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! ​

​It has been a busy week with a mixture of work commitments and fitting in marathon training; but I have managed it all. Marathon training is a commitment itself, but I guess like anything, the more cycles I go through the easier I find it to fit training into life - it is possible!

MONDAY: a double strength session to start the week, with Strength and Conditioning for Runners followed by a Body Pump class.

TUESDAY: the last (I hope!) of the ice lingered today and it meant I had to remain a little cautious on early morning intervals. I ran the same session as last week; 5.5m with 15 x 200m reps and 200m recoveries, and again managed to keep my pace for the interval efforts hovering just above 7 min/mile for the majority. 

WEDNESDAY: I wanted to run the 'easy' 10 miles I had on my plan 'easy' - recent icy conditions have helped me keep my planned easier miles at a comfortable pace, rather than tending to run everything a bit too quick, and I feel it has been beneficial. Despite there being no ice today it turned out it was actually very easy for me to slow things down - my legs were very lethargic. Tuesday had been a very busy and long day at work for me and I had not eaten properly at all; I do not think I actually had one proper meal all day. An early longish run was therefore a bit of an ask; it felt a slog and I averaged 8.42 min/mile. I know why I struggled at least and it is always good to learn. In the evening I enjoyed marshalling at a charity 'Dark Run' arranged to support the fundraising efforts of our Lincoln parkrun event director who is taking on the London Marathon.

THURSDAY: this morning was very windy - I could hear the wind howling before I even set out the door. The conditions made running tough at times and I knew I needed to adjust my pace expectations. As predicted, at times I did struggle to hit my desired paces against a headwind, so I instead tried to maintain my effort levels instead, logging 7 miles with the middle 5 miles aiming to be quicker/exerting more effort. My middle splits were nearly all sub 8 min/mile still, with one slightly over, which was both uphill and with a headwind so I will let myself off..! Body Pump in the evening.

FRIDAY: Rest Day

Wintery weather and icy conditions have been another feature of this week - I am starting to wish I was back marathon training in the middle of a summer heatwave again! Well, maybe not - but some above 0 degree running temperatures would be nice please mother nature!

MONDAY: the official start of my next block of Strength and Conditioning for Runners. It is always good to be back at these sessions, and I am constantly learning about my body and how to maximise my running, as well as enjoying being with a group of liked minded people.

TUESDAY: today I was out running before the street lights had even been switched back on along some of my local streets. My alarm had gone off at 5:10am as I had to squeeze my miles in before an early start at work. Intervals at least woke me up, and I ran 5.5 miles with 15 x 200m reps and 200m recoveries. Normally this number of intervals drains me, but this morning it felt manageable. Pace wise I literally just ran as fast as possible, with the majority of reps hovering around the 7 min/mile marker. Body Pump class in the evening. 

WEDNESDAY: another early start, not quite as harsh as yesterday, but I was out running before 6am again. The weather conditions were almost akin to last Wednesday, and an overnight frost had once more left very icy pavements to greet me. The 7 easy miles on my plan therefore had to be kept very easy again, averaging 8.46 min/mile. I can't say I enjoyed this run - it was so cold and I was fed up of tiptoeing cautiously - I just wanted to run carefree!

THURSDAY: with the forecast saying this morning would be -6 degrees I did not even bother setting an alarm for a pre-work run; I knew the pavements would be like ice rinks. A freezing fog never lifted all day, and by the evening I still was not confident running tempo miles on the streets. Reluctantly I headed for the treadmill. If I am running on a treadmill you know it is the last resort! I ran 7 miles with the middle 5 miles at a faster pace - it is difficult for me to assess exact pace on a treadmill as I very rarely use one and the settings are so different to what I am used to; so I simply ran to feel. Body Pump class after. 

FRIDAY: Rest Day 

This week has felt like a long week; which on reflection I think is due to the fact the past seven days have featured a few varied emotions (often self inflicted!), in addition to managing my training around winter weather conditions. I have also attempted to maintain a bit of a life outside of running - believe it or not I do try and have one!

