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The London Marathon 2015

4/27/2015

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After 16 weeks of dedicated training London Marathon day arrived. Time suddenly felt like it had gone so quickly, it seemed like only a few days ago I was searching for a hotel, planning my tube routes to the start line and generally prepping for race day, and yet now it was actually about to happen.

My Saturday night pre-race preparation was not the best – my hotel was next to a very busy A-road which meant I found it difficult to get to sleep until the early hours of the morning. That and the fact my phone kept buzzing with people wishing my luck! I had made sure I had got a lot of sleep in throughout the week though so didn’t let this affect me too much, plus the general pre-race adrenaline meant I felt fresh when my alarm did eventually wake me up at 6am. I stayed in Barking so had roughly an hours journey to the start line at Greenwich Park. I caught the tube at 7am, predicting it to be extremely busy and that the journey may take me longer, if not double the time. I was wrong, and a smooth journey saw me arrive at Greenwich Park at 8am – 2 hours until the start! This did give me time to try relax a little, eat my pre-race breakfast, and importantly get a few toilet visits in! The weather at this point was damp and cool – I was grateful to have packed an old jumper and also a poncho to keep me dry and warm – some runners were stood in vest tops for hours and were visibly shivering. I did get a little cold as start time neared, that and a mix of nerves which started to make my body begin to tremble.

Once we were able to join our start pens I began to relax a little with the pure excitement of what I was about to start – the London Marathon – taking over any fear. The anticipation from those around me was clear; we stood quite quietly, everyone going through their own pre-race thought processes, with just the bleeps of the numerous Garmin watches filling the void. As the race began this soon changed – people cheered, jumpers and ponchos were pulled off and thrown purposely to the side - it was time to run. I crossed the start line with a huge smile on my face, my first ever marathon had begun!

The first few kilometres were all about settling into the race. Taking in the sites of other runners, finding out how busy it would be, and beginning to enjoy some of the spectator sites on route. I loved the unofficial parties which were happening from people’s front gardens; DJ’s blaring music from flat balconies; people with buckets of oranges, bags of sweets and sliced banana on trays; deckchairs lining the streets with families and children longing for a high five. The weather was grey but there was no rain and it as just the right temperature – I was warm but not too hot. My watch was telling me I was running slightly ahead of my marathon pace of 5.40 kilometres, but I felt good so did not let it bother me. My first 5km I averaged a pace of 5.37, and the second 5.39. After the 10k point I found a runner to follow who seemed to be running the same pace as me – Katy from Hasting Harriers. I followed her right up until just before Tower Bridge where I knew my first set of supporters were.

My friend had text me to say stick to the left if I wanted the ‘photo of my life' – so leaving Katy I duly did. Running along Tower Bridge was amazing in itself – and I was already smiling as I scanned the supporters looking for my friend’s face. It was not her who I spotted first though, but my other friend who I spied leaning over the barriers and who I had no idea was coming down to support me! Seeing the pair of them and hearing them (literally) scream my name made me feel so overwhelmed and touched – the pictures they took show how just how happy I was. Part of me wanted to stop and go to them, but I knew I needed to keep going. That moment I passed them was so brief - I wish it could have lasted longer – but the feeling it gave me did last for the next few miles. I ran with a huge smile on my face, especially as soon after Tower Bridge came the half way point which I crossed in 2hrs 54 seconds.

Time had seemed to have gone really quickly, I did not feel like I had been running for two hours at all. My body felt good, although my left IT band had been slightly sore since the first km, but the race atmosphere and adrenaline had masked this. Shortly after crossing half way, I came to a point on the route as you head towards the Isle of Dogs where you see the other runners looping back. It was at this point Paula Radcliffe passed me – albeit on the other side of the road – but she still passed me! I remember pointing to her and shouting ‘its Paula!’ like some obsessive fan, but it felt so surreal to be running for a brief moment (kind of) next to the world record holder.

