Sunday, March 30, 2008
Easing down...
So today was a nice little 5.5 miler in the beautiful Sydney sunshine this morning. It's been such a beautiful day today, and makes me realise why I came out here to live. It was such a nice thing to be runninig in the sun today. I was goign to do a 7 miler after the 12 yesterday, but to be honest, the first 1.5 miles of the route I normally do is uphill and I really didnt need to do anymore uphills. So to save my calfs, I just did the 5.5 miles at a very steady pace. I didnt even bother to time it, as I also did some intervals in the last mile or so. That makes 35 miles for the week in first week of taper, bringing down to 30 next week, before marathon week. Really looking forward to it now!
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Massage
Well went for a massage this morning to ease up the calfs and boy did it help. So a few hours after that went for a 12 mile run, nothing outrageously fast at all, I just want to make sure I get round nice and easy and start to wind down ahead of the marathon which is now 2 weeks away.
All in, went round in 1 hour 38 mins, which was OK to be honest given that I wasn't going quickly or so I thought. It was pretty warm as well over here in Sydney as we head into Autumn, and humidity was up in the 70's. Although it didn't feel that humid to me to be honest, but maybe I'm just getting used to it now. Can't wait to see what 10% humidity feels like! Anyways, a 7 mile recovery run tomorrow, and that will be 37 for the week, before doing an easy 30 mile week next week, and then time to buy copious amounts of undies before I shit myself ahead of the Canberra marathon :)
All in, went round in 1 hour 38 mins, which was OK to be honest given that I wasn't going quickly or so I thought. It was pretty warm as well over here in Sydney as we head into Autumn, and humidity was up in the 70's. Although it didn't feel that humid to me to be honest, but maybe I'm just getting used to it now. Can't wait to see what 10% humidity feels like! Anyways, a 7 mile recovery run tomorrow, and that will be 37 for the week, before doing an easy 30 mile week next week, and then time to buy copious amounts of undies before I shit myself ahead of the Canberra marathon :)
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Easing up
So the run home tonight, and another 7 miles. I took more time to warm up this evening before leaving as I think that was the issue last night. I did warm up, but not as much as I should have done last night, hence why the shins hurt.
So this evening I spent a long while stretching my calfs properly, and it paid off as I went round in 55 mins with around 4.5 kgs on the back as well. The reality is that I went round the first 3 miles in just over 21 mins, and the last four much slower. However the other reality is that the last 4 miles do contain a lot more hills, and I always knew I was going to go round much more slowly than the first 3. But it was good to get more of a quicker run in after the sluggishness of the last two runs. Anyways, job done. Rest day tomorrow, and then an easy 12 miler on Saturday.
So this evening I spent a long while stretching my calfs properly, and it paid off as I went round in 55 mins with around 4.5 kgs on the back as well. The reality is that I went round the first 3 miles in just over 21 mins, and the last four much slower. However the other reality is that the last 4 miles do contain a lot more hills, and I always knew I was going to go round much more slowly than the first 3. But it was good to get more of a quicker run in after the sluggishness of the last two runs. Anyways, job done. Rest day tomorrow, and then an easy 12 miler on Saturday.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
100th Post
Jesus, where did that go? A lot of mindless drivel to be honest, but hey, all good stuff. For a 100th posting, a fairly inocuous training session... some intervals on the treadmill. 5 x 3 mins at 14.5kms/h with 2 mins recovery at 10kms/h in between. Pretty tough work actually, again after the long run at the weekend, and my shins were hurting slightly afterwards, but all done and a good session.
Another 7 miler tomorrow night with some strides included. So nice to be on taper for the marathon :)
Another 7 miler tomorrow night with some strides included. So nice to be on taper for the marathon :)
Heavy legs
First proper run last night after the 22 miler on Saturday (bar the interval training I did on the day after), and boy did my legs feel heavy. Only did 7 miles, and went out fairly recreational to be honest ( a leisurely 1hr 3 mins for 7 miles!)... but was probably good to just get it out the system. Another interval session planned for this evening, followed by another 7 miler on Thursday. The 2008 runners are off on Thursday, and even I feel excited for them, wish I was off too, but I know that I'm nowhere near ready yet for it, hence the next year of training!
Sunday, March 23, 2008
A good week
So after the mental trauma of yesterday's 22 mile treadmill run... today was a small matter of some interval training, which I enjoy doing. However the best thing was that after yesterday's run, I felt really good today, with no real side effects or aches or pains. This is a really good sign that my body can recover quickly now from long runs, so really pleased with that.
