Training for a marathon can be just as mentally testing as it is physically; I do not think it matters how many times you have been through a training cycle, it still challenges you. This week I have experience a number of mental tests through my running...

MONDAY: after the Leicestershire Half Marathon on Sunday I was pleased to find my legs were not too sore, however, when it came to my evening strength double of Strength and Conditioning for Runners and Body Pump classes I could just feel my energy levels were low. I lacked power and I was a bit lethargic. This was to be expected really, and I focused on maintaining good technique and form despite my fatigue.

TUESDAY: after a race it is sometimes the case you can take things easier; you train and build up to a big event and then afterwards you have some rest and recovery. Not during marathon training! The prospect of 7 miles of intervals with 6 x 1000m reps did not grab me this morning; I was physically tired and mentally I was not sure I had the drive I needed - it was like I had used all my stores up during Sunday's race! I kept my expectations moderate, aiming for the intervals to be anything between 7 min/mile and 7.30 min/mile pace and just ran as well as I could. It was the hardest interval session I have ran for a while, but I managed it, with effort paces logging in the 7.20 min/mile region. 

WEDNESDAY: today's run was the mid week boost I needed. I met my friend from Strength and Conditioning for some more early morning miles and we ran a 7 mile loop around Lincoln. The company made the miles fly by, and as we also meet somewhere neutral, it means I get to run new routes rather than falling into the habit of running my usual paths. My friend is also a little faster than me, which is good, as it pushes me but without being ridiculously quick. Our pace was steady and consistent, averaging 7.53 min/mile overall. 

THURSDAY: after a good run yesterday this morning's solo ten miler before work seemed a bit of a slog. At times I felt ploddy, but I tried to keep my pace under control, averaging 8.22 min/mile overall. The positive at least was that after about 5 miles it started to get lighter, which boosted my spirits a little - Spring is coming! Body Pump class in the evening. 

FRIDAY: Rest Day

SATURDAY: today was one of those mornings when I realised just how important parkrun is in my life. I woke up looking forward to the Lincoln parkrun even more than usual as a friend from work had messaged saying she was planning on coming with her family; it would be their first time at Lincoln and I knew they would enjoy it. Chatting around the Bandstand pre-run I nearly forgot about the whole running thing to come! I think this set me up well as I ran really relaxed, not even looking at my watch, and just to feel. I stopped the clock at 21 minutes dead – in hindsight maybe a glance at my watch could have shaved that extra second off!? I really was not bothered though; I had ran well and was happy. After finishing I then spent a wonderful half an hour or so just chatting to lots of other people I know or have grown to know through parkrun, as well as cheering my friend's finish. I was due at work and my post run socialising actually nearly made me late! For me attending parkrun is so much more than just a 5k (see image). 

SUNDAY: the first 20 miler of this training block. I have to admit I was not looking forward to it. The mileage did not scare me, it was simply the fact I did not relish spending near on three hours in my own company. I knew I would get into my own head and frankly I did not need that much time with my own thoughts! Unfortunately, I do not like listening to music when I run, so I just had to deal with myself! I started a bit too quickly and I could not really get into natural rhythm. The weather was so changeable too; a thick fog would engulf me at times making it quite cool and damp, only to emerge into a warm sunshine which made me suddenly sweat. It did not help settle me. At the half way point I was running well still, but I was tired of my own mind games. I just had to dig deep and tick off the final half somehow. My pace dipped a little between miles 16-18 - I think my legs suddenly realised I was asking more from them - but I recovered when the end goal became in sight. I made it to 20 miles, averaging 8.20 min/mile overall - a strong run. I have to admit I am not relishing the thought of further solo 20+ mile long runs at the moment, but hopefully I have got through the biggest challenge this week. ​