The Isle of Dogs was a tougher part of the race, quieter in supporters and when the second half slog begins to hit you. My 5km splits had slowed by now, roughly 5.46-5.48, but this still was not far of my target time so I was happy. Around this part of the route my left IT band started to get a lot tighter, although it was probably more the fact mentally I was not able to block it out as well. At the 17 mile point my charity vInspired had some supporters out, which lifted me briefly. At 18 miles my knee was very sore though and I had a tough few minutes afterwards were I really had to grimace through the pain. Thankfully my second set of supporters were soon to be spotted – lifting my spirits. My family had told me they were going to be around the Isle of Dogs, so having long since passed this section I thought I had missed them. But no, I spotted and heard them as I turned a corner. Again it was a brief encounter, one which almost doesn’t feel like enough to reward your supporters for standing there for so long, but it certainly helped me.

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I hit 34km – the longest training run I had ever completed and entered into the unknown.  My legs felt tired now, heavy almost and my pace continued to slow, although only slightly, to around 5.51-5.54 5km splits. It was these sections the crowd really helped me. Some other runners were beginning  to really struggle and as I passed them people were shouting ‘looking good Alice’ ‘looking strong Alice’ This gave me confidence and I really dug deep to stay to my pace and not slow any more. The last kilometres did feel really long, with 5km left to go in my head I thought it would feel relatively easy from there – but no. These were the longest 5km of my life! I could even see runners ahead of me in the distance along the embankment and didn’t want to believe I still had to get to where they were! But I kept going and kept to my aim of not allowing myself to slow down.

Turning into the Mall was surreal. I had watched this so many times on TV and dreamed about running down there myself. My friends from Tower Bridge had got to the finish to see me, but I was totally zoned out at this point and didn’t register them, focussed solely on getting to the end.  The clock was nearing 4 hours 10 and I thought to myself I must get under those ten minutes, pushing into my lead like legs I made in 4hrs 9minutes and 31 seconds. I crossed the line arms spread pumping the air, even happier than when I started some hours ago.

I stopped running and my legs instantly felt horrible. So sore already and my IT band close to excruciating – they actually hurt less when I was running than to walk. I shuffled/staggered to collect my medal, which the marshal had to put over my head as I physically could not bend to collect it! I shuffled further down to collect my bag, my legs very slowly starting to feel a little more normal then waited to meet my supporters. In this time it is hard to take it all the feelings you have - I think the physical and mental exhaustion is almost too much for your brain to compute. I was proud of myself, proud to have been my charity’s first ever London marathon runner and also a little overwhelmed at having such wonderful friends and family who came out to support, especially when I didn’t even expect to see one of them! The journey back to Lincoln allowed me to reflect a little more, whilst trying to stop my left foot from cramping (seriously what is wrong with my left leg!!) and it was also great hearing the stories of what my friends had seen whilst supporting and their experience of the day.


Today my quads are very sore and my left knee unsurprisingly no better! But as one banner pointed out on route ‘pain is nothing, 26.2 is forever’. I am now a marathon runner, and have achieved my lifetime goal of running London at 23 years old. I have shown to myself what I am capable of both physically and mentally, not just on marathon day, but in the sixteen weeks prior as well. I have also been able to support a wonderful charity and hopefully raised awareness of them further as well.

So my first marathon is over – however I can safely say it will not be my last!
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My Training Review: Training Week 16

4/27/2015

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MONDAY: A steady 6.5k run to start marathon week. The weather was warm so it was more challenging than it should have been, but still felt very short! Body Pump afterwards.

TUESDAY: Body Attack class - I used this as my last intense/power workout before the marathon.

WEDNESDAY: A 5k run again completed in warm conditions. I felt comfortable though and ran it faster than I probably should have done. It was also scary knowing ths was to be my last run before the actual marathon! Body Pump class after.