So today's interval training consisted of 5 mins warm up at 10km/h, followed by 4 x 3mins at 14km/h, with 4 x 2 mins at 10km/h in between. However on the final interval I decided to do 2 x 2 mins at 15km/h, just to push it a bit harder. So all in, 53.5 miles for the week, and it feels good to be back on track again, and a nice solid week under my belt. I should also add that I'm only training at 5 nights a week as well, and have been for the last 3-4 months. So after the marathon will look to gradually increase to 6 nights, with more variation in training. A mere 37 miles for next week... what a relief :)
So today's interval training consisted of 5 mins warm up at 10km/h, followed by 4 x 3mins at 14km/h, with 4 x 2 mins at 10km/h in between. However on the final interval I decided to do 2 x 2 mins at 15km/h, just to push it a bit harder. So all in, 53.5 miles for the week, and it feels good to be back on track again, and a nice solid week under my belt. I should also add that I'm only training at 5 nights a week as well, and have been for the last 3-4 months. So after the marathon will look to gradually increase to 6 nights, with more variation in training. A mere 37 miles for next week... what a relief :)
Saturday, March 22, 2008
22 miles of sheer mental torture
22 miles on the treadmill... 22 miles of looking at the same wall... 22 miles of looking at the same door stop. Jesus that was a tough one, but so glad I did it, as the calf came through intact and so did i figuratively speaking, as I've been under the weather this week, and although the time was OK, I'm just pleased to have done the 22 miles without any major issues.
To be fair, the first 2 hours were OK on the treadmill, it was the last 10km or so that really got to me mentally. I was getting quite tired also, so I dropped the speed from my marathon target time of 11.2kms per hour to 10.5kms per hour. Plus I tried out a gel for the first time, and boy does it boost you. Really good for when you're hitting rock bottom me thinks, so I'll take a couple of those with me on the marathon proper. However the last 5kms I got the speed back up to 11kms, so it was good to actually increase the speed for the last 5kms, which shows that I'm feeling strong towards the end of the run, and looking back, the last 4 miles were certainly possible me thinks.
So all in all I went round in just over 3hrs 10 mins for 22 miles, which was OK like I said, but probably around 15 secs a mile slower than I normally would go round in. But like I said, given that I have a headcold, I'm pretty pleased.
So... last long run done now, and that's three 20+ milers in the bag ahead of the marathon, which is OK. Would have liked to have done four, but then sometimes you can't always do it. Now on taper for 2 weeks (thank god), and will do around 40 miles next week, and then 30 the week before, and then 2-3 short runs in marathon week. The taper is welcome relief to be honest, I've been feeling it in the last few weeks, and when the marathon is done, it will be time to think about what's next. The good thing is that I'm taking the emphasis off this marathon now. I was too obsessed previously, and was losing sight of the real goal, the MDS next year. So I'll run Canberra hard and to the best of my ability, but March next year is where my sights are set... plus that's the last run of that distance I'll ever do on a treadmill!
To be fair, the first 2 hours were OK on the treadmill, it was the last 10km or so that really got to me mentally. I was getting quite tired also, so I dropped the speed from my marathon target time of 11.2kms per hour to 10.5kms per hour. Plus I tried out a gel for the first time, and boy does it boost you. Really good for when you're hitting rock bottom me thinks, so I'll take a couple of those with me on the marathon proper. However the last 5kms I got the speed back up to 11kms, so it was good to actually increase the speed for the last 5kms, which shows that I'm feeling strong towards the end of the run, and looking back, the last 4 miles were certainly possible me thinks.
So all in all I went round in just over 3hrs 10 mins for 22 miles, which was OK like I said, but probably around 15 secs a mile slower than I normally would go round in. But like I said, given that I have a headcold, I'm pretty pleased.
So... last long run done now, and that's three 20+ milers in the bag ahead of the marathon, which is OK. Would have liked to have done four, but then sometimes you can't always do it. Now on taper for 2 weeks (thank god), and will do around 40 miles next week, and then 30 the week before, and then 2-3 short runs in marathon week. The taper is welcome relief to be honest, I've been feeling it in the last few weeks, and when the marathon is done, it will be time to think about what's next. The good thing is that I'm taking the emphasis off this marathon now. I was too obsessed previously, and was losing sight of the real goal, the MDS next year. So I'll run Canberra hard and to the best of my ability, but March next year is where my sights are set... plus that's the last run of that distance I'll ever do on a treadmill!
