k's and half marathons, have decided would like to enter the Royal Parks Half  next year thats a ballot too I think and opens in Jan and found a few new 10ks although they are part of a series of races in Royal Parks in London and the Olympic Park so am going to look at them too - just different runs with different people and if they are on days when Jay is working gives me something to get out and about for.

So out for an early morning 6.5 miler this morning, reverse route as the RRC had their first 10k race this morning so have to go past the school it starts and finishes from and I couldn't do it as originally we were going to be doing the Farleigh Hospice walk but Jay is at work so that stopped that, then it was too late and the places had gone.  Not that worried in a way as can't use headphones and its a bit more cross country than I like (although probably better for the old legs than road running). Passed a marshall on the car park this morning and wished them well, am sure I will hear all about it soon enough on facebook.

So plan didn't really go to  plan at all, work got in the way big style and haven't run or done much in last two weeks. Hoping to get a quick short cycle in when Jay returns from work today (infact cyclings been the easier of the exercise routes but still feel good to run tomorrow).  Unfortunately its not been good for Jay and he's decided (says he's gutted) that he won't be running because his ankles really not holding up well, its ok cycling but just not running for an hour so he'll be there cheering me on with his Macmillan t-shirt none the less.

Virgin London Marathon - Challenge 2 - 26/4/15

So how did I feel about doing this little jog in London again after doing it in 2013.  Well surprisingly enough not nervous, bit of trepidation about wether I could run (as had not run in 2 weeks) and wether I'd still be able to complete the distance, a few butterflies but otherwise quite calm - very unlike me!!

So had to get up even earlier as wanted to strap my feet up, put on the padding on ball of foot and was thinking of having breakfast and we had to be on the first train out which was 6.26am. So getting up at 5am makes it a really really long and tiring day in more ways than just running 26.2 miles.

So did the strapping and padding on left foot as had problems throughout all of training with a corn or something and it really caused me pain after 6 miles normally but the padding seemed to help (tapped it so it wouldn't move too) was just hoping didn't get the pins and needles which normally followed.  Didn't bother with breakfast was too early, just had a half cup of black tea and a small glass of chocolate milk drink and took banana and breakfast biscuits for train.  Not many people at the station (started to worry a little as was loads last time) but anyway the train was on time.  Got to Rayleigh and Kate got on train so was nice to see her.  She was starting from the same pen as me but in the Red start so she got off at Stratford and we carried on to Liverpool Street.  Train was pretty packed by the end and all headed off to the Circle Line as there were no trains going to Blackheath from London Bridge.  Wasn't too bad in the end, got a seat on tube to Embankment, a little walk to Charing Cross and luckily a good seat on train there and not long to wait until it moved - now that was a packed train!! Anyway got to Blackheath just before 8.30 so perfect timing really.  Jay waited with me until about 9 and then I went in the runners enclosure and he went off.

Now this is where I walk around dazed, there are so many people, so first stop work out where to drop bag off - check, second stop queue up for the loo. Once that was completed I went to the trucks and got ready to leave my bag, was chatting to a nice lady who also had done the marathon in 2013 and was doing again and walked to the pens with her (although she was in 9).  So when I realised I needed to move up a bit I went into Pen 8 with other runners all waiting, some pushing forward but there really isn't any need to do that. Got chatting to another nice lady running for NSPCC who actually works for them too and had run the marathon last year in 4 hours and 20 mins, so was then panicking a little that there was no way I could run it that quick!! Infact I didn't even know if I could run at this stage anyway or if my ankles would just go as soon as the gun went.