THURSDAY and FRIDAY: Rest Days - for once, and as quite a shock to myself, I didn't find it too challenging to rest for two consecutive days! I had a lot of things on during both days work and volunteering wise which helped. However I think it was mainly the sense of guilt I would have felt if I had actually DID exercise which held me back - a compete reversal of the guilt I would normally feel if I did not do anything!
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SATURDAY: Saturday was spent travelling to London, going to the Expo to collect my race number (see picture), checking into my hotel and generally preparing for Sunday! This whole process started to make the marathon feel very real and the excitement/nerves started to fully hit.

SUNDAY: London Marathon Day! Full blog to follow - but in short an unforgettable experience, so many emotions its almost hard to take it all in and actually reflect upon it. Extremely happy with my time of 4hrs 9 minutes and certainly the start of more marathons to follow!
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10 Things Marathon Training Has Taught Me...

4/21/2015

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I am not sure yet whether I will enjoy running a marathon... I will soon be finding out though! But  what I am sure is that I have enjoyed marathon training.

I have seen a few quotes online and on various social media streams which states 'marathon training will take over you life' or 'marathon training will change you life' and whilst I agree it has, I don't agree this is a bad thing. Over the past sixteen weeks when I have been in full marathon training mode I have learnt a number of things which have really enhanced my marathon training experience and in their own unique way have added to my enjoyment levels of it all:

1) You can never have enough running gear
Seven pairs of running shorts and seven tank tops is perfectly acceptable when you are running so much (well in my mind anyway!) Plus I definitely did need that new running jumper, and that headband, oh and those gloves... A sale in Intersport will never be as exciting unless you are marathon training.  

2) It's ok to run slow
Marathon training has definitely taught me you do not need to record a PB on every single training run, let alone every single race. Running longer and slower has allowed me to explore more of my hometown, take in the scenes and enjoy my surroundings - which is a lot harder to do if you are fixated by your Garmin! 

3) There is more to eat in life than just beige food
Before marathon training my diet was literally beige, both in colour and taste. My food was plain and basic. However through absorbing all the nutrition advice Runner's World can possibly offer I have since been adding actual flavours to my foods!  I am proud to say there are now a number of herbs, spices and seeds sitting happily in my food cupboard. 

4) Training is better with friends
My friends have helped make my marathon training experience so much more enjoyable and also bearable. People who will listen to me recount both the achievements and struggles of my weeks of running, sympathise with the aches and pains in my legs, and offer that needed encouragement at just the right time. A text on a Sunday morning asking how your long run went as you lay collapsed on the sofa somehow instantly makes your body feel a little bit better!

5) You develop a love/hate relationship with your Garmin watch
An item so essential when training for a marathon but also so frustrating. Those seemingly endless minutes stood in the cold waiting for it to 'find location' at the start of a run. Then at the end of a run wishing those last few metres would count down quicker as you run up and down the same piece of your street.  Then there are those extremely annoying times when you go to run and  realise the thing you depend on so greatly isn't even charged...

6) There is no such thing as bad running weather
Gale force winds, sleet, ice, heavy rain... all conditions I would have never even dreamed of choosing to run outside in before marathon training. But I have happily embraced them and the individual challenges they chose to throw at you.  

7) The treadmill is actually the dreadmill
Before marathon training I spent the majority of my time running on a treadmill. Now I can just about bring myself to do 5k on there. Staring at the same view, or watching some mindless TV gameshow literally does not even come close to the enjoyment I now get from running outside. Beforehand a lot of the reason I resorted to the treadmill was confidence, I didn't like people seeing me out running, but marathon training has made me feel proud to be out on the streets!

8) Sports massage is a pain worth bearing
Before marathon training the idea of having someone manipulate my body and squeeze my muscles to the point of extreme pain was definitely not something I wanted to do. But I plucked up the courage to invest in sessions during my training - which was a decision made probably more to do with the fact my calves were so painful more than my mind telling me it was a good idea! But I am so pleased I took the step and am now converted.