Friday, March 21, 2008
Injury and illness
Well as it says above, the calf's are still giving me some grief, and I'm now slightly under the weather again, with a sore throat and head cold. But it's not too bad to be honest as I've been able to get out and about and still keep this week's training on track.
So after the 10.5 miler on Monday night, I had some friends visit me over in Sydney Tuesday and Wednesday, so decided to take two days off, which was nice as it has taken the pressure off somewhat from the marathon. But back on it again at 6am on Thursday morning when I was feeling slightly rough with a sore throat, but went round OK, and then today, Good Friday on it again. Because of the stiffness in my calf's, I've put myself back on the treadmill for today's run, which whilst direly boring, is kind of a necessity. Running on there means that my calf's dont give me any grief when I'm on that machine. So went round 8.5 miles in 72 mins, which was fine given that I'm feeling slightly under the weather.
So back to the big one tomorrow, and I'm planning on doing 22 miles on the treadmill. This is going to be a nightmare in terms of sheer boredom, but as I mentioned, this is a necessity for me now because of my calf situation. So all in all, if I can get 22 miles under my belt tomorrow, I'll be right back on track and a happy man. That will mean I've done three 20+ milers in preparation for the marathon, which I think is about smack on.
Once the marathon is done (assuming I get through!), I'll now have to start thinking about the next 5 months training, which is quite weird because in the final 6 months in the run up to the MDS I know what I'm doing. However the 5 months in between is quite weird because it's a case of keeping things going, but introducing more weight on the backpack, and varying the types of training more. So more uphills, more intervals, and lots of different types of training.
So after the 10.5 miler on Monday night, I had some friends visit me over in Sydney Tuesday and Wednesday, so decided to take two days off, which was nice as it has taken the pressure off somewhat from the marathon. But back on it again at 6am on Thursday morning when I was feeling slightly rough with a sore throat, but went round OK, and then today, Good Friday on it again. Because of the stiffness in my calf's, I've put myself back on the treadmill for today's run, which whilst direly boring, is kind of a necessity. Running on there means that my calf's dont give me any grief when I'm on that machine. So went round 8.5 miles in 72 mins, which was fine given that I'm feeling slightly under the weather.
So back to the big one tomorrow, and I'm planning on doing 22 miles on the treadmill. This is going to be a nightmare in terms of sheer boredom, but as I mentioned, this is a necessity for me now because of my calf situation. So all in all, if I can get 22 miles under my belt tomorrow, I'll be right back on track and a happy man. That will mean I've done three 20+ milers in preparation for the marathon, which I think is about smack on.
Once the marathon is done (assuming I get through!), I'll now have to start thinking about the next 5 months training, which is quite weird because in the final 6 months in the run up to the MDS I know what I'm doing. However the 5 months in between is quite weird because it's a case of keeping things going, but introducing more weight on the backpack, and varying the types of training more. So more uphills, more intervals, and lots of different types of training.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
What a day...
Well it was a long old day at work today, didn't finish until 10pm, and did have down to done a 22 miler, but no chance finishing at 10pm. So I did a 10.5 miler instead, getting back just before 11:30pm. So a bit whacked now, as it's now 12:40am. Good job I'm not at work tomorrow and have the rest of the week off. Got friends coming and then the missus finally arrives in Sydney for good, so really looking too that. Although not quite sure what she's going to make of my training now!
Right, bed soon!
Right, bed soon!
Sunday, March 16, 2008
It's been a funny old week
It started off OK, but then went progressively downhill, but to be honest, I'm thinking I should be thankful for getting through. It didn't start great with some runs early in the week, and some shooting pains down in my calfs. When on the second run of the week on Wednesday, I was almost brought to a standstill with these pains, and thinking that I might have to completely rest up for the rest of the week. In fact the run was cut short and I was brought to a standstill.
But I got through, and despite having a heavy week of working until 8pm most nights, and then a work weekend away until Sunday (today), I still got in another 3 runs (2 whilst away) and 1 today after a heavy night on the beers last night. It really makes me realise just how much the beer and little sleep affects you. However it was 27 degrees and 58% humidity today, so I think I can be forgiven a little bit!
So total for the week is a pretty crappy 37 miles, but I did manage to get a 25 mile bike session in as well, so I shouldn't be so harsh on myself. The reality is that all I missed was a long run, which I'm planning on doing tomorrow after work. I've done two 20+ runs in preparation for the marathon which is now only 4 weeks away, and ideally I would like to get two more in. However I think this weekend has made me realise that I might be putting too much emphasis on it, and that I need to think about the longer term goal which is the MDS next year. Of course I'd love to go out and do something in the 3h 30's... but if I don't, I don't, and that's life. But I guess from being in such a routine for the last 3 months, and to have a slightly crappy week or two (when I get ill, or slightly injured)... I tend to put too much pressure on myself.
