Brighton Marathon Training: Week 8

The half way point - and I have kind of felt it a bit this week. Some of the undesirable effects of marathon training have started to creep in; I have been tired, at times my hunger has been insatiable, the day after my long run I felt jaded, and restless legs have kept me awake at night. These are signs I know I need to take extra care of myself. Running wise training has continued to go well though, with an extra PB bonus to finish the week...

MONDAY: Strength and Conditioning for Runners class in which I am already beginning to note my personal progress. 

TUESDAY: I switched things a little on my plan this week, and with a harder run planned for tomorrow, I kept today’s miles steadier. I ran 7 miles at a comfortably hard pace, which was around 8 min/mile. Body Pump class in the evening. 

WEDNESDAY: today I was joined on a run by a friend from my Strength and Conditioning class; he needed some motivation to kick start his training and I always welcome company - especially when they are willing to meet me at 6am for a run! My friend had planned a 10k route known locally as 'rolling hills'. I had heard of the route, but never tried it - probably for good reason! The route weaves around the centre of Lincoln going up and down most of the cruellest inclines the city offers (for those local think Michealgate, Steep Hill, Lindum Hill, Greenstone Stairs, Milman Hill etc) I really enjoyed the challenge and it is certainly something I would not have had the confidence to attempt alone. I also did not stop once, which I am sure I would have convinced myself I needed to if I had run alone.

THURSDAY: after the hill test of yesterday my legs were a little sore today. Keeping today's planned 10 miles at an 'easy' pace was therefore a little more straightforward. My legs were stiff at first, but once I loosened up I just let the miles tick off at a comfortable 8.24 min/mile average pace. Body Pump class in evening. 

FRIDAY: with a race planned for Sunday I swapped this week's Rest Day around, heading out for a very easy 4 miles this morning, averaging 8.42 min/mile pace in the process. I nearly did not bother with the run, but I am pleased I did as it helped loosen off some remaining stiffness and also felt quite therapeutic running at a gentle rhythm and not having too many miles to log. 

SATURDAY: Rest Day - whilst still getting my parkrun fix through volunteering at my home Lincoln event. 

SUNDAY: my first race of 2019 - the Leicestershire Half Marathon (see image). My training plan has a couple of half marathons in and I like to use them to assess a little where I am in terms of progress. I have another race in a couple of weeks, so my mindset approaching today's 13.1 miles was to simply see what my legs currently had in them - almost like setting a baseline marker. It was a lovely day for running with an almost spring like warmth, although there was quite a strong, gusty breeze at the Prestwold Hall setting of the race. Compared to last year when I had completed the course, the weather was heavenly though! Full blog to follow; but in short, I ran a new PB of 1:35:23 - what I loved most however was how strong I felt; physically, mentally and against the at times windy conditions. My splits emphasise this, logging relatively consistent throughout, and to top it off my final mile was the quickest overall, registering at bang on 7 min/mile - even I do not know how I managed that at the end of a half marathon race! ​