A fellow Brighton Marathon entrant asked me how I was feeling this week - 'Excited... and scared!' - I replied. I am at that point in training now where the reason behind running all these training miles starts to feel real, and it evokes both these emotions! 

MONDAY: my legs were sore from Sunday's Ashby 20 race, but I knew I needed to get a run completed as I would be away with work from 6am until 8pm tomorrow - and although some do question my sanity, I was not going to get up any earlier to squeeze a run in! I waited until the evening to run today, in an attempt to give my legs a few more recovery hours, running from my gym to finish in time for a Body Pump class. My quads were tight and twangy, so it was very easy to keep my pace slow, averaging 8:49 min/mile overall across the 6 miles.  

TUESDAY: Rest Day

WEDNESDAY: an extra rest day had helped rejuvenate my limbs a little, which I was pleased about as I met my slightly speedier friend for our Wednesday morning run. He had planned out a new route for us to try, with the increasingly lighter mornings now meaning we can venture away from Lincoln's central streets. We ran 6.5 miles in total, in a quick but comfortable 7.46 min/mile average pace.

THURSDAY: looking at my plan I thought my planned interval run was going to be another of those truly hideous runs, which at the time you hate, but by the end you feel proud to have completed. It was hard, but I actually coped much better with the demand than I thought, running 9 miles with 10 x 800m reps and 200m recoveries. I have learnt throughout this block of training that my speed is not where I was this time last year; I cannot hit the same paces on intervals and my parkrun times are also slower. However, what I have noticed is my endurance is greater, and whereas a run like this would have virtually killed me off last year, today I felt like I could have done more. Body Pump class in the evening. 

FRIDAY: Rest Day

SATURDAY: I knew today would be my last Lincoln parkrun for a couple of weeks due to the impending marathon, so I really gave it my all to try and get a sub 21 minute time again. I ran hard, and I am sure my face showed this (see image)! Closing in on the final few hundred metres I couldn’t quite hang onto the couple of fellow female runners in front of me, I could feel I had nothing left to give in my legs; I just had to focus on chasing down the clock myself. I finished in 20:57 – mission accomplished.

SUNDAY: mentally the prospect of 15 miles felt manageable today – another sign of marathon training! It was a pleasant morning for running, and for the first 7 miles I just got lost in the run and didn’t really rein my pace in when I probably needed to. Reviewing my splits later I was hovering above 8 min/mile pace for this section. Between miles 7 and 10 I seemed to settle to a better pace, before suffering a dip from miles 11-13. During this stage my quads suddenly went very sore and stiff again and running just did not feel as natural. Thankfully the sensation eased and I was able to finish stronger, averaging 8.14 min/mile pace overall. I hope my quads return to feeling completely normal soon - I need them to! I think they will, and it is not really worrying me. The two week taper that lies ahead of me now will certainly help. ​

Ashby 20 is a race I had heard lots about; I had seen the coloured hoodies at a number of other races, I knew it was a popular event for those in Spring marathon training mode, and I was also aware it sold out very quickly. Timing wise the race slotted perfectly into my Brighton Marathon training; it would form the final long, long run of my training cycle and would also offer me a change of scenery and some support when I was bound to need an extra training boost. I made it my priority to get a place and thankfully I succeeded.

The day before race day was not perfect prep wise, probably because I was not really treating Ashby 20 as a race but instead as training. I ran parkrun on Saturday and didn’t hold back, which was followed by four hours pulling rubbish out from a local river bank – I got home and was shattered! I found some energy to get my race stuff together and prep for my early alarm and drive to the interestingly named Ashby de-la-Zouch. 

I woke feeling much more refreshed, successfully navigated my way to Ashby-de-la- Zouch and after parking, I walked down to the race start at Bath Grounds chatting to another runner about the forthcoming course. Neither of us had taken part in the race before but both had been warned about the hilly profile… surely it couldn’t be that bad? The race village was bathed in sunshine as I arrived, and I sat soaking up the atmosphere watching huddles of runners gather as the clock ticked down toward the 10am start. Time passed quickly and before I knew it we were being guided to the start line on a small road just outside the Bath Grounds.

Stood waiting for the start gun to fire I briefly went over my race strategy in my head – I knew the course was formed of two ten mile loops, so I would try and treat the first loop steadily, see what challenges presented, and then hope to be able to push it a little more on the second. That was the theory anyway! I will admit that during the first mile I got swept up in the atmosphere; supporters lined the streets and runners around me were jovial and happy – I am not even going tell you what my first split was as it was ridiculous! I spotted this though and settled, just in time for the first hill – the first of many.

