This week has been the last big push before taper weeks, and a large positive for me is that I have been sensible and kept my mileage in check. I tweaked my plan slightly due to the fact I knew I would be logging some additional miles 'off plan' and did not want to be overdoing things so close to the marathon. I have still logged 43 miles, but if I had not paid attention, it would have been a lot more! I also turned another year older this week, and as I joked to a friend at parkrun, I am now another step closer to some slower age qualifying brackets..! 

MONDAY: Body Pump class

TUESDAY: a steady paced 5 miles - a distance which felt joyful compared to some of my recent longer early morning pre-work efforts. Pace wise I am not really sure what I ran to be honest; I seem to be having a few Garmin issues, as both during today's run and on my Wednesday run, 9 min/mile paces were logged for some splits when I know my own body well enough to know I was not running that pace! 

WEDNESDAY: my Garmin issues carried on into today's run, so another run where I am unsure of my exact pace. I logged 6 miles though, with the middle 4 at a marathon pace effort, which with my random data readings, I just judged to feel. 

THURSDAY: I had left my interval run until today, as to be honest, I did not like the look of what was on my plan! I had 8 miles with 10 x 800m reps and 200m recoveries - it just sounded hard! In practice is was not as bad, still tough, but the distance actually flew by. I pushed as much as possible on the reps, with most hovering in the 7:30 min/mile region. Later in the evening I logged a further 3 miles of mixed paced efforts at Run Club during a trail based circuit running. 

FRIDAY: usually Fridays are my rest day, however today was my birthday and I wanted to run. It was also perfectly timed that as part of England Athletics 'Run and Talk' Mental Health Awareness campaign, my Run Club had decided to hold an extra 6.30am run session. I volunteered to lead it and was joined by three other early risers (see image) across a lovely and chatty 3 miles. It was the perfect start to my birthday; a run with company and also at a pace I could simply enjoy after many weeks of training. We ended with cake - of course!

SATURDAY: cake was a big feature of my birthday with it also landing on a charity bake sale at work, and it is safe to say my diet was not the greatest! Add to this I had enjoyed a few drinks in the evening with a friend - I literally only mean three glasses - but it had been a while since I had really drank, and waking up this morning I could feel it. I just did not feel sharp and as I ran my stomach was not happy, it felt full of rubbish and just not comfortable when pushing the pace. I also had somehow forgotten to put my watch on - so ran blindly around Lincoln parkrun, finishing in 21:39. I think it could have been worse!

SUNDAY: having 15 miles on my plan for today seemed like a relief - I am not sure if even I could have got myself around another 20 miles again! Perhaps the fact I felt less daunted by this run meant that in spells I actually felt the best I have during a long run for many weeks.  My pace reflected this and I logged a few 8.30 min/mile splits, with a couple of added 8.20 min/mile splits also in there - this is despite having to jump over many a puddle (see image!) However, there were still moments when I had flashes of doubt and was trying to convince myself my legs could not do it, and during these times, I slowed. I have to try and draw confidence from those better spells - I know I need to. 

Next week = the first of the two week taper and the realisation that Chicago is getting scarily close..!

I feel like I have been on a countdown this week - not to the marathon as such, but the taper! I am ready for a reduction in mileage, and this week has been the last of the really large weekly mileage totals. Next week is a little more moderate, and this is then followed by two easier weeks leading up to Chicago, which will hopefully let my body recover fully and soak in these training gains - I hope!

MONDAY: Body Pump class

TUESDAY: I had 8 miles of intervals on my plan today, and whilst I knew I could manage them, I was also realistic that my legs were still a little sore and tired from Sunday's big 22 mile run. I have tried to put less pressure on myself these past few weeks when I have been feeling tired and not expect to hit 'ideal' paces. It helps enjoy the run more for a start! I had 5 sets of mile reps to incorporate into the run and these felt fine endurance wise, my legs were just not quite fresh enough to get a bit closer to my ideal pace region. 

WEDNESDAY: a nice early 6.5 mile run chasing the rising sun. My legs felt better and I ran with my friend; I am particularly finding at the moment that his company gives me the mid week boost I need!