MONDAY: Body Pump class

TUESDAY: this morning began the start of a cold snap of weather, and as I headed out for my early miles I was quick to identify the slight ice patches on the pavements. I had 6 miles with 12 x 400m intervals and 200m recoveries planned; conditions were not ideal but with a bit of caution it was possible. My splits were therefor not quite as fast as I would have liked, and I had to try really hard not to be harsh on myself post run and ignore the voice in my head telling me I should have pushed myself more. Logging my runs and keeping this blog helps me keep things in perspective though, and I now know in the conditions I did do my best.

WEDNESDAY: as I left work Tuesday evening it was snowing and it was also harshly cold. I was anxious about what the weather would bring overnight, as my only chance to run today was in the early morning before work. It did cause me worry and a lot of time spent analysing weather apps - again on reflection I needed to just accept I could not control mother nature! It was -6 when I woke, so I layered up and braced myself for a true winter run. The pavements were very icy, and I tentatively began running, assessing virtually every piece of pavement I placed my feet on. I had 7 miles to run, which thankfully were only 'easy' paced, so I at least had no pace pressure. I would say the paths were probably my absolute limit on which I would be willing to run on, I managed my miles, but I had to keep my pace very easy, around 9 min/mile. To be honest, I was more relieved just to make it home in one piece! In the evening I had a taster session for the next block of Strength and Conditioning for Runners sessions I have signed up to, and with a focus on endurance, I am very excited to begin this alongside my marathon training. 

THURSDAY: Rest Day - the ice remained today and after yesterday's run I knew there was no way I was attempting tempo miles on slippery pavements. My vague aim was to go out running after work when the ice should have melted. However, I finished work late, was hungry, tired, and deep down I just knew I was not going to log quality miles if I forced myself out. It took some convincing in my mind, but I told myself a rest day was best.

FRIDAY: I woke up ready to attack my tempo miles today. The weather was a somewhat tropical 3 degrees, and with no ice, I could run stress free. I ran a strong 6 miles, with the middle 4 miles aiming for 7.20-7.30 min/mile pace, and  was so happy I had - eventually! - decided to switch things around. 

Another week where my training has ventured away from my more familiar Lincoln streets, with a work trip to Birmingham adding this week's variation. I have enjoyed the mixture of locations in the first quarter of my training - it keeps it interesting - although I will admit I was a little anxious about finding routes I felt comfortable running in the dark in an unknown city. I made it work though, and my 'Brum' runs have added to a good week.

MONDAY: looking ahead to the fact I would be away for three days this week, I wanted to bank a run on home Lincoln soil to relieve some of the pressure whilst I was away. My legs felt tired from Sunday's long run efforts, so I knew I would only manage an easier run, and I also gave my limbs some extra recovery by running in the evening and not before work - every little helps! I chose the steady 7 miles I had on my plan, winding around Lincoln streets just letting my legs tick over, finishing in time for a Body Pump class. 

TUESDAY: Rest Day - the start of my trip away, and with travelling commencing at 6.30am and the first day of the course I was attending due to finish at 7pm, I knew running was not going to be viable. 

WEDNESDAY: the feeling of fear before a run is not a nice sensation, and to be honest I am not sure what I was really scared of as I headed out for an early morning run in Birmingham - the unknown I guess. I had plotted a 2 mile loop which started from the lodge I was staying in and followed a few busier, well lit roads, before ending back at the lodge. With 7 miles on my plan I knew I would need to run this loop 3.5 times. The repeated nature of the route would add to the mental challenge, but I felt happy and safe to be able to enjoy my running, and that was the main thing. I ran alternating miles, 1 mile easy followed by 1 mile hard; however what I did not realise when I plotted my loop was the fact it included two long gradual hills, which I would of course run repeatedly - the joys! By the end my legs were tiring on the hills, especially as both seemed to fall on fast miles, but it felt good training.