If someone would have told me I would enjoy a relentlessly hilly course I would have laughed at you – who would be that mad! But I did. It was a beautiful place to be running; countryside with small, quaint rural villages, and almost idyllic running weather; sunny but with a fresh, crisp air which kept me cool. I felt strong on the hills from the start, approaching each one carefully and consistently. Some runners around me appeared breathless, red faced and exerting a lot of effort, but I felt in control. Another factor which added to my enjoyment levels was the marshals – I can honestly say they were the best I have ever experienced at any road race. Every single one of them was enthusiastic, supportive and encouraging and simply made me smile; those around the villages of Swepstone and Heather in particular had energy that was almost infectious.

Nearing the end of the first lap I must admit it was a little disorientating seeing signs on the side of the road for Mile 17 etc. – at times my instinctive reaction was to think I was nearly there, before suddenly having to remind myself there was still another lap to go! I had ran the first lap well, even with the gradient, and glances at my pace had reinforced this, but I was a little nervous that the second lap I would suddenly crash. My quads felt a little sore, the hills demanding them to be working hard, but aside from that I still felt controlled. Any doubt about my ability slipped from my mind as I began the first climb of the second lap; I started to overtake a few other runners already and realised my own strength. ‘One hill down!’ the marshal at the top of the hill cheerily informed me ‘only about another 20 left!’ I joked back.

​This week my confidence wobbled a little. At times I have found running harder than it should be, paces more challenging to hit, and DOMs nearly ever-present in my limbs. This is the final push before the taper, so it could actually be quite logical as to why all these things have felt apparent, however it did start to make doubts creep into my mind. However, the weekend offered the timely boost I needed...

MONDAY: the final session in the current block of Strength and Conditioning for Runners. It has been another highly beneficial eight-week period for me, both physically and socially in terms of being able to train with like-minded people. After 22 miles on Sunday I was sore and tight for this session, but doing something did help to loosen me up a little. 

TUESDAY: with soreness still in my limbs the sole aim of my easy paced 9 miles was to try and freshen my legs up a little. The first few miles I was stiff and shuffly, but as my muscled warmed I grew into a more natural stride, albeit still keeping my pace under control and averaging 8.33 min/mile. Body Pump class in the evening.

WEDNESDAY: today my 5.30am alarm had gone off as usual to meet my Wednesday morning run friend, however just as I was pulling on the final piece of my run gear, he had to cancel. I was actually due in work a little later today, so rolled back into bed fully clothed for an extra hour sleep before facing my interval run. I was possibly also trying to avoid the challenge ahead of me as I knew it would be a hard run. I had 8 miles planned with 5 x 1 mile reps and 400m recoveries and opted for a nice run route 'out and back' along the river near my house. This route was a great plan in terms of being uninterrupted, but not a great plan with a headwind on the ‘back’ section which hit me when I was already tiring! This run felt very hard; I did not really hit the paces I wanted for the interval reps, and at times had to stop completely to catch my breath on the recoveries.

THURSDAY: my legs were back to being noticeably very sore again today and I was therefore somewhat pleased my plan's tempo run was 'only' 7 miles with the middle 5 miles at marathon pace. I knew I would not get any speed from my legs today, so tried to use the run to focus on feeling what my marathon pace should be like. I aimed for tempo splits between 8.15-8.20 min/mile, which I managed. However, the soreness in my legs meant this pace range felt nowhere near as comfortable as I hoped it would be. Body Pump in the evening. 

FRIDAY: Rest Day

SATURDAY: I approached Lincoln parkrun with no expectations today; after a week of fairly mediocre and at times hard running, I was not confident of suddenly knocking out a super speedy 5k. I chatted to friends pre-run and barely thought much about the actual running part of the morning, it was only really when the 'go' signal was given I suddenly focused a little. I thought I could sense that I was running much better than I anticipated, but I refrained from looking at my watch, as I did not want this to affect me mentally if I was wrong! As I finished, I was however actually very happy at what my watch read - 20:56. (I was later relegated to 21:01 by the official results – so the sub 21 slips away again for another week!) I chatted to more fiends at the finish (I struggle to get away from parkrun these days - in a very good way though!) and met my colleague who spontaneously gave me a post run hug. Not even a couple of hours and my love of running was back. 