THURSDAY: the importance of company in my running was emphasised to me today. I completed an early 8.5 miles on my own, easy paced and just letting the legs tick slowly round. It was just an 'ok' run. In the evening it was Run Club and I led one of my favourite sessions doing figure of eight loops on some nearby hills. Everyone really challenged themselves and it made me so happy to be running with people testing themselves but with smiles on their faces too. I logged nearly another 3 miles as I dotted around supporting people - but it felt much more rewarding than my own run that morning. 

FRIDAY: Rest Day

SATURDAY: it was a beautiful September morning at Lincoln parkrun; sunshine, warmth and lots of people I knew to catch up with. My run was a little frustrating though, and I dipped just over the 21 minute mark for the first time in a while, finishing at 21:03. The time was not what frustrated me as such, it was the fact I let another runner get into my head. I ran the first mile loop really well, but on the second this runner told me I was running too fast and needed to slow down; I actually felt good still, but they got to me and I naturally dropped off my pace a bit. My final mile lap was just as quick as my first as I renewed my own self belief, so at least I know my legs still had something in them. Why this runner felt the need to comment on my pace I am not sure, I am certain it was not meant to cause me to slow down, but probably was trying to help - but I just did not need it!

SUNDAY: another 20 miles... and I have to say I was not looking forward to it! I just had to 'get it done', that was my mantra! I took all pressure off again, no pace goal, no time target - just 20 miles to log. It was just an 'alright' run, nothing spectacular. At times I felt better, but lacked the confidence to push myself a little more. Positives were that I did not want to cry like I did last week towards the end! More practically I also practiced drinking 'Gatorade' which is what will be supplied in Chicago, and it seemed to sit with me fine. Its done - and despite the challenges of some of my past Sunday runs, deep down I am proud I have achieved them. 

​In more exciting news, this week at work we launched something I have been working on and been keeping under wraps for nearly 6 months now - the Lincoln City Half Marathon 2020. This is being delivered as a partnership between my employer, Lincoln City Foundation, and race organisers Curly's Athletes. Believe it or not, this was not my idea, but my colleagues, and I have naturally found myself supporting getting the project off the ground. My obvious passion for running, the fact Lincoln currently does not have a 13.1 mile road race, and the community benefit of running means I am very passionate about it. It has also been really interesting getting a behind the scenes look into race organisation! I am not going to plug the race endlessly, but if you would like to explore the lovely city I call home, you can pre-register at www.lincolncityhalfmarathon.co.uk 

This has been the biggest week of training of this marathon cycle, and as I sit here writing with my legs still buzzing and head a little fuzzy in that post really long run haze, my body is telling me so. It has been another mixed week of running, some good runs, some average runs and a bit of a quad niggle thrown in the mix. This still remains one of the most testing marathon training blocks I have completed - the last few weeks in particular have challenged me at times - but in amongst the tough runs, are still those moments when running gives me joy, and that is worth keeping going for.

MONDAY: Body Pump class

TUESDAY: my quads were still tender today from last week's efforts at the track and running Newton's Fraction Half Marathon. I delayed intervals to allow some more recovery and completed a 5 mile tempo run instead. It was steady, the tempo miles just under 8 min/mile pace, and running emphasised that my quads were still rather sore!

WEDNESDAY: I tried intervals today, and whilst my legs were better, my quads were definitely still not perfect. My quads are my weakness - if I were to look back at this blog across all my entries and see how any times I have struggled with this muscle group I think I would be shocked! I therefore had to rein back the speed a little on the interval reps, as I quickly learnt that real maximal extension was not comfortable. I ran 8 miles with 15 x 400m reps, with a mixture of paces ranging from just over 7 min/mile to closer to 7.40 min/mile. I still managed some speed work at least. 

THURSDAY: with an easy 10 miles on the plan I was pleased to give my legs some gentle running. I kept the pace nice and comfortable, which meant instead it just felt like I was out running for an extra long time! In the evening we did some trail running techniques at Run Club. My trail experience is very limited compared to my road running, so I took things slowly and safely, but also really enjoyed running in new parts of Lincoln and learning. I was so engrossed in running I kept forgetting to actually turn my watch on - but think I logged around 3 further miles. 

