Berlin Marathon Training: Week 3

I am not quite sure how I have finished week three of my sixteen week marathon training plan already...these initial weeks seem to just be flying by! But I have completed it, and the miles are in the bag...

MONDAY: some light cross training, some lengthy foam roller work, and then some heavy weights lifted at my Body Pump class to start the week. 

TUESDAY: interval day; 7 miles with 4 x 1 mile intervals at fast pace. I tried to get my interval miles sub 8 min/mile pace, and was pleased to dip under on the first two. The second two intervals were however into a headwind, which was enough to tip my tiring legs into 8 minute territory. The last interval was a real effort, especially on a humid evening, but although my face doesn't suggest it (see image), I felt good after finishing.

WEDNESDAY: a steady 7 miles before my Body Pump class. After a busy day at work, which included a canoeing session in the afternoon, this felt a physical effort. However,  although I felt tired, I know these are the miles and sessions I need to train through in order to fully prepare for the marathon.

THURSDAY: an absolutely rubbish run. My plan was only for four miles but it was a massive struggle. My legs were heavy and tight, and I was no where near hitting the suggested pace on my plan. I felt a bit rubbish after, but tried not to let it effect me too much, and just discard it as 'one of those runs'. 

FRIDAY: Rest Day

SATURDAY: Back to Lincoln parkrun today after touring Gainsborough parkrun last week. I was hoping once again to try and get quicker; my current aim is to run sub 24 minutes (overall aim to eventually get back to my PB of 22.37!). This week for some reason I really felt I could run a 23 minute time, but I didn't - not even close. A well paced first loop was followed by a disastrously slow second, which could not be recovered even by a rapid final third lap - the clock stopped at 24.32. The way I ran is frustrating, if I can speed up so much for the final lap, why is my middle one letting my down? A problem to be solved. 

SUNDAY: I ventured slightly off plan today for the Round Sheffield Run, a race which features 11 timed stages of running, totally 20km, with 4.5km worth of recovery breaks in between the stages. The race was billed as being set on superb trails and parkland in Sheffield, and it certainly did not disappoint. Running with my friend as a 'Female Pair' I can honestly say it was so much fun even in the tough terrain and the numerous hills. A great race - full blog to follow. ​