THURSDAY: still in Birmingham I ran my little loop again - this time I had 6 miles on my plan, so only the 3 loops at least..! Intervals were not ideal on the hilly nature of the terrain, but I gave it my best shot, running 6 miles with 5 x 1000m reps and 200m recoveries. Pace wise I just ran the intervals with as much effort as possible, and my paces were indeed quite varied ranging from 6.55 min/mile to 8.03 min/mile; basically depending if I was on a hill or not! 

Whilst the first two weeks of this block of marathon training have been quite varied, mainly due to falling across the Christmas and New Year period, this week has been much more 'back to normal'. This is not without it's own challenges though, as like most people at this time of year, I am starting 2019 with some personal goals for the year ahead. My aims for 2019 are both running and non-running related, and it is already proving that perhaps the running ones are at least a little simpler to logically work towards! 

MONDAY: a tough Body Pump class - I am not sure why this class was especially challenging compared to normal, but by the end my body was visibly shaking with muscular fatigue. 

TUESDAY: as could have been predicted, my body was sore today following my Body Pump efforts, especially my quadriceps, which were even tender to touch. Intervals would test them at least, and I had 6 miles with 3 x mile reps and 400m recoveries on the plan. My aim was to run each mile rep as hard as possible; ideally improving on last week's tempo pace, which was 7.40 min/mile. Add a gusty wind to my achy quads muscles, and I had to push hard to log rep splits of 7.25, 7.33 and 7.29 min/mile pace. I was pleased with my times though in the conditions and considering how I was physically feeling. 

WEDNESDAY: my quads felt less sore but more stiff today, and this was apparent on my 6 mile run. My first two splits were slower until it appeared my legs seemed to loosen, and I then found a better stride, averaging 8.14 min/mile overall. The effect of going to Body Pump classes may be questioned by some, but the sessions have built so much strength endurance in my body and they also trains me to run through fatigue at times, which whilst tough, is beneficial.

THURSDAY: progression runs are not my favourite and not something I especially look forward to. I had 6 miles progression on my plan, starting at 9 min/mile and finishing sub 8 min/mile. Normally I go off much too fast to begin with and end up literally sprinting the final miles to try and keep my splits on track. I wanted to be disciplined today (and avoid a sprint finish!) so tactically planned a route which began with some steadier inclines to force myself to slow down a little. It worked, and I logged progressive splits of 9.02, 8.38, 8.14, 7.59, 7.50 and 7.39 min/mile. The benefit I found from executing this run better was that the final sub 8 min/miles felt comfortable, despite being a quick pace. Body Pump class in evening.

This week saw the start of a New Year and I began 2019 the only way I would want to - running! After welcoming the 1st January and surviving the return to work/normal routine, the weekend saw me head to Liverpool to watch my recently adopted second favourite football team, Lincoln City, take on Premier League Everton in the FA Cup. Here I was able to complete more parkrun tourism and run miles with my ever supportive sister and her boyfriend. Simply put, its been a good start to the year.

MONDAY: New Year's Eve Body Pump class. After a week away from any form of strength training over Christmas, this class tested me a little - it really does not take long for this form of my fitness to start to fade. 