FRIDAY: Rest Day

SATURDAY: the start of a mixed weekend of running. Heading to Lincoln parkrun I had no expectations on my performance, in fact my hopes probably extended no further than being able to have my weekly chat with a few friends and leave with the happy warmth parkrun always gives me. I was therefore shocked by how well I ran, especially as my left quad was still not right when being asked to extend further than a steady running action. I could feel I was running strongly, I did not need to look at my watch, and I love runs like this which just feel so naturally good. I was also smiling and feeling happy as I ran; the comfort in my strength pleased me. I finished in 20:48 and in my best time for a number of weeks (see image).

SUNDAY: in contrast to yesterday where my run left me feeling slightly more confident in my body, today's long run was another in my recent series of challenging longer runs. I had 22 miles to log - a test in itself - and really just wanted it to feel as good as possible. Over the first 10 miles I was hopeful; miles were passing quickly, I was focused on running but not so much it consumed my thoughts, and I just seemed to be ticking along, not super speedily, but better than I have been. I held my own up until around 15 miles, but those final 7 miles I just lost it. My legs started to hurt and I could not take my mind away from the pain. I also could not escape thinking about how many miles I had left. I needed to distract myself, but I couldn't. It was a challenge to keep going, and every time I was forced to stop to cross a road etc. it took an almighty effort to make myself go again. Hitting 22 miles I was a little disheartened by my average pace - 8.45 min/mile - but moreover by the fact that it was another Sunday where I was left feeling knackered from a long run, but at the same time not great for it. ​

Sunday 8th September saw a field of over 50,000 runners complete the Great North Run half marathon event in Tyneside, and whilst I was not one of them, I took my own place on the start line of a 13.1 mile road race. With a field size of just over 300, the Newton's Fraction Half Marathon in Grantham may not grab the headlines or attention of its Northern compatriot, but it did not mean it was any less of a good running event.

I took on the Great North Run in 2015, and whilst I loved the atmosphere and the passion there is for the race, I find I am now equally as happy supporting smaller, local events. Although Grantham is only a relatively short drive from my home in Lincoln, the Newton's Fraction Half Marathon was a race I had actually never completed before. It was only through a conversation with a fellow Run Club member that I actually signed up this year. I had a fast 13 miles on my marathon training plan for this particular week, and when they suggested this event to me, which they were also planning on running, I was tempted. I put off entering for a while, however after a number of weeks of solo long running and back to back 20 milers, I felt I wanted a break and some running company - so I entered. 

During race week I did not feel my best; with marathon training at its peak I was tired and trying to balance keeping the miles ticking along with also some recovery. I was not ever really going to be racing Newton's Fraction, but it was still not ideal. I also took part in a track session with my Run Club on the Thursday before the race, and my quads were still feeling the effect of some hard effort sprints. Needless to say, I was keeping my expectations for the race no further than just a nice variation for a Sunday long run.

I travelled to Grantham with my fellow Run Club member and enjoyed the relaxed feel in the build up to the event - the benefit of a small race field! It had been a cool morning to begin with, the change in season quite notable, but as the sun rose higher in the sky, and with the sightly later 10.30am start time, it gradually became quite a mild day. Probably my only wish for the event would be for it to start at 9/9.30am, as at that time, conditions would have been perfect. 

The course is a large figure of eight, and is described as undulating. I was also well warned by many about the two 'big hills' which seemed to have almost traumatised some runners who had taken part previously! I am not one to over analyse a course - you cannot change it, so just have to go with it! - so was strangely looking forward to seeing what these challenges would present. Another feature of the race is that it starts and finishes on a race track, which would at least ensure a nice flat finishing stretch!

Lining up on the track it felt almost a relief not be zooming off for 100m sprints as I was a few days previously, and instead as the start signal was given, I settled into a steady early pace. The first couple of miles followed local roads and had a few undulations. As a fairly steep climb appeared on the horizon one runner joked out loud 'that's not even one of the big hills... so basically we are all screwed!' It was apparent early on that my legs were not up to truly racing these hills; uphill I could cope with, but downhill my quads were sore and held me back. It was fine; I was not here to race, but to push myself on a fast 13.1 miles according to what my body could do on this course.

Just after 2 miles the route turned onto a canal path; I had actually been looking forward to running along here as assumed it would be a pleasant place to run with some nice scenery. It was; but my legs did not really like it! The path was uneven, at times a little gravelly, and I just did not seem to ever find a natural stride. It was not horrendous by any means, but I just found it a bit tough going. The surroundings were lovely though, and the narrow path meant for a colourful snake of runners following the river and ducking under bridges. 