So new start to the week tomorrow. Laying off the booze now until the marathon is done, and 4 weeks left. Two weeks spent training hard, and then two weeks of taper... which will hopefully leave me nice and fresh!
But I got through, and despite having a heavy week of working until 8pm most nights, and then a work weekend away until Sunday (today), I still got in another 3 runs (2 whilst away) and 1 today after a heavy night on the beers last night. It really makes me realise just how much the beer and little sleep affects you. However it was 27 degrees and 58% humidity today, so I think I can be forgiven a little bit!
So total for the week is a pretty crappy 37 miles, but I did manage to get a 25 mile bike session in as well, so I shouldn't be so harsh on myself. The reality is that all I missed was a long run, which I'm planning on doing tomorrow after work. I've done two 20+ runs in preparation for the marathon which is now only 4 weeks away, and ideally I would like to get two more in. However I think this weekend has made me realise that I might be putting too much emphasis on it, and that I need to think about the longer term goal which is the MDS next year. Of course I'd love to go out and do something in the 3h 30's... but if I don't, I don't, and that's life. But I guess from being in such a routine for the last 3 months, and to have a slightly crappy week or two (when I get ill, or slightly injured)... I tend to put too much pressure on myself.
So new start to the week tomorrow. Laying off the booze now until the marathon is done, and 4 weeks left. Two weeks spent training hard, and then two weeks of taper... which will hopefully leave me nice and fresh!
Thursday, March 13, 2008
and today...
Well I had the 22 miler planned for tonight. But there was no way in the world that was going to happen. Was going to rest, but thought I'd get on the bike in the gym upstairs and do some low impact work.
So I knocked off 40kms in an hour, which I was pretty happy with, and makes a bit of a change from running. Calfs are feeling OK to be fair. Got some more ice on them tonight, so think I'll crack on with another run tomorrow. Am away with work for the next few nights, so might have to be some gym work, but we have a spare few hours, so might try and get in a 15 miler. that would take me to 30 for the week, all being well. Then I'll rest on Saturday, before taking on the 20+ miler on Sunday if I can. Fingers crossed the calfs hold up!
So I knocked off 40kms in an hour, which I was pretty happy with, and makes a bit of a change from running. Calfs are feeling OK to be fair. Got some more ice on them tonight, so think I'll crack on with another run tomorrow. Am away with work for the next few nights, so might have to be some gym work, but we have a spare few hours, so might try and get in a 15 miler. that would take me to 30 for the week, all being well. Then I'll rest on Saturday, before taking on the 20+ miler on Sunday if I can. Fingers crossed the calfs hold up!
Back off it
This is from yesterday... internet down
Well after finishing up with tight calf’s last night, the evitable happened again tonight and as soon as I started running the calf’s were extremely tight. It’s a very weird feeling; they just feel like they’re going to pop at any minute. It’s intensely frustrating, and means I’m probably not going to hit my weekly mileage target, which I find very frustrating, particularly when I’m in peak running stage like I am at the moment.
Not quite sure what to do. I had this issue when I did my long run the other week. At around 16 miles, I started to get these sharp pains in the calf’s, so rested them up for a day, and then my two fairly light runs at the weekend, I had no issues at all. I know the reality is that I should probably rest up for a few days and just ice them, but it’s so annoying. I think I’m becoming too obsessed with it all. One slight injury and I think the world’s going to end!
I might just see how they go and then do a session on the tread mill. That seemed to work on Saturday after I had the issues last Thursday, given that it’s a softer surface to run on and no hills, which I think maybe the root cause of the issue. Even so, I know I shouldn’t be forcing it if I’m not right, but I just want to make sure I hit the mileage for this week, for me it’s really important. However at the moment I just don’t see myself being able to run a 22 miler outside on the concrete. Bring on the taper, when I can properly start to bring the mileage down and relax about it all. In the meantime I’m still frustrated as even though I did five miles tonight before I called it a day, I don’t feel like I’ve had a proper work out at all. AGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH I hate being injured!