Anyway obligatory binbag on to keep me warm (it was perfect running conditions) and everyone started to move very slowly at 10.10am.  I think it took me 10 mins to get through the start so not too bad.  So ankles felt ok and thought would just plod along and not push too much, just relax into it.  The crowds were amazing again and its great to hear them shout out your name. I was doing great up to 6 miles, infact I wasn't that much about a minute outside my PB time, although obviously knew would slow down eventually.  Just didn't expect it to be that quick.  Every step with my left foot left me with pins and needles and the pain on the ball of my foot was awful shooting up my leg into my left hip. Think I must have stopped 4 times enroute to pull the padding away from my foot and sock so that it still felt like there was something there and it did work to an extent but the damage was already done and running in pain whilst the left hip compensated for the next 20 miles was so painful I was nearly in tears. Jay had said he would try to see me at Tower Bridge somewhere, he was there and did see me but probably a good  job I didn't see him as I'd have burst into tears and told  him I was in so much pain.  When you've not experienced that pain before its really hard to work through it, but I wasn't going to give up.  I had my 12 miles loo stop, didn't really feel the need this year but was taking on a lot of water and thought should (just in case).

So didn't see anyone enroute to be honest I was concentrating so much more this year, where as I wanted to see more and experience it more, that didn't really happen but never mind, def. mind over pain though!!

So when realised that my time wasn't going to be as fast as I'd hoped due to pain and really didn't think I could push any harder than I did, I thought just enjoy it.  So had the odd jelly baby, haribo, orange segment and even a mini mars bar and plenty of water from the water stops.  Didn't bother with the lucozade this year, didn't want an upset tummy as the 4 gels I'd had didn't go down too well at times so had to be careful.

Saw loads of people in fancy dress, even a womble passed me this year, but I kept passing the chef and various other costumes I saw.

So Jay had told me he'd see me at Temple again like 2013 but this year he said I'd better be running and not walking;-) So I made the effort and when he saw me at 24-25 miles I was running, in pain, gritted teeth but I was running (don't ask me how though!). Ran over to him, hugged and kissed him, told him I was in so much pain, but he told me was nearly there and to keep going.  He even ran along side me over the otherside of the barrier for about a mile down the Embankment just seeing my pink hat and me waving at him:-) def. spurred me on,although at one point I did have to walk so he shouted move and pump the arms, so I was trying as hard as I could ignoring the pain.  He couldn't get any nearer to Big Ben as it was packed, he made me look at Big Ben and said he'd see me at the recovery centre afterwards. I think I ran/walked a lot as it seemed longer than I remembered even seeing the balloons saying 800 metres or whatever it said. As I rounded the corner to Buckingham Palace I new my mum and her friend Joyce were going to be in the Grandstand on the right with Macmillan so I just ran up the mall, waving at everyone, trying to see them, but didn't - they did see me though which was nice for them.  I was running by them with another lady running for Macmillan and I think we both punched the air for joy shouting yes as we crossed the finish line - 5 hours 32 mins and 16 seconds. So not as fast as I'd hoped but still over 8.5 minutes quicker than 2013 and 2 years older so can't really complain about that.

Got my medal and goody bag, asked someone to take a photo of me and collected my things. A lovely recovery centre volunteer asked if I'd like help to the recovery centre and he took my bags for me and we walked to meet Jay at the Centre. What a gem he was, really kind, chatting the whole way, he was a godsend as was finding it hard to walk and hold two heavy bags at that point.  So got a great cheer in the recovery centre and booked myself in for the best free massage I've had. Can't remember the name of the volunteer but he was so kind, offering to even undo my trainers for me as was struggling bending down.  Calves, thighs, lower back and even my feet were massaged, best 45 mins ever and def. needed.  So re-joined Jay and we went and got something to eat and drink upstairs in the centre before I went off to change.  We must have been there an 1.5-2 hours at least.  Train journey home was even ok, got seats on both tube and train with only a little walk and stretch of legs home.  A runner passed us down the road and she shouted out, brilliant who's the runner as Jay had one  bag and I had the other - when I said it was me she said wow you're walking great well done you.

So will I do again - I've said no, but would like to do another one before I'm 50 - you never know:-)

 At Blackheath - Blue start

 

 

 Digging in deep and in pain

 I did it again :-)

Cheers

So back to work tomorrow, as long as the legs hold out:-) Had an easy day today, bit of lunch and lots of rest, although sitting down makes my legs seize up.  Been wearing my medal with pride (see above when Jay took me out for lunch at the pub) :-)

So thats Challenge 2 complete for Macmillan, and total so far stands at just under £800 so not too bad.  Challenge 3 is in a months time 25th May but at least its only 6 miles - should be much easier than yesterdays little run.