9) Skinny jeans are a struggle
The largest change I have seen in my body from marathon training is in my calves. They have definitely got bigger. Either that or the legs of my skinny jeans have all shrunk in the wash! Pulling jeans on over my calves literally requires me to sit down and is certainly not a graceful act!

10) Sweaty selfies 
You don't have to look good in every single photo you take of yourself! I feel proud looking back at my - often very unflattering - sweaty post run selfies, as they all document the effort I have put in during marathon training to help me make it to race day.
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My Training Review: Training Week 15

4/19/2015

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MONDAY: the start of the big taper week. Although it has felt very strange not running as much or as far as I have been in past weeks, the fact I have been consciously taking it easy on my shin has meant that the difference has not felt quite as noticeable (although still quite scary at times!) After the Brighton 10k on Sunday I rested my shin today and crossed trained for an hour to replicate the 8k run I was scheduled to complete, followed by Body Pump. In Pump I avoided doing the lunge track, as this action tends to put a lot of pressure on my shin, and did squats all the way through instead.

TUESDAY: Body Attack class, my shin was comfortable throughout and although lunges were involved, I took them very easily!

WEDNESDAY: again I opted to cross train for an hour before Body Pump, as opposed to running the 8k planned, as I was really aware I did not want to put unnecessary strain on my shin. This was mentally tough as the weather was beautiful outside and I wanted nothing more than to run! I was proud I stuck to my plan though, keeping to my aim of making sensible choices in the days leading up to the marathon.

THURSDAY: today I tentatively ran outside - I felt so nervous and it was only 8k! I just didn't want to be in pain! Luckily my shin felt a lot better - rewind to last Thursday when I was in such pain and sat depressed on the sofa! I am not complacent at all though, it still did not feel perfect but I was happy. The 8k distance felt very short, and I would have liked to have ran further, but I reined in my ambition and finished at the gym to do some stretching and foam roller work.
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FRIDAY: Rest Day

SATURDAY: a steady 5k run on the treadmill with an incline. I also gave my legs a little 20 min spin on the bike with very little resistance just to keep them ticking over (and also to watch the end of the FA Cup football on the TV screen!) Core, stretching and foam roller work afterwards.

SUNDAY: the last long run (see above image) - although 20k felt really short in comparison to previous weeks! I tried to keep to my marathon pace throughout and averaged at 5.42 kilometre splits, which is not too far away from my target of 5.40 km. At first I had that wave of panic hit me 'how on earth am I going to run this marathon!', then I settled into the run and felt good. My troublesome left shin caused me no problems, although I did not dare run without the strapping on. My left IT band however felt a little tight, but not painful - come on left leg we can do this - 1 week to go!!
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Brighton 10k

4/13/2015

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Doing the Brighton 10k two weeks before the London Marathon was not really ever part of the training plan – however when I describe the circumstances through which I got my place you will see why I felt I could not miss out!

Earlier on this year I entered a competition on Instagram which required you to post a running related picture with a certain hashtag. The winner would receive two places to the Brighton Marathon or the Brighton 10k, free travel, free accommodation and two full sets of running gear and shoes from Saucony… so quite a haul! I entered, posting a picture of me and my friend doing the Color Run in Brighton last year, and as you have probably guessed, I won!

So this weekend saw me travel down to Brighton with my friend ready to tackle the 10k. We opted for this distance as I did not fancy trying two marathons in the space of three weeks, plus really wanted London to be my first marathon; and it was unrealistic for my friend to train for a marathon from the time we found out we had the places.

We arrived in Brighton on Saturday afternoon, collected our race packs from the marathon exhibition, checked into our lovely seafront hotel and sampled the pool and spa area. We then found an Italian restaurant which surprisingly did not have too long a wait for a table despite the hundreds of marathon runners seeking a pre-race pasta tea. The 10k race started at 8.30am on Sunday morning, and after four hours of travelling, we headed for an early night.