I sometimes wonder if I’m over training at all? I’m following (very roughly) a plan from a previous competitor, but I’m actually doing a hell of a lot more than he was at the stage I’m at. The reality is that I’m up around the 50-55 mile a week mark no problem with just over a year to go. It makes me wonder how far I’ve come in quite a short space of time. Just looking at my training when I started properly (October 2007), those first few weeks I was averaging around 15-20 miles a week, which to me seems like nothing. I’d go out on a school night and knock that off. So to come from that to where I am now in 5 months, makes me wonder if I’m overdoing it? The reality is though I actually start training around July 2007, but then got injured for the entire month of September, which effectively put me back to square one. So I just re-grouped, and decided to make October the start of 3 months ‘base training’, and then from January this year, ramped that up to around 40 miles a week, before pushing it to 50 in the final week of January, which I where I’ve pretty much stayed now, bar one lighter week two and a half weeks ago.
This in some respects makes me wonder what I’ll do post marathon, having put so much focus on it. Obviously I want to keep the fitness where it is, so will keep my mileage at around 50 I think over the next five months. However I’ll vary the training somewhat and start to include more off-road where possible (hard in a city). But do more interval training I think, haven’t really done enough of that in the last 3 months. Anyway, enough rambling… it’s only because I’m pissed off that I’m going on!
Well after finishing up with tight calf’s last night, the evitable happened again tonight and as soon as I started running the calf’s were extremely tight. It’s a very weird feeling; they just feel like they’re going to pop at any minute. It’s intensely frustrating, and means I’m probably not going to hit my weekly mileage target, which I find very frustrating, particularly when I’m in peak running stage like I am at the moment.
Not quite sure what to do. I had this issue when I did my long run the other week. At around 16 miles, I started to get these sharp pains in the calf’s, so rested them up for a day, and then my two fairly light runs at the weekend, I had no issues at all. I know the reality is that I should probably rest up for a few days and just ice them, but it’s so annoying. I think I’m becoming too obsessed with it all. One slight injury and I think the world’s going to end!
I might just see how they go and then do a session on the tread mill. That seemed to work on Saturday after I had the issues last Thursday, given that it’s a softer surface to run on and no hills, which I think maybe the root cause of the issue. Even so, I know I shouldn’t be forcing it if I’m not right, but I just want to make sure I hit the mileage for this week, for me it’s really important. However at the moment I just don’t see myself being able to run a 22 miler outside on the concrete. Bring on the taper, when I can properly start to bring the mileage down and relax about it all. In the meantime I’m still frustrated as even though I did five miles tonight before I called it a day, I don’t feel like I’ve had a proper work out at all. AGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH I hate being injured!
I sometimes wonder if I’m over training at all? I’m following (very roughly) a plan from a previous competitor, but I’m actually doing a hell of a lot more than he was at the stage I’m at. The reality is that I’m up around the 50-55 mile a week mark no problem with just over a year to go. It makes me wonder how far I’ve come in quite a short space of time. Just looking at my training when I started properly (October 2007), those first few weeks I was averaging around 15-20 miles a week, which to me seems like nothing. I’d go out on a school night and knock that off. So to come from that to where I am now in 5 months, makes me wonder if I’m overdoing it? The reality is though I actually start training around July 2007, but then got injured for the entire month of September, which effectively put me back to square one. So I just re-grouped, and decided to make October the start of 3 months ‘base training’, and then from January this year, ramped that up to around 40 miles a week, before pushing it to 50 in the final week of January, which I where I’ve pretty much stayed now, bar one lighter week two and a half weeks ago.
This in some respects makes me wonder what I’ll do post marathon, having put so much focus on it. Obviously I want to keep the fitness where it is, so will keep my mileage at around 50 I think over the next five months. However I’ll vary the training somewhat and start to include more off-road where possible (hard in a city). But do more interval training I think, haven’t really done enough of that in the last 3 months. Anyway, enough rambling… it’s only because I’m pissed off that I’m going on!
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Back on it
So after a weekend of partying, today was back on the running with a 9.5 miler on the way home from work. Felt really good until around 6 miles when the right calf got tight again. All in all went round in 1hr 18 mins, but I'm concerned about the calf. It didn't stop me from running, but with a 22 miler planned for Thursday it worries me a little, and makes me wonder if I should just rest tomorrow night?
However I got through the run fairly easily, so not sure to be honest what I should do and why I keep getting this tightness. Think I'll book a session for a massage and get some special attention on it. I really want it to be spot on for the marathon in 5 weeks, as I only have this weekend and next as full running weeks before taper... so we'll see... hmmmmmm!
However I got through the run fairly easily, so not sure to be honest what I should do and why I keep getting this tightness. Think I'll book a session for a massage and get some special attention on it. I really want it to be spot on for the marathon in 5 weeks, as I only have this weekend and next as full running weeks before taper... so we'll see... hmmmmmm!