One week to go before the BIG day

So plan this week lots of boring rest and practically no running!! No combat on Tuesday (already decided that) maybe a little run on Weds (but we'll see, just another couple of miles again),  a nice massage on Thursday, day off Friday to go to the Excel to collect my running number and maybe just a little jog even less round block on Saturday to loosen the legs but not much else.

Scary now, don't feel as prepared as 2 years ago, but I know I am more so, how silly is that!!Perhaps because I know what is to come?

So how boring am I finding this week? Ankles are feeling a little better, been using foam roller a bit more but still using ice but now using also on calves as spoke to guys in running shop and said ice the route of pain which for ankles is probably calves, even though they've always felt ok after runs. I'll try anything this week:-) Carb loading for next few days, got all my pasta meals with a little protein sorted out (good job Jay's happy with pasta overload) :-) Got all my gels sorted in my belt for the big day (all the nice flavours this time!) just trying to work out my breakfast as struggled with that two years ago as have to leave so early on the train.

So decided not to run tonight, just used exercise bike for a mile or so, some stretching, foam roller and ice again and rest - and that's one thing I'm not very good at that's for sure. I also walked about 3 miles to a meeting and back at work today so not really doing nothing:-) Now I'm looking forward to my last day at work, a leg massage and some more pasta tomorrow night. Been working out the trains for Friday's trip to Excel and weather watching as don't think it's going to be a hot one this year but maybe a cool, wet one?

So although I've found the last 2 weeks very boring and feel very sluggish in one way, I also feel raring to go in another so could be a good sign.  After a busy week at work, it was nice to finish with a massage and it seemed to do the trick with the old ankle - thanks Dee:-) Left one much better than right and with a bit of working, it felt great today but still icing and heating up and resting as don't want to tempt fate.

So visited the Expo today in London and collected my running number and timing chip (which this year being as its the 35th anniversary) we get to keep them rather than they cut them off which is a nice touch.  This year there are 9 pens in each start, in 2013 there were only 7 and I was in Blue 7.  This year I'm in Blue 8 so moved up a little but as I have been saying to my fellow first time marathon running friends and family it really doesn't matter as its your own race and when you cross the start line thats what counts not where you start in a pen full of loads and loads of people. It will still be daunting for me, but at least I know what to expect!!!

So been trying on my kit and attached my running number to my vest, think I'm roughly set, just the bin bag to sort now:-)

 Next time I blog will be after the Marathon.  Thanks for following my journey this far. Can't wait for Sunday and its such a great opportunity to run for Macmillan again and raise money for a very worthy cause.

W/B 13th April - just 2 weeks to go

So yesterdays run was a disaster:-( Need to pick myself up but its hard.

Didn't run this evening, did a short cycle on exercise bike to strength bottom of legs and some calf raises helping ankles on stairs. Use ice again on ankles last night too so might try that again as def. helped.  Booked myself another leg massage on Wednesday but aim to do combat tomorrow and see how I go.  Not happy I haven't run but then not going to loose my fitness in under two weeks and no amount of training now will make me any fitter in two weeks either so just need to get as relaxed as possible I suppose.

So just about managed combat but wasn't great. Had a laugh thou the three oldies at the front, Lorraine with bad knee, Dan with his back and me with my ankles:-) got to laugh!!

Had my massage concentrate on my lower legs and ankles last night, felt nice but do still ache/hurt. Not sure if Achilles or not as does feel different from in the past. So wore flat Birkenstocks today and am icing my ankles as I type:-) I think I'll still rest up tomorrow as well and may try a short trial run Saturday and plan to cycle Sunday.

Had some good news from Macmillan today that my mum and her friend have seats in the grandstand in the Mall at the finish so that will be great:-)

So I've been icing, heating, taking anti-inflammatorys, oriental balm, Epsom salt baths, tried compression strapping and helps but niggles still there.  Found my KT tape I'd bought ages ago, so watched video on how to apply that so may try that on tomorrow's trial very very short run!! Fingers crossed.