Sunday morning came and after neither of us slept that well, it definitely felt early. We left the hotel at 7.15am and despite the early morning sea air feeling especially fresh it was clear it was going to be a beautiful day.  The 10k started away from the sea front, with the route winding its way down through the town and eventually finishing along by the beach. Standing at the start line I didn’t feel especially nervous. With the shin troubles I had been having all week I was just pleased to be able to run and had not really given my time much thought. I told myself not to push it, overdoing it this close to London would simply be unforgivable, and was really just hoping to be sub 50 minutes again - nothing spectacular but something I could mentally cope with!

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The start of the race was crowded, there was no time based start areas, so I had to weave my way to get some clear running space. Once I achieved this the rest of the route and the run in general was wonderful. This was the first time I had ever completed a race outside of Lincoln (which wasn’t a ‘fun run’) and I enjoyed being surprised by the course. My legs felt a lot stronger than the Lincoln 10k and I maintained a good steady pace up until the 8km point, at which I got a little excited and thought I may just be able to record a 48 minute time. The last 2km though, when that power push was required, was when my legs failed me, reminding me that they are actually quite tired after nearly 16 weeks of longer marathon training runs. I crossed the line in 49.31 – twenty seconds faster than the Lincoln 10k, which meant in relative marathon training terms I was pleased!

The Brighton Marathon started shortly after the 10k, so after the race we headed back to our hotel, grabbed ourselves a window seat at breakfast (the bonus of the 10k starting so early meant it was only about 10am at this point!) and were able to watch the marathon runners go past the mid-way point. It was also scary that during the time we sat there we saw the elite men and women run past mile thirteen and then also go past again as they looped back towards the finish line – their pace almost unbelievable.  

After checking out the hotel we headed back to the beach race village. By now it was a truly wonderful day and we planted ourselves on the beach, under the blue skies and sunshine, and in front of the giant screen that had been erected to watch the marathon coverage. We sat there for the next few hours, totally engrossed in the race. Watching the finishers filled me with so many emotions when thinking about my own marathon, excitement, fear, pride, nerves… all which reminded me exactly why I cannot wait to have the chance to complete one.

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My Training Review: Training Week 14

4/13/2015

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MONDAY:  this week has been an absolute rollercoaster of emotions (although I hate using such a cliché phrase) and definitely the most testing of all my marathon training weeks so far. I started off the week with an 8km run. My IT band on my left leg was tight and my left shin was also painful. It was not enjoyable and I was glad it was only 8k! I went to Body Pump afterwards, but the level of pain in my leg had scared me a little.

TUESDAY: a foam roller session and ice seemed to have sorted out my tight IT Band but my shin had been causing me bother all day just from walking. Needless to say I approached my Body Attack class in the evening with some caution. My shin felt ok though throughout and this gave me some hope the pain was nothing major.

WEDNESDAY: a 9.5km run before Body Pump. I ran this reasonably fast, just below marathon pace, as I had limited time available before my class. My shin felt slightly uncomfortable but no where near the pain I had been experiencing at the start of the week. Again, this gave me a level of optimism.  

THURSDAY: today my optimism came crashing down. I ran 11.5km but hated it. The weather was very warm and caught me out, so that made it tough to begin with. My shin also hurt me a lot, which made me feel extremely down and extremely scared. As I sat that evening on the sofa with frozen vegetables covering my legs (see image top right which epitomises my depression) I honestly felt like all my weeks of marathon training had been wasted. I was angry with myself thinking I must have done something wrong in my training, and scared at the prospect of not being able to run. It was only the support and wise words of my friends that picked me up from my state of despair. They made me realise that I had done all the hard work during training so far, and that I AM prepared for the marathon. I now just need to make sure I get to the start line, maintain my fitness during the taper, and most importantly listen to my body!

FRIDAY: today I was supposed to complete my long run due to weekend commitments (see Sunday). However paying attention to my body and making sensible choices, I decided to cross train instead. My long run would have taken me about 2 hours, so I opted for two hours on the cross trainer…! The first hour went past reasonably quick, the second was more of a chore, but my shin was rested and I got 2 hours on my legs in the bank (see image middle right which I felt the need to take just for proof!).