Monday, March 10, 2008
Hot hot hot...
So after switching things around a little last week, I had two relatively easy runs at the weekend to take the tally up to 50 for last week. Saturday was up early to do a simple 9km dash that started off slowly and then finished faster. Strength felt good whilst doing the run, and it was good doing it on the running machine. I think I'll carry on doing a few sessions like this on the running machine as it's not so boring when you're gradualy increasing the speed. Plus it's extremely humid in the gym in my apartment block, so good training in that respect too.
Then Saturday morning I flew to Melbourne to see some mates from the UK... so a bit of a big weekend, but we got a simple 5 mile run in, again starting off pretty slowly, and then I pushed on for the last 10 minutes to get the heart rate up, so nice to do some different training. Plus it was absolutely roasting in Melbourne, hitting high 30's, so some good warm weather training too.
So back here today, and I was going to go off again tonight, but I didnt get home until 8pm, was hungary, plus a little hungover, so decided against it, and have switched things around for this week. It's going to be tough work though as I've worked out that I'll now be doing 8 runs on the bounce, including a 22 miler, which will be tough, but good practice again... he says slightly scared! I'm sure it will be OK though. All this switching around has been to commitments over the weekends, but it's not too bad. In fact I prefer to do the longer runs on week days as I'm generally more in a routine, whereas I'm not so great in getting into a routine at the weekends, as in I get up late, eat at funny times and generally tend to bugger it all up! Anyways, half thinking about doing a split session tomorrow, but I have a heavy work week this week, so dont know if that will work. We'll see...
Then Saturday morning I flew to Melbourne to see some mates from the UK... so a bit of a big weekend, but we got a simple 5 mile run in, again starting off pretty slowly, and then I pushed on for the last 10 minutes to get the heart rate up, so nice to do some different training. Plus it was absolutely roasting in Melbourne, hitting high 30's, so some good warm weather training too.
So back here today, and I was going to go off again tonight, but I didnt get home until 8pm, was hungary, plus a little hungover, so decided against it, and have switched things around for this week. It's going to be tough work though as I've worked out that I'll now be doing 8 runs on the bounce, including a 22 miler, which will be tough, but good practice again... he says slightly scared! I'm sure it will be OK though. All this switching around has been to commitments over the weekends, but it's not too bad. In fact I prefer to do the longer runs on week days as I'm generally more in a routine, whereas I'm not so great in getting into a routine at the weekends, as in I get up late, eat at funny times and generally tend to bugger it all up! Anyways, half thinking about doing a split session tomorrow, but I have a heavy work week this week, so dont know if that will work. We'll see...
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Happier man...
Just decided to go out and do the long run tonight... or rather I set off and thought if I'm still good at 10 miles... then I'll carry on, and carry on I did. I think the difference tonight was that I did take it pretty easy. I think last Saturday I was going too quick early on, hence why was just battered! Anyway... it was a pretty good run, although at just gone 13 miles I got a major pain in my back on the left shoulder blade... forced me to stop and walk for 30 seconds, like someone was stabbing me in the kidney!... it carried on for a bit after I started running again, but seemed to disappear, but really strange.
Anyway, right calf was again really tight. I think I may have a slight strain in it, although it could have been cramp too? I don't know, we'll have to see how I feel tomorrow. It's not too painful now, but it was really starting to hurt towards the end of the run. So all in all, managed to do just under 21 miles this evening, well 20.75 in 3 hours smack on. Slightly slower than last time I broke 20 miles, but not too bothered, it's there or there abouts and I'm just happy I broke it again. I've been suffering from major confidence issues over making the distance in the last few weeks. But it was OK. To be honest, my body was screaming at me at around 18 miles, but I got through that and towards the end, body felt OK apart from the calf, which I think I'll rest up tomorrow and then do a little run on Saturday before I head to Melbourne for some partying... can't wait. Off to see some of me bessie mates from the UK who are over, should be a ball!
Anyway, it's late, I've spent most of the evening running and I'm going to kip like a small infant tonight!
Anyway, right calf was again really tight. I think I may have a slight strain in it, although it could have been cramp too? I don't know, we'll have to see how I feel tomorrow. It's not too painful now, but it was really starting to hurt towards the end of the run. So all in all, managed to do just under 21 miles this evening, well 20.75 in 3 hours smack on. Slightly slower than last time I broke 20 miles, but not too bothered, it's there or there abouts and I'm just happy I broke it again. I've been suffering from major confidence issues over making the distance in the last few weeks. But it was OK. To be honest, my body was screaming at me at around 18 miles, but I got through that and towards the end, body felt OK apart from the calf, which I think I'll rest up tomorrow and then do a little run on Saturday before I head to Melbourne for some partying... can't wait. Off to see some of me bessie mates from the UK who are over, should be a ball!