SUNDAY: for my final long, long run of this training cycle I opted for a change of scenery and had entered Ashby 20. I had heard much about this 20 mile race but had never taken part, so I was interested to see what all the fuss was about. Full blog to follow, but I absolutely loved it; I loved the course even with its relentless hills, I loved the wonderfully supportive marshals who were simply fantastic across the entire route, I loved the weather which was virtually perfect, I loved the purple finisher hoody (see image), but most of all I loved how strong I felt from beginning to end. I finished in 2:43:22 with an average pace of 8.10 min/mile – confidence levels fully restored.  ​

Otherwise known as the week it was permanently windy. It has not been ideal conditions for the highest mileage week of my training programme to say the least. Lets just hope the weather has provided some additional training gains - that's about all I can say!

MONDAY: Rest Day and a day in London with work enjoying a rare time being in the Capital and not actually running!

TUESDAY: it was very gusty today when I woke, and naively thinking the wind would not persist all week, I switched to one of the easier runs on my plan - a comfortable 10 miler. The wind did indeed make it feel a bit more like hard work at times. I also had slight soreness on the inside of my ankle; it had felt tight after my long run on Sunday but I assumed this was fatigue. It did not affect my running too much, but just felt like each time I planted my foot the impact was like knocking against a bruise. 

WEDNESDAY: lying in bed I could hear the wind howling outside; it was even winder than yesterday. I postponed intervals again - surely tomorrow would be better? - and headed out for 8 miles alternating 1 mile easy, 1 mile hard. The hard miles were tough, especially if they fell facing a headwind, and even more so when this was mixed with any form of gradient. Good training I just kept telling myself!

THURSDAY: more wind, and no escaping the interval run now. I had 8 miles with 15 x 400m reps and 200m recoveries, and at times I have to say it really was not fun. Some reps were almost draining, trying to run at speed into a swirling wind. I just had to tell myself to stick at it, not focus on pace but just try and keep my effort levels high. My reps were quite varied, ranging from 7.20 min/mile to 8 min/mile, literally depending on the conditions I faced. Body Pump class in evening and I also saw my Sports Therapist today and had some cupping treatment on my ankle. 

Last week training was tough; I felt a little bit like I was heading towards burnout. The fact I was able to identify and reflect on this is the most important thing though, and this week I have acted. These last 7 days have been focused on looking after myself; life has still been busy with my pattern of early morning running and long days at work still continuing, but I have put things in place to cope with this demand. I feel much better in myself, so I guess it has worked!

MONDAY: after Sunday's Cambridge Half Marathon I was sore today and decided that 'just' doing my Strength and Conditioning for Runners class was enough for this evening, and cancelled my booked Body Pump session - starting the week as I meant to go on in terms of being kinder to myself.

TUESDAY: my quads were still a little tight and sore from Sunday's race, so I was happy to keep my pace under control for today's easy 6 miles. It felt like a nice and needed 'shake out' of the limbs. 

WEDNESDAY: two days of gentle exercise demands had paid dividends and today my legs felt much better, which I was pleased about as I met my friend for our now seemingly regular Wednesday morning run. We ran a 7 mile loop and at the start I did fear I was going to struggle to keep up with my friend (I am learning he can be seriously speedy!), but I settled into a stride. We ran at a good pace, all splits sub 8 min/mile except for one with a big hill right at the end of the run, averaging 7.47 min/mile overall. 

THURSDAY: I had a 6 mile progression run on my plan - never my favourite. As is nearly always the case when I attempt a progression run, I made an uneasy almost nervy start, trying hard to keep my pace steady and avoid having to sprint the final few miles. I managed it though, and as the faster end miles hit I felt really strong, logging perfect splits of 8.44, 8.25, 7.56, 7.42, 7.29 and 7.24 min/mile respectively. Body Pump class in the evening. 