Approaching nearly 5 miles the course turned off the canal path and back onto roads, which my legs instantly enjoyed more. This turn was also met with a stunning view of Belvoir Castle looming high on a hill in the horizon - I wish I could have taken a photo! I kept on running though, enjoying regaining some rhythm. My running rhythm was however relatively short lived, as soon the first of the big hill challenges appeared. It was hard to doubt whether or not this was one of the infamous hills as a long steep ascent appeared in front of me. The length of the hill was so drawn out you could not see the top, so I just dug in and kept on climbing. A lot of people walked, I can understand why, but I felt strong and kept a steady pace to the eventual top. After this climb, a gradual downhill was the reward, however this is again when my quads held me back a little, and I did not feel I could make the most of the relative easier section. 

​Miles 7 to 10 were rural and undulating, and they also seemed to pass by really quickly. I remember recalling how much stronger I felt than when running Newark Half Marathon a few weeks previously. My endurance was most definitely with me even if my speed was not quite in my legs.

Just after 10 miles big hill number two appeared. Whereas big hill number one went from almost flat to instantly heading up vertically, this hill had a gradual ascent to begin with, followed by a sharp rise in gradient. A lot of people were already walking on the lower section, but again I was determined I would not let it beat me. It was hard, and I really had to draw on my determination not to walk during the final sections when it felt almost like I was climbing forever, but I made it to the top without stopping. 

With the last of the big hills out the way I felt like I was on a quest to the finish now. I felt strong and very much in control, so knew I could tick the miles off. As I got closer to the end goal I even seemed to find increasing increments of speed in my legs. My fastest mile was in fact my final mile, and as I hit the track again I really tried to power around the final few hundred metres. I crossed the line in 1:43:36; I had it in my head as I was running that I would be happy to run a sub 1:45 on this course, and I had met my goal. My quads hated me a little bit more, but I was pleased and happy to have another medal for my ever-growing collection!

Newton's Fraction Half Marathon was a well organised, testing but not too challenging event, set in a beautiful area, and with a friendly, supportive atmosphere. It might not have had the TV cameras, celebrities and fan fare of Great North Run, but it certainly was equally as impressive in its own right. ​

This week I knew things had to change; last week was a bit of a wake up call that I need to look both after and out for myself better during marathon training. I entered this training block with the focus of trying to keep a happy balance between 'normal' life and 'running' life, and to be honest it has probably meant that I have paid a little less attention to the entire marathon training package. Yes, I have been logging the miles and getting all my planned runs in; but I have put less focus on factors such as my diet and sleeping habits, which previously I have been better at. I did not want to feel like marathon training was taking over my life, but instead now I find myself in the position where my confidence has been knocked a little, and whilst I was already quite nervy abut travelling to Chicago on my own to run a marathon, I actually feel quite scared when thinking about it at times. I have a few weeks to go though thankfully, and I have started how I intend to go on this week, focusing on my diet and getting a much greater amount of rest each night (one night I slept solidly for ten hours!) Running wise I have also taken things a little steadier this week; I have logged less miles in comparison to the previous few weeks, which have been closer to 50 miles, and channelled my efforts into two main runs, with the rest being easier workouts.

MONDAY: Body Pump class

TUESDAY: an easy 6.75 mile loop (I did not even feel the need to round the miles up!) in which I slotted into around 8.30 min/mile pace and just stayed there throughout. 

WEDNESDAY: steadier miles again with my friend. I warned him pre-run that I may not be up to our usual speed and we found a conversational pace just under the 8 min/mile mark, which although is still fairly quick, is not what we are sometimes capable of together. The 6.5 mile run ended up an unavoidable long hill, which I have to admit finished my legs off a little, and told me I still needed to be careful. 