SATURDAY: Rest Day. I managed to speak to my sports therapist and get her to quickly look at my shin. Her diagnosis was that there had been some form of trauma in the area, a twist or something similar, and recommend continuing with ice, ibroprofen, and also trying to tape the site (see image). I also asked the question every runner hates ‘can I still run?’. The answer… yes… but I need to be very careful and rest/cross train when possible.
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SUNDAY: the news I received on Saturday meant I actually could enjoy my running today, which was the Brighton 10k. I lost focus on this event all week with my shin issues, I had won my place at the race via a competition, so was in the mind set I may not even run it. But I did, and loved it! I will write a full blog on this later in the week, but the day was just what I needed after my experiences this week and reminded me why I love running so much!
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Bank Holiday Blues

4/6/2015

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I can honestly say this Bank Holiday/Easter weekend has been the toughest of all the weekends during my marathon training programme. Who planned the marathon to be so close to this! All I have wanted to do is eat lots of chocolate and drinks lots of alcohol...!

I am not a big drinker, I enjoy a sociable drink with friends every now and again, and before marathon training probably had a classic 'binge drinking' night out maybe once every couple of months, or if it was a birthday or similar occasion. Likewise with food, I eat healthily the majority of the time anyway, enjoying the odd sweet treat (usually chocolate, often Malteasers or Dairy Milk Daim!) now and again. But all this aside, I found this weekend a massive struggle.

Since January I have probably had about three glasses of wine (all at social meals) and three ciders (post Lincoln 10k), and I have been relatively luckily that no occasions, parties or events have occurred which I have been invited to and then had to awkwardly fit running around or attend feeling wracked with guilt. I am also luckily to have a very understanding and supportive friend around me who has not peer pressured me into a spontaneous Saturday night trip into town!

But a four day Bank Holiday weekend has proved slightly different. My social media streams have been filled with people either drinking with friends or getting glammed up for a big night out, as well as posting copious amounts of Easter theme chocolate treats! Although at 23 I would still be classed by many as 'young', I am a bit old before my time - within my house I have the nickname of 'Nan' which gives you some idea of my role! But I suddenly felt the desire to act my age and just hit the town - which for someone who has been so committed to marathon training for the past months was a bit of a shock.

However my commitment did not wain and I managed to find a (sort of) happy medium to get through the weekend. Friday I spent the evening with friends, sipping pineapple juice whilst they enjoyed wine, but did allow myself to have a chippy tea and some sweet treats so not to be totally removed from any form of fun!
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Saturday night my friend's sister came to visit and we took her for drinks in town, so at least I had an opportunity to get a bit dressed up and not be photographed in running gear for once this year (see photos). Again I stuck to pineapple juice - I am actually surprised I have not turned into a pineapple the amount I consumed! Sunday was the night where everyone seemed to be doing something - the excitement of having no work on a Monday proving too much to handle. After my long run in the morning I was quite bored by the late afternoon/evening (too much time off work already!), as was my friend. Any other year we would have probably joined the masses and donned our heels and dresses ready for a night out, but I restrained. Instead I opted for a night of watching Casualty on the BBC iPlayer (I was not joking when I said I was old before my time...!)

So my Bank Holiday has not been what it could have been, but I am proud my commitment to the marathon has held strong. With three weeks to go I would have probably been extremely annoyed with myself today if I had let it slip! I am now just looking forward to the big celebration I am going to have post marathon - when I will definitely have something to celebrate!
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My Training Review: Training Week 13

4/5/2015

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MONDAY: had slight IT Band pain following my long run yesterday so was glad it was only a 9.5km run to start the week. I even debated dropping my weights a little on the squat and lunge track in my Body Pump class... but didn't!

TUESDAY: Body Attack class, which I loved doing again. Had no IT Band pain which was pleasing!