​If I am honest, I was not truly feeling Cambridge Half Marathon in the days leading up to race day. It had been a tough week for all manner of reasons, more of which here, and I was simply very tired. The runner in me wanted a race day and the enjoyment, challenge and test it brings; but the other, perhaps you could say, more human side of me just wanted a rest. I had planned to run Cambridge Half Marathon in further support of my Brighton Marathon training, and because it also offers an opportunity to visit my parents, who live not too far away in Suffolk. Despite my reservations, it turned out that Cambridge Half Marathon was actually exactly what I needed…
 
Sometimes I wonder what my parents think of their running obsessed daughter – do they get what running means to me? I think they do; and I hope they know how special it is for me when I know they are coming to support me run. Waking up Sunday morning I did however feel a little guilty that I was dragging them out the house so early, in miserable March weather, to glimpse me a few times run through some streets…! It was not a pleasant day; cool and grey with a persistent rain in the air and the threat of gale force winds approaching. I was not sure what I was expecting from my performance; I didn’t want to put too much pressure on myself, but I also wanted to try and remain close to my time from a couple of weeks ago – a 1:35:23 at Leicestershire Half Marathon. My time at Leicestershire was in fact a new PB, but I think I knew deep down before I even ran that I was not going to be challenging that today. That was ok though; this was part of my training after all.
 
Cambridge Half Marathon is a well organised event and we arrived in good time on the efficient park and ride system. My parents were a little horrified by the lengthy portaloo queues (a sight us runners are quite used to!) but the lines moved quickly, and before I knew it, I was waving my umbrella clad supporters goodbye and heading to the start wrapped in a very unflattering plastic poncho. It was here it hit me just how many runners were taking part in the event, as masses joined the start line. I had ran the event last year, but after the infamous ‘Beast from the East’ I think some had stayed away (I later looked and saw that there in fact an extra 1300 runners this year). One in the start pens, one of my favourite athletes Jo Pavey gave us the starting signal, and I began to run.
 
I say I began to run, but in fact I began to weave, dart, jog, walk and even stop during the first 2 miles. The start was incredibly narrow on single side Cambridge roads and it was a little bit ridiculous at times; on a couple of turns we actually came to a complete standstill. This did not help me settle into the race, my pace was all over, and I felt like I was probably annoying other runners trying to get past when I needed to. After two miles the course thinned slightly, which I was extra pleased about as it meant I could focus on spotting my parents, who I waved madly at like an excited child.
 
After 3 miles the course left the city centre of Cambridge and headed out toward a village called Granchester. The roads widened here and I felt I could finally get some running rhythm. Although I found my stride, I could feel my legs were not as sharp as a couple of weeks ago when I last raced 13.1 miles. I did not let this bother me, and instead focused on running as well as I could and not obsess over pace differences. I liked the rural sections of this part of the course, which loops out before returning back to Cambridge city centre at about 9 miles, and it featured a nice mix of gradient and lots of pockets of supporters. Arriving back into Cambridge though I could feel the energy from my legs starting to fade.
 
Up until mile 10 my splits had all been reasonably consistent and below 7.30 min/mile pace, even with the slow start. I think the start rather than slowing my average pace had actually just made me run less efficiently, running in bursts rather than steadily conserving energy. As mile 10 ticked over on my watch I knew I was going to have to fight for the finish. Thankfully the course weaves back through the city centre at this point and the crowds lifted me, as did the knowledge my parents would be on the roadside around mile 11. My quads felt like heavy masses at this point with absolutely no power, and my pace felt like it had slowed much more than it had – just keep moving. I spotted my mum and dad and they brought a smile to my probably pained face. I gestured it was hard, but it was also equally hard not to be spurred on by their own smiles beaming back at me and the pride in their eyes.

The final two miles was tough work, especially running over a relatively gentle bridge which at this point in time felt like Mount Everest to my limbs! As my watch hit 12 miles though I found that little bit of something, picking off runners until I turned into the finishing stretch. This part of the course reminds me of The Mall in the London Marathon. It’s a long road with supporters lining both sides, and like in London, the finish archway just never seems to appear on the horizon when you want it! I pushed hard down this section, somehow finding something more in my legs. I was relieved to make it to the line – although my body hurt a lot even when I stopped running!
 
I stumbled to the side barrier and waited for my parents who had made a swift move from Mile 11 to watch my finish. What they must have thought now of their daughter I do not know – I was an exhausted and slightly delirious mess! Their faces looked more like concern now, but I was actually alright – just very tired! My mum asked if I was happy and I instantly said yes; my finish time was 1:37:49, and I was very pleased to run another sub 1.40 half marathon, especially when I had not felt my best all week. It was a very pleasing result in fact.  
 