Anyway, it's late, I've spent most of the evening running and I'm going to kip like a small infant tonight!
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
The early bird catches the worm????
Well I think it's probably due to the excitement of having new trainers, but I was wide awake at 5am. (That's a little sad isn't it!)... but on these rare occasions when I am awake, I need to take advantage, so thought I'd head off for a steady 8.5 miler to watch the sun rise. Well it didn't so much rise, it was a sultry 21 degrees and 77% humidity at 6am!!! First 5 miles were fine, but then the last 3.5 were tough, but I eased off quite a bit also, as given that I was in new trainers, I was steadily breaking them in, as I didn't want to get any blisters.
Anyway, so far so good. I also wanted to test the calf's also and see if it was the trainers. And I think to be honest, it was a case of needing new trainers. The calf's are still a little sore, but there was none of that exploding feeling in them, however I am getting a little strain just on the inside of the knee, so am still a bit paranoid, but he run went pretty well I think. I'm also glad I knocked off 8.5 miles, as it now means I only need to do around 5.5 tomorrow ahead of the big twenty miler planned for Friday night. Which means I can ease up and take it steady for that. So all in, feeling fairly positive, but Jesus was it hard work this morning. We haven't had humidity like that in Sydney for a few weeks now and at 77% it's a timely reminded of just how much it takes it out of you. No wonder I was feeling drained!
Anyway, so far so good. I also wanted to test the calf's also and see if it was the trainers. And I think to be honest, it was a case of needing new trainers. The calf's are still a little sore, but there was none of that exploding feeling in them, however I am getting a little strain just on the inside of the knee, so am still a bit paranoid, but he run went pretty well I think. I'm also glad I knocked off 8.5 miles, as it now means I only need to do around 5.5 tomorrow ahead of the big twenty miler planned for Friday night. Which means I can ease up and take it steady for that. So all in, feeling fairly positive, but Jesus was it hard work this morning. We haven't had humidity like that in Sydney for a few weeks now and at 77% it's a timely reminded of just how much it takes it out of you. No wonder I was feeling drained!
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
What a difference a day makes...
So after feeling generally completely wasted from the weekend long run and subsequent recovery run, the thought of going out and doing a ten mile run last night was really not something I wanted to do. I was suffering with tight calfs, so was going to get on the treadmill in the gym in my apartments, just to make sure I was on softer ground so to speak and no hills at all. However I get up there and someone is on it (the very nice girl who lives opposite! Better not let the missus read this!), and to be honest as much as it was a nice view, I couldn't be arsed to wait, so headed off back on the roads, but on a route with reduced hills, but still some buggers in there!
However, I actually felt pretty good, or rather my calfs did, until around 7 miles in when the tightness started to kick in again. Not to the point that it stops me running, it just feels like they're about to explode! Me thinks me needs to change my trainers now to be honest. I've done around 400 miles in them, which I think is when they should be changed. However this is not great, especially when you buy Kayano's as even out here in Australia, you're talking 100 quid a pair, but still, needs must I guess. This was the cause of my last bout of sore calfs, again feeling like they wanted to explode! So a trip to the sports store again at lunchtime for yet more financial losses! But going to take a rest night tonight as planned. I've run 8 days out of the last 9 (might explain the sore calfs!), covering around 75 miles, and whilst I feel like I could go out, I need to make sure I rest properly. Fingers crossed that this calfs trouble is just because I need to change trainers and is not something worse.Have already said to myself that I would rather rest up for a few days and get my long run right than go out and do some of the piddly 7 milers that I do, and mess things up again. Oh well, we'll see!
However, I actually felt pretty good, or rather my calfs did, until around 7 miles in when the tightness started to kick in again. Not to the point that it stops me running, it just feels like they're about to explode! Me thinks me needs to change my trainers now to be honest. I've done around 400 miles in them, which I think is when they should be changed. However this is not great, especially when you buy Kayano's as even out here in Australia, you're talking 100 quid a pair, but still, needs must I guess. This was the cause of my last bout of sore calfs, again feeling like they wanted to explode! So a trip to the sports store again at lunchtime for yet more financial losses! But going to take a rest night tonight as planned. I've run 8 days out of the last 9 (might explain the sore calfs!), covering around 75 miles, and whilst I feel like I could go out, I need to make sure I rest properly. Fingers crossed that this calfs trouble is just because I need to change trainers and is not something worse.Have already said to myself that I would rather rest up for a few days and get my long run right than go out and do some of the piddly 7 milers that I do, and mess things up again. Oh well, we'll see!