TUESDAY: welcoming in 2019 with a New Year's Day double parkrun seemed a great idea to me, as it appeared thought many hundreds of other people, with record turn outs recorded at parkrun events across the country. I opted to 'do the double' at Normanby Hall parkrun at 9am, followed by Scunthorpe parkrun, which started at 10.30am. I had ran Normanby once before and really enjoyed the course, which is set in a beautiful country park. My work colleague also runs here, and he always encourages me and takes interest in my running, and this spurred me on more to go back. I did not hold back at Normanby, thoughts of another 5k to follow were far from my mind, and I pushed my legs hard through the enjoyable mix of woodland and tarmac course. On a section where its possible to pass other runners I spotted my colleague and his wife and waved enthusiastically at them - 'less waving, more running!' - came my colleague's reply in his typical no nonsense attitude. This made me laugh and simultaneously made me even more determined to sprint for the approaching finish. I crossed the line as second female in 21:04 - my best time for many months. Arriving at Scunthorpe parkrun I already knew I was going to have to dig deep to ask the same of my legs again, but I wanted to give it my best shot. At the start my legs felt jaded and the course, which is two loops of a park, tested me more than it should. Although virtually flat, there are a couple of minor inclines, which felt like full on hills to my legs each time I attacked them. I finished in 21:46, a time I fought hard for to keep in sub 22 minute zone. Scunthorpe was a new parkrun for me and I would like to go back and test myself there again one day - maybe with fresher legs!

WEDNESDAY: back to work and back to the 5:30am alarm call for early morning running. 5 miles at 8:30 min/mile pace were on the plan and I made sure I stuck relatively close to this, averaging 8.22 min/mile pace, as I could feel the slight tightness in my legs from effectively racing a double parkrun the day before!

THURSDAY: I felt slightly anxious about today's tempo run; whilst at the moment the mileage demands of my plan are not too much of a jump for me, speed work is something I have not been focused on a for a few months now. I ran 5 miles with the middle 3 miles aiming for half marathon pace, logging splits of 7.46, 7.53 and 7.44 min/mile. Maybe my anxiety was slightly caused by the fact I probably optimistically thought my tempo pace should be akin to my current half marathon PB pace - on reflection this is a little too ambitious right now, and I quickly stopped myself being too harsh on myself post run when I did not quite meet this target. 

FRIDAY: Rest Day

SATURDAY: in Liverpool and staying with my sister we headed to Croxteth Hall parkrun, another new parkrun tourism destination for me and my third parkrun of the week. A further new aspect was also the fact that this course is a 'one lap' route, something I have never completed before. I was looking forward to running here and it lived up to expectations; set at another country park type setting, the course wound through paths and woodland - I felt like I was truly exploring. I worked hard to keep my pace strong, my GPS was lost a little in the environment, so I simply ran to feel. Finishing by the hall itself, the final metres are a straight sprint along the drive to the funnel, which I loved pushing myself on. I finished in 21:05, another good time for me and as second lady, with my sister coming in third (see image). 

SUNDAY: long runs are always good with company and today I was spoilt with both my sister and her boyfriend joining me for 12 miles around Liverpool (see image) - they even planned the route for me! Chatting makes time fly by, particularly as we reminisced about my last ventures running around the city at the Liverpool Marathon in May last year - certain roads brought back distinct flashbacks! We kept the pace comfortable with my plan saying today's run should be 'easy', averaging just under 8.30 min/mile pace. Although running with my sister, who is in fact my identical twin, causes a few stares from passers by who clearly cannot get over the fact two people can look similar (this really does annoy me at times!) I love running with her and feel fortunate to be able to share something we both enjoy whenever we get the chance. ​

The journey to Brighton Marathon has begun - and it has been a fun start (perhaps emphasised by the amount of happy photos I have taken this week!) Commencing training on Christmas week has not been an issue for me, mainly because the mileage demands are relatively low at this point, but also because visiting family across the festive season has given me some new and different running opportunities. 

MONDAY: training started on Christmas Eve with a fast-ish 4 miles, aiming for 8 min/mile pace, around my familiar Lincoln streets. I then began my typically festive and slightly cliche 'drive home for Christmas' heading back to Suffolk where my parents still live.

