It's been possibly 2 years since I've trained for a marathon and I'd forgotten how tough it can be!
I've not missed a key session yet and I've now got the end in sight. I've been adding a mile or two a week to my Thursday evening marathon paced runs. I'm now up to 15 miles and I'll keep it there for the next 3 weeks. This week will be 15 miles split up in to 5 chunks. 5 miles, 4 miles, 3 miles, 2 miles then a final 1 mile, each chunk at target marathon pace.
I'll probably do the same the following week and then the final week I'll do 15 solid miles at marathon pace. Then, then it's taper time!
I'm getting a bit ahead of myself though. I've still got 2 26 mile runs to go, 3 tempo marathon sessions to go and a lot of miles to cover between now and the end of May.
What a day for a 24 mile run. Headed out the cycle path to South Queensferry via the Dalmeny estate. Gorgeous route, undulating but worth it. Possibly my new favourite route! Averaged 7:08 min/mi pace, another 24 next week then 2 26 milers before taper time! Feeling confident about Stirling marathon. #ashmeirun #teamiamrunbox #fit #fitness #furtherfasterstronger #happyrunner #instagood #instarun #instarunners #marathontraining #photooftheday #run #runchat #ukrunchat #runhappy #runner #runners #running #runtoinspire #seenonmyrun #seenonmyrun #trailrun #trailrunner #trailrunning #training #runtagit #runplanet #runshots #runthroughuk #runnersofinstagram
Last weekend I had a good 24 mile run through the Dalmeny Estate, well, a good run after I had to make a quick pitstop in Sainsburys! Once I got going again I really enjoyed the undulating route and amazing coastal path. Today I headed back out along the same route today. The difference was I had raced yesterday along a 10k trail race and today Mandy cycled along the route with me.
Winton 10k trail race
Yesterday's race was a shocker! I shouldn't have expected to have a good race, especially after 13 miles of marathon paced running on Thursday. I went off hard but within the first mile my legs felt like lead and I eased off the pace. The real shock was when I finished and my watch told me I needed 56 hours recovery!! 56 hours after running 10k! I'd never seen my watch say more than 30 hours and that was after a tough Tuesday track session.
Sunday long run
Heading out along the cycle path and out towards Dalmeny Estate with Mandy cycling beside me was great. We chatted, she kept me motivated when my legs wanted to stop, she told me to ease up when I was breathing too heavy for an easy paced run and she even supplied me with water on the move.
The final 6 miles were tough today but I just had to keep on running. I got a couple of stitches but I managed to get rid of them. I think I was just tired.
Sunday long run and long ride done! Great having @runbesidehim cycling with me while I covered 24 miles. Tough one today, legs are really looking forward to a taper soon! This pic was taken just before Mandy was stung by a bee which flew in to her crash helmet!! Ouch!! .. Didn't have my selfie stick with me but obviously my arm is long enough - nice reflection in my sunnies 😎 ....... #ashmeirun #teamiamrunbox #fit #fitness #furtherfasterstronger #happyrunner #instagood #instarun #instarunners #marathontraining #photooftheday #run #runchat #ukrunchat #runhappy #runner #runners #running #runtoinspire #seenonmyrun #time2run #trailrun #trailrunner #trailrunning #training #runtagit #runplanet #runshots #runthroughuk #runnersofinstagram
Mandy and I joined a local gym and I plan on going twice a week.
Yesterday I went to the gym and got a strength programme made for me, it's focusing on my core but also leg strength. I really need to work on my core strength, I know it's a weakness of mine. I can feel my body hunching over when I get tired. Hopefully this will help. Maybe a bit late to help with Stirling marathon but I've got another big running challenge in the planning, more about that later!!