Berlin Marathon Training: Week 6

This week has been a bit been all over the place. In general my life is quite routined; running and sticking to a plan is usually not too much of a challenge, bar one or two exceptions (I am lucky I know). This week however that has all changed... I have been on a residential outdoor activity camp with work Monday to Friday (along with 200+ teenagers!) and then had a 10k race on Sunday. This has meant both juggling marathon training and also testing my mental resolve in order not to panic!

MONDAY: an early morning 8 mile run to start the week before heading off on residential. My legs were tired on a fourth consecutive day of running, a streak which included a 13.1 mile long run and a 10k race. I used the run as my usual mid week longer, slower run, keeping the pace gentle; and it felt good to get some miles under my belt early on in the week despite the discomfort. 

TUESDAY: I made the decision to split my planned 6m interval run into two 3m runs. I could not really afford to be out running for any longer time duration with my work commitments and needing to be contactable/near by, and just getting a 3 miler in meant heading out at 6am. It was tough; Monday was absolutely manic on the first day at residential and I had minimal sleep. I knew I had to run though and actually found it quite peaceful being out, although the terrain of uneven grass and hills was challenging. 

WEDNESDAY: another 6am 3 miler. I managed to knock a minute off yesterday's time despite being even more tired and sleep deprived (see image). 

THURSDAY: Rest Day

FRIDAY: with a 10k race on Sunday tonight I had to do my long run for the week. I arrived home from residential late and was feeling very tired from the week's activities. My trainers were laced up though ready to take on my planned 14 miles. My feet hurt at every step, sore from miles of walking and standing throughout the 

week. I wanted to quit at 7 miles and walked a steep hill whilst having a strong word with myself. I beat my exhausted mind though and reached my 14 mile target. My overall pace was not great at 9.18 min/miles, but I was still a good 20 secs ahead of my plan's suggested pace and mostly just happy I had achieved the run. 

​SATURDAY: even though I had spent most of my week waking up early I still had the urge to run parkrun today. Heading to Lincoln parkrun a mere 12 hours post my long run I was a little cautious, especially as I felt half asleep stood waiting for 9am to chime. My legs surprised me though, I seemed to be running well and had enough in the tank for a very strong and lengthy sprint finish, which even the steward remarked upon. My time was 24.17 - which is about average for me right now. I just wished I had trusted my legs more as I feel I might have been able to do a little better. 

SUNDAY: Great Newham 10k - I had been looking forward to this event all week, which is set in London's Olympic Park and actually finishes on the Olympic Stadium track. Full blog to follow. ​