This week's runs were:
- 4 miles,
- 6 miles,
- 4 miles, and
- 12 miles.
The total for this week was therefore 26 miles - approximately marathon distance. In 11 weeks time I'll be doing the same distance but as a continuous run. It's fantastic that I'm already covering such distances. Each Sunday I look at my Garmin as I run up Sawyer's Hill in Richmond Park and celebrate the fact I'm running further than I've ever run before. It's a great boost to get me through the final mile.
Unfortunately, I did something to my foot today and could barely walk when I finished my run. We think it's a muscle which went into spasm - hopefully just an unhappy confluence of almost new shoes, extra padding to protect against blisters and tight laces over a long distance. Chris was a knight in shining armour and rescued me (at least we now know his bike fits in my car). Thank you. With heat and massage I'm getting more movement in the foot so hopefully there'll be no lasting damage.
Sunday, 27 January 2013
Saturday, 26 January 2013
Watford Half Marathon
Yesterday I received confirmation of my place in next week's Watford Half Marathon. I thought it would be good to get some event experience before Marathon Day: I know setting off too quickly is a common mistake but I need to know what other mistakes I'm likely to make. Plus it will be a great way of starting to form a routine to get me through the nerves I'll inevitably feel on the morning of April 14th.
The half marathon feels almost inconsequential - and that feels a little crazy. I say it's inconsequential because it's just another run in my training schedule and there will be several more of greater distance in the coming weeks. However, I remind myself that a half-marathon will be an achievement in its own right and should be savoured as such.
The half marathon feels almost inconsequential - and that feels a little crazy. I say it's inconsequential because it's just another run in my training schedule and there will be several more of greater distance in the coming weeks. However, I remind myself that a half-marathon will be an achievement in its own right and should be savoured as such.
Friday, 25 January 2013
Great Run
This morning's run felt great. I felt strong and fast and I noticed my body was held upright as I ran. My mojo's been conspicuously absent in recent runs - but it was definitely back today. Let's hope it stays for a while!
Sunday, 20 January 2013
I am a marathoner
I found myself procrastinating this morning. There was little wonder as to why, given the weather forecast for today's 11 mile run. Nevertheless, I put on my warmest running gear plus extra layers, popped my hot post-run recovery milkshake into a thermos and headed out.
I'd never driven in snow. I have now. I'm passing so many small milestones en route to this marathon*.
Today there were many runners out in the park, rather like a group outing from the local asylum. I have to be honest, there were times when I found it tough. However, after running alone for almost two hours, in sub-zero temperatures, on snow, in falling snow and with a chilly 10mph wind there is little doubt in my mind I have the mental fortitude to get round that course in 12 weeks time.
It says in the introduction of my training book to start identifying yourself as a marathoner as soon as you sign up for the marathon. Today has been a real turning point. I am a marathoner. I'll see you at the finish line.
*Talking of milestones: today I passed the milestone of 200 miles in training runs. :-)
I'd never driven in snow. I have now. I'm passing so many small milestones en route to this marathon*.
Today there were many runners out in the park, rather like a group outing from the local asylum. I have to be honest, there were times when I found it tough. However, after running alone for almost two hours, in sub-zero temperatures, on snow, in falling snow and with a chilly 10mph wind there is little doubt in my mind I have the mental fortitude to get round that course in 12 weeks time.
It says in the introduction of my training book to start identifying yourself as a marathoner as soon as you sign up for the marathon. Today has been a real turning point. I am a marathoner. I'll see you at the finish line.
*Talking of milestones: today I passed the milestone of 200 miles in training runs. :-)
Wednesday, 16 January 2013
Runner of the Month
Yesterday I received confirmation I was Crane Park's "Runner of the Month" for December. The Parkrun organisation is supported/sponsored by Sweatshop, so the prize is to be fitted with a new pair of trainers at Sweatshop. I was really happy when I was told I'd won - and to have another pair of trainers to see me through my marathon preparations is fantastic!
Talking of which, it's time for me to go for today's run of 5 miles. Apparently the temperature outside is -2C; wish me luck!
Talking of which, it's time for me to go for today's run of 5 miles. Apparently the temperature outside is -2C; wish me luck!
Sunday, 13 January 2013
Double digits
I ran 10 miles today! A few months ago the thought of running 10 miles was a little daunting but today the miles slipped by.