I slowly walked through the finish area to collect my medal and a jam packed goody bag, as well as carefully carrying a pint of the alcohol free beer that races seem to like to give out (I hate it!), which I thought I would reward my dad with! I met my soggy supporters again and posed for a few photos with my latest piece of running bling. After a tough week and a tough run the best part was that I now had people to look after me post-race. Arriving back at my parents house and after a warm shower, I relaxed with my feet up watching football on TV with my dad and then athletics, all whilst being fed some of my mums delicious homemade cooking and baking. I even got to lie in on Monday morning until the crazy time of 7.30am! I needed this weekend, I needed to share what I love with the people I love, and it sounds almost ridiculous, but I think I needed just to feel loved too. ​

This week has been tough – I will not beat around the bush. Tired - I think that is the only word I can use to describe how I have been feeling; physically, mentally and at times emotionally. I had guessed this week might be challenging, with high running demands combined with a very busy few days at work, but it hit me harder than I expected. 5.30am alarms for running with some days not getting home from work until past 10pm – I love both my job and running - but it’s not a good combination. I have survived though, but I know I really need to look after myself this week ahead to avoid burnout and undoing all the good I have achieved so far.

MONDAY: following 20 miles on Sunday I was weary today. I had a double combination of Strength and Conditioning for Runners and Body Pump planned for the evening and really was not sure I had the energy for it. In the end I completed both, and felt better for it. Later that evening I then had quite an emotive personal situation, which affected me a little, and with lots of thoughts and reflections running through my head (and indeed for most of the subsequent week) I really did not sleep well.

TUESDAY: my word for how I was feeling today is drained – and it was only Tuesday. A tired body and emotional mind made me chose to switch to a slightly easier run on my plan – 5 tempo miles, with the middle 3 miles at marathon pace. What my marathon pace actually is, I am not sure, but I seemed to run around 7.45-7.50 min/mile. A shorter run was much better for me, although the tempo miles felt a little tougher than perhaps they should have been.
​
WEDNESDAY: after getting home post 10pm Tuesday night, I was pleased I was meeting my friend from Strength and Conditioning for another run this morning, as it simply made me get up. The 5.30am alarm would not have been welcomed otherwise. I still felt fatigued, but chatting to my friend helped take my mind off it, and running at his pace meant we logged strong splits across 7 miles of 7.39, 7.25, 7.38, 7.35, 8.32 (a big hill!) 7.31 and 7.30 min/mile.

THURSDAY: is it boring if today I said I felt tired? The only run left I had on my plan was the 9 mile interval run I had postponed from Tuesday – safe to say the prospect of which did not fill me with absolute joy! The run went better than I feared, 9 miles passed quickly with 8 x 800m reps thrown into the mileage. It essentially paved out as a 7 mile interval run with a 2 mile cool down at the end. I felt spent during the cool down, but was pleased to see my pace remained steady, just over 8 min/mile. My interval reps were mainly sub 7.20 min/mile with a couple slowing as I tired. I then worked until 10pm at night again…

FRIDAY: with a race on Sunday and a planned Rest Day for Saturday, today should have been 3 easy miles. I did not run 3 miles; with another long day at work ahead, I knew there would be absolutely no benefit to my fitness or wellbeing. I rested. 

SATURDAY: Rest Day and a lovely morning volunteering at my home Lincoln parkrun before heading back to Suffolk ahead of Sunday’s Cambridge Half Marathon. At this point I was probably looking forward to seeing my parents more than I was running a half marathon. Monday’s personal events were playing on my mind, and to put it frankly, I needed a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on.

SUNDAY: after a couple of days rest I felt fresher going into today’s race. The weather was a bit bleak with rain steadily falling, and I felt a bit guilty for my parents who were coming to watch! I loved having them there though, and it spurred me on (see images), especially towards the end. Run wise, as soon as I started I knew my legs were not as sharp as my PB at Leicestershire Half Marathon two weeks ago. I had also forgotten what a big race is like - 10,000 runners on narrow Cambridge roads meant the start was ridiculously slow. Full blog to follow – but I ran well for the first ten miles; sub 7.30 min/mile pace and consistent, if slightly slower than a few weeks ago. The final 3 miles were tough though – my legs just drained and I had to dig deep for the finish. My finish time was 1:37:49, and I was really happy to log another sub 1.40 half. I was knackered though – and as my parents found me at the finish arch, I was an exhausted mess! My mantra from Cambridge Half is - share what you love with the people you love, that is what matters most.  ​