No tape, just ice spray this morning, and boy was it lovely to get out.  Only did 2 miles round block really and decided it was all the dreaded pavements and up and down driveways that causes me issues as if I'm running on flat the pains not really noticable.  Anyway I did feel pains in both my ankles but did feel I could use pressure to push off both feet (so thats a plus), did have a slight pain down side of right knee (more side than anything else), but at least managed to run and it felt great to put my trainers on again. Put all my gels in my belt to for a trial run with 6 gels as never carried that many before. Even wore my shorter running tights that I will be wearing next Sunday for the BIG run too:-)

 Thought I'd better wear this top for this mornings little tester run to spur me on!

So feel a little better that I've been out, although not as confident as I'd have liked to have been or have felt going back just a few short weeks but never mind.

So decided not to go out for a cycle this morning but to rest up and just enjoy it being a week to go before the big day. Make a few donations myself to my friends and family that are also running next weekend and to just chill a bit with Jay which haven't been able to do really since last year due to all the training.

Roll on next weekend, am weather watching and so far, looks maybe a little cloudy, posbility of some rain, maybe a bit of sun but with light winds and certainly not hot - which sounds perfect to me:-)

W/B 30th March and 6th April

So this set of two weeks is all about change, one weekend of a last long run and then a weekend of starting to taper off (so less miles on long run).

So plan this week, hopefully a couple of short runs, combat and maybe even a bike ride (as its Easter) thrown in.  Would like to try my last long run and get it up to 22 miles if I can, but will have to see on the weather and which day I can go.  Jay is off this coming weekend so know a bike ride is def. on the cards and probably a longer one than last time if we can too.

So not a 6.5 miler tonight after work, just a slow 2.04 miles in 21 mins.  Afterwards I looked at my plan and although I haven't been following to the letter, I was only meant to run for 25 mins anyway so suppose I did that. Considering legs have felt great after Saturdays 20 miles, and I'd had a pretty awful day at work I thought I'd smash it, but just really didn't feel in the mood, although did need to get out to de-stress!

So combat went well, no excuses and legs felt great so that was good, new routine from next week, so will have to see if its legs intensive as I may struggle leading up to the marathon. Think I've decided to do what I did last time and keep combatting to the week before marathon and miss out that one and the one after, although if legs honestly feel ok I may do the combat before and just take it a lot easier.

So rested my legs for a few days, although did a bit of walking to and from meetings at work so not quite rested.

So knew Good Friday was going to be a dreary day, had checked the weather and knew it was going to rain, but was so determined to do at least something I thought what the hell, come rain or shine I will go out.  So at 9.30am I set off in the slight rain, feeling good until had those awful lower stomach pains and thoughtt oh no I need to stop. Wasn't too far from my friend  Emma who makes the most amazing cupcakes and knew she'd be up as she has a little girl so thought I desperately need to use her facilities which I did and then was fine and off running again - thanks Emma:-)  Had worked out a longer route but must have missed a turning at one point in Southend but thought as I'd divereted right at the beginning in Ashingdon I may be ok. Did do some walking and did have to adjust the padding on my left foot so still need to sort that issue out for the day, but other than that at least I kept on and didn't give up.  My water stop wasn't opened so ended up gong to another shop, and chatting to the lady there as she was asking what I was training for - obviously felt sorry for me or thought I didn't look like a runner:-) Anyway water purchased I was again on my way and still had quite a long way to go but at least was on the way home.  Ended up using all my gels again, roughly 6, 12 and 18 miles so that was good and unfortuantely still had to walk up the hill home but after 20 miles my legs and feet just couldn't do the inclines anymore:-( But carried on looked at watch and thought would be short so did a little detour and could have chickened out of the last mile but made myself run down the main road and round - 22 miles in 4 hours and 21 mins (and considering thats with some walking I dont think its too shabby).

So my knees are hurting and my ankles today after the run but hopefully with some rest tomorrow and a stretch of cycling on Sunday I'll be ok by Monday again - thats the plan anyway.