Leicestershire Half Marathon – my first race of 2019. The evening before I was not sure how I was feeling ahead of racing 13.1 miles. It had been a long and busy day volunteering at parkrun and then heading straight to work, I had been on my feet most of the day and not eaten well. I was slumped on my sofa and had to force myself to get up and find the energy to start to think and prep what I needed for race day. Pinning my race number onto my chosen technical t-shirt it felt like a long time since I had last ‘raced’. In reality it was only a couple of months, however this would be the first time in a while I would be taking part in an event pretty much solo. Of late I have enjoyed my local Lincolnshire running scene, as it means that even if I attend a race on my own, there are always people I know to bump into and chat to pre and post event. When my alarm stirred me on Sunday morning, I felt a little lost heading somewhere unaccompanied, and the silence in my car as I drove was a little eerie. I was in a bit of a sombre mood you could say and did not feel particularly like I was prepped or motivated to perform exceptionally well.

I entered Leicestershire Half Marathon as part of my Brighton Marathon training, and had used the race for similar purposes last year when training for the London Marathon. Thankfully a year-round the conditions had vastly improved; 2018 had been a bitterly cold February morning with a harsh wind whipping across the exposed grounds at Prestwold Hall. The wind was still apparent today, but a Spring like sunshine bathed us runners as we huddled around the race start. Being among this familiar crowd of people fastening on pieces of paper to their chests, munching on bananas and joining snaking queues for portaloos made me feel a bit more at home shall we say, and it lifted my spirits – it was a familiar environment for me to be in. A man on a tannoy began to announce starting waves, asking you to line up according to predicted finish time – what was I aiming for? My mindset was open, this was a bit of a benchmark event for me to see where my training was currently at, so I shuffled to join the sub 1:40 group, which I think deep down I probably thought may be a little optimistic!

The race starts and finishes alongside Prestwold Hall, starting along the gravel drive (more on that later!) and then initially weaves around a racetrack located behind the Hall. I had started quickly, my pace logging around 7:15 min/mile, but this almost didn’t feel right as I seemed so comfortable and in control despite my relative speed. The first 5 miles always pass by quickly for me during a half marathon, and I was enjoying the smooth racetrack tarmac for running which allowed me to keep my stride. Conditions were pleasant, warm but not hot, although the wind made itself apparent on certain stretches – I knew it would play a role later in the race as I began to tire.

After passing 5 miles I broke the race down into smaller chucks – my aim was now to try and maintain my rhythm, get to 7 miles and then see how I was feeling. This section of the course leaves the racetrack and is set along some rural roads, which I remembered from last year features a few undulations. I think these types of hills actually suit me – if that’s possible – I prefer more longer steadier climbs that short sharp bursts, and I tend to note I often overtake people on these tests. Along this stretch I also spotted a fellow female runner in the distance, her blue hair made her striking to remember, and I vowed to try and keep her in my sights as a bit of an additional pacing marker.

Passing 7 miles I still felt strong, and with my knowledge from last year, I knew I needed to be, as the course headed back to the racetrack with some tests ahead. The first challenge was a long stretch of tarmac which ran parallel to what look like disused lorries; it is not very motivating and the worst part of the course. I just focused on taking steps towards reaching 10 miles, which was my next milestone. To reach my magic marker I needed to get through mile 9 though, which was brutal last year, set against almost sheer wind resistance. As I turned the corner this year the wind hit me again; thankfully it was nowhere near as powerful as last year, but still enough to make my pace drop. This stretch is also slightly on an incline to make the challenge that little more tough. This was my slowest mile of the whole race, but I was shocked to see it was still sub 7.30 min/mile pace. This gave me the confidence I needed to know I could still kick across the final three miles.

​I began to drive for the finish from here; glances at my watch and quick mental calculations told me I was running close to PB pace, but I will admit I was too focused to waste energy working things exactly – I knew I just needed to keep constantly going and not fade. I also began to close the gap between myself and my blue haired runner marker. With a mile to go I fully went for it; an early kick. I was grimacing already, and it did hurt, but the feeling of being strong approaching a finish is much better than struggling to the line. With around 400m to go I caught up with my female marker and we exchanged a few words of encouragement to each other. The gravel drive then hit me again and it was so hard to run on. Tired legs trying to push powerfully off energy sucking stones; it felt like running on soft sand. I know my form went out the window at this point; I had been focusing hard all race on running well, but now all I needed to do was make it to the line. I crossed the line and before I even could look at my watch, I ground to a hault, hands on knees, catching my gasping breath.  When I felt able to look at Garmin I was so pleased to see what it read – 1:35:23 - a new PB.