Recently I've not been feeling too good about my training but this morning I was perked up by the cold weather and sunshine. Following sound advice, I tried to keep my pace slow and this allowed me to chat to a few people as I ran. Most were running further than me (between 12 and 18 miles) and often for the London Marathon (which is a week after the Brighton Marathon). Doubts crossed my mind about my training programme (should I be doing more?) but, deep down, I know it's sensible to slowly increase the distances and not over-train.
During the week I saw Jennie, my physio*, who eased the tension out of my poor muscles. I also had new orthotics fitted - although I decided to save their maiden voyage for a slightly shorter run.
Keep the faith and keep on with the training...
*technically Jennie's an osteopath; I use "physio" as a convenient shorthand.
Recently I've not been feeling too good about my training but this morning I was perked up by the cold weather and sunshine. Following sound advice, I tried to keep my pace slow and this allowed me to chat to a few people as I ran. Most were running further than me (between 12 and 18 miles) and often for the London Marathon (which is a week after the Brighton Marathon). Doubts crossed my mind about my training programme (should I be doing more?) but, deep down, I know it's sensible to slowly increase the distances and not over-train.
During the week I saw Jennie, my physio*, who eased the tension out of my poor muscles. I also had new orthotics fitted - although I decided to save their maiden voyage for a slightly shorter run.
Keep the faith and keep on with the training...
*technically Jennie's an osteopath; I use "physio" as a convenient shorthand.
Sunday, 6 January 2013
New Ground
Today I completed my longest ever run.
This morning I ran 8.34 miles (13.42 km); my previous longest run was approximately 7 miles. In addition to facing a new distance I also ran at a new pace. I’ve been advised to slow down for the long runs otherwise I’ll burn out before I reach the marathon. Given the combination of unfamiliar pace and unfamiliar distance today’s run felt awkward. Also, I didn’t feel the “runner’s high” I normally get after running at a comfortably hard pace. Consequently today’s achievement feels a little flat - not the blaze of glory I was hoping to write about!
Wednesday, 2 January 2013
100 days to go!
I've just realised that today marks another two milestones on my journey to the Brighton Marathon:
- I've run over 150 miles in training, and
- It's 100 days until the marathon.
Tuesday, 1 January 2013
Motivation
I have to admit there have been a few occasions in recent weeks where my enthusiasm for the morning run has waned. The night was too short; the duvet too cosy; the morning too dark and/or wet. Why on Earth would I want to go for a run instead of snuggling down for another hour's sleep?
In last term's psychology class we discussed motivation. We looked at extrinsic motivators (i.e. external factors, for example raising money for a good cause) and intrinsic motivators (i.e. internal factors, such as the desire to achieve). We also looked at various theories which correlated perceptions of effort, reward and achievability of goal. These all look good on paper - but how do they help me swap the warm cocoon of my bed for the wet/cold/dark physical exertion of a run?
I recently read an article which said that motivation can be a barrier to achieving a goal - by convincing ourselves that we have to feel like doing something we're adding an extra hurdle. In reality we don't have to feel like doing something - we just have to do it. Similarly, my training guide says that a change in behaviour can precede a change in attitude, i.e. by making morning runs part of my routine behaviour my attitude will soon change to accept the behaviour as normal, thereby motivating myself to run.
Basically: just do it!
I hope you have a Happy New Year - here's hoping that 2013 is a happy, healthy and successful year. And good luck with making New Year's resolutions habitual behaviours.
In last term's psychology class we discussed motivation. We looked at extrinsic motivators (i.e. external factors, for example raising money for a good cause) and intrinsic motivators (i.e. internal factors, such as the desire to achieve). We also looked at various theories which correlated perceptions of effort, reward and achievability of goal. These all look good on paper - but how do they help me swap the warm cocoon of my bed for the wet/cold/dark physical exertion of a run?
I recently read an article which said that motivation can be a barrier to achieving a goal - by convincing ourselves that we have to feel like doing something we're adding an extra hurdle. In reality we don't have to feel like doing something - we just have to do it. Similarly, my training guide says that a change in behaviour can precede a change in attitude, i.e. by making morning runs part of my routine behaviour my attitude will soon change to accept the behaviour as normal, thereby motivating myself to run.
Basically: just do it!
I hope you have a Happy New Year - here's hoping that 2013 is a happy, healthy and successful year. And good luck with making New Year's resolutions habitual behaviours.
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