At least now I can begin to taper off, maybe an odd little run next week after combat and just 13 miles over next weekend. Can't believe how quick these weeks are going now - very exciting.

About half way - 11 miles

Just got home - looking a little spaced out after 22 miles









Surprisingly legs weren't too bad the day after, although I didn't do much I must admit. But managed a good 20 miles on the bikes Sunday morning - now I'm ready for some Easter Egg chocolate thats for sure:-)

So plan for this week? May have the day off Easter Monday (although you never know maybe a short run or even a spin class as I think there is one on), but def. doing combat again on Tuesday. Perhaps one or two short runs during the week - will see how time goes and instead of running twice at the weekend as Jay is working it may just be the once a rough 13 miles on Sunday. Can't go out early on Saturday morning next weekend as have my nieces staying over (so what a great excuse:-) Loving this planning for tapering rather than adding more miles - let the next 21 days begin!!

So the sun was shinning on Easter Monday, and thought you just can't let an opportunity to run in the sun get away, especially as its meant to be quite nice all week but I'm in work!! So decided to go out midmorning and see what happened, wasn't planning on anymore than my normal round the block 6.5 but ended up just doing the shorter 4 mile route. No jacket, no gloves, no hat or headband, but def. needed the sunglasses:-) To be honest wasn't feeling the love for running today, but was nice to get out and about.

So managed combat doing the new release (legs felt great no issues) luckily I'd say its more arm intensive than legs this time around (last one was legs), so works in my favour:-) And I've been really good and rested since - well when I mean rested I mean I haven't been running although I've walked to a few meetings etc. and up and down stairs which is normal for me anyway.

So tomorrow's plan is between 11 and 13 miles depending on how I feel, at least hoping the sun will be out and the wind a little less than today and I can run without jacket, gloves and hat :-)

Well the sun was out, no jacket, gloves or hat and sunnies but I didn't manage even close to 11 or 13 miles as I felt ill:-( Had stomach issues at the start and then my right leg started to hurt and my ankle so walked to sort stomach issues out (seemed to work) but just had no power to run off on either legs to be honest. Very dishearteneing as was a good day to run, so I've come home after 4.21 miles with tail between my legs feeling very sorry for myself to be honest.  Think I may need an extra leg massage later this week so will be trying to sort that out. And now next weeks plans may change as I'll need to run a few more short runs to make up for it.  Oh well thats the way the cookie crumbles - 2 weeks and counting now.

W/B 16th March and 23rd March

So how was I feeling the day after the Silverstone Half Marathon?

Actually quite ok!! Bottom of left foot hurts as normal, but not feeling too bad. Had a lovely leg massage with Dee and took it nice and easy, just a walk in the High Street and some lunch with mum as didn't get to see her on Mothers Day.

Back to work tomorrow and booked in for Combat as long as legs hold out - you just never know really.

Got quite excited as I got selected again for another Adidas Boost Camp at the London Marathon Store on Sat 21st, so looking forward to that again and then by midweek I got told they'd made a cock up and so now I'm not going - turning negative into positive means I can go for a run with Kate, maybe only 10-13 miles but I shall run both days at the weekend now so more training (you only run about 2 miles at the boost camps anyway!).

So legs held out quite well and managed a good workout at Combat, so plan for the week is a little run maybe Weds or Thurs, spin Friday and a run both Sat and Sun, got to get the blood flow back again, and amazingly I feel great :-)

Well nothing ever goes to plan but never mind. I ended up not running during the week (no real fitness problems just shattered mentally from work) but I made no excuses for spin and really enjoyed getting back to Chris' class it's always a good one, although she did ask where Jay was:-) (he was at work honest!!). Legs felt great too, I was quite surprised.

So am watching the sun disappear this Saturday morning (always goes when I'm running) and no doubt it's going to rain too, but hopefully when Kate gets here in an hour of so, our run will still be good training.