A PB was not what I aimed for or expected from today, but I had taken a minute and a half off my previous record and over 4 minutes off my course record last year. I also placed 11th female overall. It felt great – well it did after I had slowly shuffled my tired legs to collect my medal and ill-fitting finishers t-shirt – and as I reflected on my splits, the consistency in my pacing is what pleased me most, and my final mile split simply amazed me. I ran exactly 7 min/mile to finish the race, a split I struggle to hit at a parkrun sometimes at the moment, but somehow had logged at the end of a 13.1 mile race. Is it possible I am more proud of that?!
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Leicestershire Half Marathon was a great start to the year; it has shown my training is going well, and I believe I am becoming both a stronger runner and more confident when racing. It still felt a little strange being ‘alone’ on race day, I much prefer chatting with people, but I am also learning how to adjust my race day mindset to this. I hope I can continue with this momentum for the rest of the year. ​

The half way point - and I have kind of felt it a bit this week. Some of the undesirable effects of marathon training have started to creep in; I have been tired, at times my hunger has been insatiable, the day after my long run I felt jaded, and restless legs have kept me awake at night. These are signs I know I need to take extra care of myself. Running wise training has continued to go well though, with an extra PB bonus to finish the week...

MONDAY: Strength and Conditioning for Runners class in which I am already beginning to note my personal progress. 

TUESDAY: I switched things a little on my plan this week, and with a harder run planned for tomorrow, I kept today’s miles steadier. I ran 7 miles at a comfortably hard pace, which was around 8 min/mile. Body Pump class in the evening. 

WEDNESDAY: today I was joined on a run by a friend from my Strength and Conditioning class; he needed some motivation to kick start his training and I always welcome company - especially when they are willing to meet me at 6am for a run! My friend had planned a 10k route known locally as 'rolling hills'. I had heard of the route, but never tried it - probably for good reason! The route weaves around the centre of Lincoln going up and down most of the cruellest inclines the city offers (for those local think Michealgate, Steep Hill, Lindum Hill, Greenstone Stairs, Milman Hill etc) I really enjoyed the challenge and it is certainly something I would not have had the confidence to attempt alone. I also did not stop once, which I am sure I would have convinced myself I needed to if I had run alone.

THURSDAY: after the hill test of yesterday my legs were a little sore today. Keeping today's planned 10 miles at an 'easy' pace was therefore a little more straightforward. My legs were stiff at first, but once I loosened up I just let the miles tick off at a comfortable 8.24 min/mile average pace. Body Pump class in evening. 

FRIDAY: with a race planned for Sunday I swapped this week's Rest Day around, heading out for a very easy 4 miles this morning, averaging 8.42 min/mile pace in the process. I nearly did not bother with the run, but I am pleased I did as it helped loosen off some remaining stiffness and also felt quite therapeutic running at a gentle rhythm and not having too many miles to log. 

SATURDAY: Rest Day - whilst still getting my parkrun fix through volunteering at my home Lincoln event. 

SUNDAY: my first race of 2019 - the Leicestershire Half Marathon (see image). My training plan has a couple of half marathons in and I like to use them to assess a little where I am in terms of progress. I have another race in a couple of weeks, so my mindset approaching today's 13.1 miles was to simply see what my legs currently had in them - almost like setting a baseline marker. It was a lovely day for running with an almost spring like warmth, although there was quite a strong, gusty breeze at the Prestwold Hall setting of the race. Compared to last year when I had completed the course, the weather was heavenly though! Full blog to follow; but in short, I ran a new PB of 1:35:23 - what I loved most however was how strong I felt; physically, mentally and against the at times windy conditions. My splits emphasise this, logging relatively consistent throughout, and to top it off my final mile was the quickest overall, registering at bang on 7 min/mile - even I do not know how I managed that at the end of a half marathon race! ​

​It has been a busy week with a mixture of work commitments and fitting in marathon training; but I have managed it all. Marathon training is a commitment itself, but I guess like anything, the more cycles I go through the easier I find it to fit training into life - it is possible!