WEDNESDAY: 12km before Body Pump. Despite my joy yesterday at my IT Band pain disappearing, today my run featured a sharp, pin point pain in my left calf combined with pain in my left shin - delightful! I managed to maintain marathon pace throughout the run though, despite the extremely strong winds.

THURSDAY: my left leg did not feel good today, so decided to switch my planned run to Friday. Instead I opted for the gym where I focussed on doing some of the rehabilitation exercises my sports therapist recommended for my legs, as well as some core and foam roller work.

FRIDAY: Bank Holiday meant I went out in the morning for a 9.5km run. My left calf felt fine, and my shin was uncomfortable but not painful. On stopping my shin was sore though and this worried me. I spent the evening with frozen vegetables on my shin as well as applying lots of Deep Freeze - kill or cure! I was not in a good mood that evening either as I was starting to get annoyed with myself as to why this slight niggle has happened now with the marathon so close.  So apologies are due to anyone who was near me that evening!
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SATURDAY: in an attempt to protect my shin I ran my 5km on the treadmill with a good incline. I didn't enjoy the run at all, probably because it was on the treadmill, but also as I was nervous about my shin feeling worse. Luckily it didn't, it just felt uncomfortable again. I completed my session with some core work and my rehab exercises again.

SUNDAY: an Easter Sunday 20 miles. This felt long today, although I did enjoy the spring weather (see above image).  Shin was uncomfortable again at times but not painful. I wanted more than any other week to make the run beneficial though as Saturday night I had gone with my friend and her sister for 'a few drinks' in Lincoln. However I stuck to pineapple juice all evening knowing I had 20 miles to complete today, when all I wanted to do was enjoy an alcoholic beverage or two! Again, thanks are due to my friends that evening for understanding my abstinence - its for a worthy cause!
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The Final Countdown...

4/2/2015

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April is upon us which means its London Marathon month! As I write this there are just 24 days to go until race day...

I  literally cannot believe how quickly time has gone. I can remember sitting writing my training plan into my specially purchased running diary (yes I am that sad!) and thinking the marathon seemed such a long time away. But almost 16 weeks and nearly a quarter of the year has flown by and the final countdown has begun.

My feelings at this landmark are mainly a sense of pride. I am feeling extremely proud of myself for how well I have adapted to marathon training and my commitment to it. To be honest I always knew I would be committed to the running/exercise element of the programme, ask anyone who knows me and they will soon tell you I am a self confessed 'fitness freak' who rarely misses a run, gym session or exercise class. This has been proven through the fact I have not missed a single planned run to date. But the way I have dedicated my time to the training and the things I have given up to ensure I could fit in my runs or to make sure they were most beneficial cannot be ignored. Although I was very fit and a keen runner before starting marathon training the furthest I had ever ran was probably around 14/15km, and I had never trained for anything more than a 10k race. To think my Sunday long run used to be a 10k and now I am out enjoying pounding the streets for hours actually amazes me!

I am also proud of how I have been looking after my body a lot better during training. Yes I have sacrificed a suggested rest day on my training programme in order to keep doing a Body Attack class at the gym - which is definitely NOT rest! And yes I have also been doing Body Pump classes at least twice a week on top of all my running.


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But I have been taking the time to stretch, foam roller and have invested in sports massages throughout my training. Plus I have actually had one rest day a week, whereas before marathon training I would easily exercise seven days a week. I have also made changes to my diet, ensuring I eat well and adding things such as flaxseed, chi seeds and turmeric to my food - whether this has had any benefits I don’t know, but I have tried and Holland and Barrett have gained another new customer!

Despite all my achievements over the past months, it scares me how it all could be lost in these next 24 days if I get injured in anyway. Today my left calf has a very tight spot in the middle and my left shin is also sore, I have not come this far to get injured now! So needless to say the Deep Freeze gel and frozen peas are being well utilised. 24 days to go and I am more determined than ever to make it to that start line.  
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    Alice's Adventures In Running Land

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