So had planned a route depending on how we were feeling etc. and we did the route to plan - just over 11 miles. Was nice to run with someone, you forget where you are, although ofcourse I knew the route only too well really.  Went through sun and rain and lots of wind, and I got really bad pains in lower stomach after about 4-5 miles so had to walk it off, but was soon back running again. Quite a bit of traffic around and workmen going that little bit later, but a run no less.  Chatted all the way round no probs so that means pace is about right I think - well for me anyway:-)

May use a change of tact tomorrow and do a cycle ride instead of another run as doing two runs next weekend (although that may change you never know). If I plan to do a few 6.5 milers during the week plus combat etc. I should be fine hopefully. Miles maybe not in the legs all at once but def. in the legs.

So did a good nearly 13 miles on the bike this morning with Jay, and I haven't riden my bike since last year so I was pretty chuffed with that. Top gear, didn't have to go down bar once or twice on an incline so can't knock that.  Was surprised legs held out, different muscles to running but even so you know you've worked after a run and a cycle ride thats for sure - well thats if you work hard anyway.

So plan of action this coming week. At least 2 x 6.5 milers I think after work and already booked in for combat on Tuesday, unsure if will do spin Friday this week but am  planing either one big 20 miler on weekend (but no Jay for support as he's working) or 2 x perhaps 12 milers will just see how legs are.  After next weekend its only one more weekend of long runs then tapering begins. Scary only 35 more days to go.

So first 6.41 miles round the block run smashed for the week, felt good, think it was a bad day at work so ran quicker:-) haha. Was nice to get out jacketless, but still with my fleecey top on, shades (as it was still sunny, well light) and no gloves - makes all the difference to my mood thats for sure.

 

 So managed combat Tuesday, legs felt good although still hate the lunges and so thought yep easily run again tonight.  But sometimes you just aren't in the mood, I still managed my normal round the block route about 2 mins slower than Monday and was going to give up at 4 miles but made myself continue and I did it, but just didn't really enjoy as much tonight.  Am now stressing over trying to run 20 miles over weekend, even if includes some walking.  I've done about 3.5 hours running so far anyway so have that in my legs and probably did less last time around and still managed ok so am sure will be fine but just need to prove it to myself first I think.

The sun was shining tonight but it was still cold!!

So I did it, 20 miles, but boy was it hard on the old feet. Breathing wise no problems what so ever, just the bottom of my left foot, even the old ankles held out this time.  I taped up where I've been getting blisters and that worked (until I took them off afterwards anyway), but the bottom of my left foot is really painful.  I bought some extra padding to try and it did work for most of the time to be honest, I just think I flattended it after pounding the streets so had to re-adjust it about 3 times on the way round which was a pain and slowed me down obviously. Then I did have to walk a bit due to the foot but used this when was taking a gel which worked out quite well about 6.5 miles (was planning 5 but didnt work out), 12 and again probably about 16. Even stopped on route back at a shop to get more water as made sure took money with me this time (just in case I needed to get a taxi home!). So no taxi home, bit of walking but wasn't worried about that really just wanted to get the miles in the legs and be out for a long time so just under 4 hours is about right and pleased with that as it included a few stops etc. And what makes it even more amazing was I did it on my own with just my music for company as Jay is working this weekend.

So also got my final joining instructions for the marathon as well, and a bit of deja vu moment as I'm starting from the Blue zone again at Blackheath:-)  Unfortunately Kate who I ran with last weekend is starting from Red but my second cousin Michelle who is also running and doing so well in her training is running from blue too, so you never know we may be in the same start zone, I can't remember what I put down as a time and don't know what Michelle put either.  Think last time I was in the last zone which was fine with the fun runners, it doesn't really matter infact it probably does you some good as if you run with people that are faster than you, you do have a tendancy to try to keep up and it never works in the end.

So its 28 Days to the Marathon today and I was so glad I did my long run yesterday as I think I would have struggled today thats for sure, the wind is howling and the rain is coming down. Amazingly my legs actually feel ok, no ankle pain (just the ball of my left foot) but I can put up with that. Even with the lost hour of sleep I still feel pretty good so roll on the next week of training.