MONDAY: a double strength session to start the week, with Strength and Conditioning for Runners followed by a Body Pump class.

TUESDAY: the last (I hope!) of the ice lingered today and it meant I had to remain a little cautious on early morning intervals. I ran the same session as last week; 5.5m with 15 x 200m reps and 200m recoveries, and again managed to keep my pace for the interval efforts hovering just above 7 min/mile for the majority. 

WEDNESDAY: I wanted to run the 'easy' 10 miles I had on my plan 'easy' - recent icy conditions have helped me keep my planned easier miles at a comfortable pace, rather than tending to run everything a bit too quick, and I feel it has been beneficial. Despite there being no ice today it turned out it was actually very easy for me to slow things down - my legs were very lethargic. Tuesday had been a very busy and long day at work for me and I had not eaten properly at all; I do not think I actually had one proper meal all day. An early longish run was therefore a bit of an ask; it felt a slog and I averaged 8.42 min/mile. I know why I struggled at least and it is always good to learn. In the evening I enjoyed marshalling at a charity 'Dark Run' arranged to support the fundraising efforts of our Lincoln parkrun event director who is taking on the London Marathon.

THURSDAY: this morning was very windy - I could hear the wind howling before I even set out the door. The conditions made running tough at times and I knew I needed to adjust my pace expectations. As predicted, at times I did struggle to hit my desired paces against a headwind, so I instead tried to maintain my effort levels instead, logging 7 miles with the middle 5 miles aiming to be quicker/exerting more effort. My middle splits were nearly all sub 8 min/mile still, with one slightly over, which was both uphill and with a headwind so I will let myself off..! Body Pump in the evening.

FRIDAY: Rest Day

Wintery weather and icy conditions have been another feature of this week - I am starting to wish I was back marathon training in the middle of a summer heatwave again! Well, maybe not - but some above 0 degree running temperatures would be nice please mother nature!

MONDAY: the official start of my next block of Strength and Conditioning for Runners. It is always good to be back at these sessions, and I am constantly learning about my body and how to maximise my running, as well as enjoying being with a group of liked minded people.

TUESDAY: today I was out running before the street lights had even been switched back on along some of my local streets. My alarm had gone off at 5:10am as I had to squeeze my miles in before an early start at work. Intervals at least woke me up, and I ran 5.5 miles with 15 x 200m reps and 200m recoveries. Normally this number of intervals drains me, but this morning it felt manageable. Pace wise I literally just ran as fast as possible, with the majority of reps hovering around the 7 min/mile marker. Body Pump class in the evening. 

WEDNESDAY: another early start, not quite as harsh as yesterday, but I was out running before 6am again. The weather conditions were almost akin to last Wednesday, and an overnight frost had once more left very icy pavements to greet me. The 7 easy miles on my plan therefore had to be kept very easy again, averaging 8.46 min/mile. I can't say I enjoyed this run - it was so cold and I was fed up of tiptoeing cautiously - I just wanted to run carefree!

THURSDAY: with the forecast saying this morning would be -6 degrees I did not even bother setting an alarm for a pre-work run; I knew the pavements would be like ice rinks. A freezing fog never lifted all day, and by the evening I still was not confident running tempo miles on the streets. Reluctantly I headed for the treadmill. If I am running on a treadmill you know it is the last resort! I ran 7 miles with the middle 5 miles at a faster pace - it is difficult for me to assess exact pace on a treadmill as I very rarely use one and the settings are so different to what I am used to; so I simply ran to feel. Body Pump class after. 

FRIDAY: Rest Day