Monday, March 3, 2008
Issues...
Not me personally, but now I know why I felt so bloody awful on Saturday during my long run - well at least part of the reason. Went to go for my 7 mile recovery run yesterday and filled up the camelbac. Came back 10 mins later to find it leaking... so guess what, no wonder I ran out of water at 18 miles on Saturday! I reckon I only got through about 1.25-1.5 litres of water on the 18 miler on Saturday, and thought it bizarre that I had run out so soon... now I know why! Still doesn't distract from the fact that I was probably dehydrated before I went out.
So all in, 57 miles for the week, and a new high mileage for me personally, however I'm disappointed with the way in which I ran. Not having a camelbac for the recovery run was a nightmare, because it was about 24 degrees and 60% humidity, so I had to carry my raidlight bottle. Now then... who the hell invented the straw system in that? Certainly not a runner I can tell you. It's a nightmare! You have to suck like a vampire to get anything out of it, and then blow back into it to get the air back in the bottle. In the end I got so annoyed I pulled the straw out and chucked it en route... probably not the best thing to do in hindsight!
Anyway, another thing is that I don't think I'm eating enough generally. I'm wasted at the moment, and and I don't think I'm getting enough calories in my body to make up for all the running I'm doing. I haven't weighed myself in the last few months, but I reckon I've lost between 6-8kgs in that time. How do I know? Well I got some trousers made in Thailand last year to fit me perfectly. There's not about a two inch gap around the waist, and they are falling down... so a clear indication there. So lessons learnt from this week?
- Get a decent camelbac system!
- Start to eat more and better
- Hydrate properly before a big run (done this one before haven't I?)
Anyways... 3 more big weeks, and then 3 weeks of taper... need to make these count if I'm serious about a 3hr 30's marathon.
So all in, 57 miles for the week, and a new high mileage for me personally, however I'm disappointed with the way in which I ran. Not having a camelbac for the recovery run was a nightmare, because it was about 24 degrees and 60% humidity, so I had to carry my raidlight bottle. Now then... who the hell invented the straw system in that? Certainly not a runner I can tell you. It's a nightmare! You have to suck like a vampire to get anything out of it, and then blow back into it to get the air back in the bottle. In the end I got so annoyed I pulled the straw out and chucked it en route... probably not the best thing to do in hindsight!
Anyway, another thing is that I don't think I'm eating enough generally. I'm wasted at the moment, and and I don't think I'm getting enough calories in my body to make up for all the running I'm doing. I haven't weighed myself in the last few months, but I reckon I've lost between 6-8kgs in that time. How do I know? Well I got some trousers made in Thailand last year to fit me perfectly. There's not about a two inch gap around the waist, and they are falling down... so a clear indication there. So lessons learnt from this week?
- Get a decent camelbac system!
- Start to eat more and better
- Hydrate properly before a big run (done this one before haven't I?)
Anyways... 3 more big weeks, and then 3 weeks of taper... need to make these count if I'm serious about a 3hr 30's marathon.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Silly boy...
So the big one today, and I messed it up. Although I took 2 lires of water with nuun in it, I was dehydrated before I went out. My own fault really, looking back I wasn't drinking enough ahead of the run. So I started to get stitch around 6 miles in (not good). The at 12 miles my body literally started to break down. Very weird feeling. Started to feel sick and just empty. Carried on until 18 miles, and then I ran out of water, and called it a day. Very frustrating as my legs were fine. No hitting of the wall or anything, just completely dehydrated, so very annoying indeed. Walked back the last two miles and was feeling really bad at this point. Got home, hydrated myself and now feel fine... so going to head out again tomorrow as my legs feel good, so we'll see how we go.
So, I should end up around the upper fifties for this week, which is good, but I think I may have overdone it a little, first week back from illness, and obviously disappointed with not hitting twenty miles running, but still have three 20+ milers planned before I start to taper down, so I guess having been ill makes sense to build up again... Three more big weeks, then taper down to 45 miles, then 35, then it's marathon week!
So, I should end up around the upper fifties for this week, which is good, but I think I may have overdone it a little, first week back from illness, and obviously disappointed with not hitting twenty miles running, but still have three 20+ milers planned before I start to taper down, so I guess having been ill makes sense to build up again... Three more big weeks, then taper down to 45 miles, then 35, then it's marathon week!
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