THURSDAY: it was our monthly Run Club track session tonight and I knew I wanted to run it. Instead of logging some additional miles in the morning, I ignored my plan and just allowed myself to try and put the energy I had into the track session. I was a bit nervous about how my legs would react to be honest, especially as we had a hard session planned; 20 x 100m repeats at maximum effort, with a minutes rest in between. The company and camaraderie of the group spurred me on though and whilst I will never be rivalling Usain Bolt's World Record, I was pretty pleased with my rep speed and how well I managed to maintain my pace. My first few sprints were around 17 seconds, I then dipped to 18 seconds for the main middle chunk (with one tired 19 second rep thrown in!) but finished the 20th rep in 17 seconds and as quick as my first. My legs were knackered at the end, but to be honest - everyone's were! So I did not feel too worried. 

FRIDAY: Rest Day

SATURDAY: I had put my name down to volunteer at Lincoln parkrun today for two reasons; firstly, I was considering running a local half marathon on Sunday, and secondarily, I did not want another 'all out' session in my legs, and I struggle to hold back in a parkrun environment! My legs needed loosening after track though, as some DOMs were still present, so I jogged down to Boultham Park, volunteered as timekeeper, jogged to work after, the jogged home later, giving me an easy paced 4.5 mile total run commute. 

SUNDAY: I had a fast 13 miles on my plan for this week, and usually I look for a race in which to do this, as I can never push myself enough just out running on my local Lincoln streets. This training block I had been unsure about whether to bother finding a race or not, however a fellow Run Club leader suggested the Newton's Fraction Half Marathon in Grantham, which he was also planning on running, and I was tempted. I put off entering for a while, however after a number of weeks of solo long running and back to back 20 milers, I felt I wanted a break and some running company - so I entered. I obviously did not anticipate the race falling on a week where I was trying to rebuild a bit, but I took part nevertheless and kept my expectations no further than just a nice variation for a Sunday long run. Full blog to follow - but on a tough undulating course, with a couple of real killer hill climbs thrown in, I was pleased that I felt in control and my legs seemed strong (it was in fact the downhills which I felt weaker on!) and I was pleased to finish in 1:43:36.

The motto of this week - I may be approaching my 10th marathon, but I am always still learning and am definitely by no means perfect.  ​

This week has had it all; the good, the bad and the ugly. My pretty awful runs have stemmed from general fatigue, tiredness and just having the feeling of nothing in my legs. This has been a big mileage week for me, with close to 50 miles logged. Thankfully, next week is a bit of an easier week (if there is such a thing in marathon training terms!) so I am hopeful it will be a bit restorative. Marathon training is hard work, and it feels tougher when your legs just do not want to play game at times; so I am trying to remain positive and not let the harder miles get me down. 

MONDAY: Body Pump class.

TUESDAY: I guess you could say the week did not get off to the greatest of starts running wise when I literally did not feel like I had the energy for my planned interval run. I switched it to later in the week (avoidance tactics!) and opted for a (in theory) slightly easier 5 mile tempo run. The middle 3 miles of this run were supposed to be at marathon pace, but after a fairly steady mile long warm up, I got carried away, logging quicker miles than I needed to. Not my wisest move!

WEDNESDAY: one of my better runs of the week, meeting my friend for one of our mid week 6am routes. We logged just under 7 miles at a good pace; all sub 8 min/mile splits. It was the strongest I had felt running with my friend for a while, and his pace did not seem to stretch me too much. I felt better - for now...

THURSDAY: the postponed intervals were on the agenda for this morning and it was literally a disaster. I was tired to begin with, having gone to bed much later than normal after being out at a mid week Lincoln City football match. Tiredness is one thing, but as soon as I tried to run one of my planned fast reps, my legs instantly drained from beneath me. I was truly wiped out, and whilst I did attempt another rep, I could tell there was literally no point in trying to find any pace in my legs - they were gone. I very nearly turned for home, but knew I would feel even worse if I gave up completely. Instead I switched to logging the rest of the miles at an easy pace, ignoring my Garmin beeping at me telling me I should be running intervals! I managed 7 miles, but was then slightly worried about the fact I had Run Club later that evening. At Run Club I seemed to find some energy, from where I am not quite sure! Perhaps it was being in the company of others which helped, and I ran well during a 5 mile tempo session. It was almost like the morning had not happened...

FRIDAY: a vague Rest Day... I say vague as I spent virtually all day at work assembling our new office. This entailed moving and carrying desks and office furniture, shifting equipment etc; it was a pretty hectic day. Obviously this was not really what I needed, and I was knackered when I got home.