TUESDAY: Christmas Day and a trip to Bury St Edmunds parkrun with my sister for a special festive event. Last year I had also started the 25th December with Bury St Edmunds parkrun and had been amazed to see so many others beginning their own celebrations with a 5k - for me, it epitomised the parkrun community and the influence it has had on peoples' lives. This year was no different, with an even bigger crowd gathering at Nowton Park, where I also managed to bump into a familiar face from my home Lincoln parkrun event. I knew from last year that the course was a trail route, and I had my trail shoes on in preparation, however this year's challenge appeared to be the severe overnight frost. The ground was virtually white (a white Christmas?) and quite hard and slippy underfoot. Nevertheless I was excited to begin running, and as I stood at the start next to my sister with Santa Hats pinned to our heads, the crowd spontaneously burst into a rendition of 'Jingle Bells' before the clock struck 9am - it made me smile even more. Running was challenging at first; the gradual trail climb and the icy, uneven ground presented difficult footing, plus the cold and low winter sunshine was making my eyes water. The freshness and crispness of it all seemed fitting though, and I powered on regardless. The course is two laps, gradually climbing at the beginning and then lowering back to start the second loop. A large section of the downhill stretch is set in woodland, and the muddy ground here actually sucked more energy from my legs rather than providing relief; I was relishing the challenge though. After conquering the winter terrain I made for the finish funnel, which is set up a short, sharp final climb. I crossed the line - Santa Hat still on my head - in 22:16, which was a new course PB. Another good start to Christmas. 

WEDNESDAY: Boxing Day miles with my sister, 4 miles with 2 faster tempo miles in the middle at 7.40-7.50 min/mile pace. I enjoyed pushing myself a little whilst still chatting comfortably to my sister, it told me my base fitness is good. 

THURSDAY: after a week of faster miles so far, I kept my run steady today. Although it is only the start of training there is no point overdoing things so early on. I logged 5 miles again with my sister, at a comfortable 8.32 min/mile pace. 

FRIDAY: Rest Day

SATURDAY:  still in Suffolk, the opportunity for new parkrun tourism was one I could not turn down. I headed to Ipswich parkrun based at Chantry Park. Growing up close to Ipswich I knew Chantry Park well, having spent a few years using it at a base for football training with my team, and also being sent there with my school to run Cross Country. In my school years I was very sporty, and therefore my fitness would usually see me qualify for regional Cross Country competitions even though I did not participatory relish spending all day in a cold muddy field. Now I was back in the same cold, muddy field but this time through my own choice! ​My memory told me Chantry Park was hilly with minimal footpaths, and my trail shoes were thus out again. ​

​During the run briefing I was furthermore warned of undulations, delivered with a wry smile from the volunteer marshal, which we all know means HILLS! As soon as we started running I loved the course, one big winding loop with undulations and hilly challenges galore. I was running hard and being tested by every step, legs burning, heart pounding. The marshals spurred me on, as did my mum who had come to watch, and who popped up around the route. I beamed a big smile at her each time, even when she was stood at the top of the toughest, longest climb, which even I debated needing to walk on! Along the finishing stretch I pushed myself for the final time battling against a gusty wind. As I reached the finish funnel I was spent but very happy with a 22:01 time and to finish as 3rd lady. I did not remember school Cross Country being that hard, but I loved this parkrun so much more. 

​SUNDAY: my final run back in Suffolk, and a longer 8 mile loop around my childhood hometown of Stowmarket. The town was again a lot more undulating than I remembered when growing up, but I ran well, too well really, finishing with an 8.08 min/mile average pace. I always begin marathon training long runs a bit too quickly, and I know when the miles build my pace will settle a little. With talk of building miles, I am excited for the challenges ahead during this training, and want to remain enjoying my running as well as striving for new goals. ​

‘I really want to do the Brighton Marathon one day’ – since my love of running 26.2 miles has developed the Brighton Marathon has always been on the ‘to do’ list. My main reason is simply because I love Brighton as a destination. In 2014 I celebrated my birthday in the city with my sister and friends, taking part in the 5k Colour Run along the seafront (see image), as well as enjoying the extravagance of the Brighton nightlife. The following year I won a competition which saw my friend and I gain places in the Brighton 10k (see image), an event held on the marathon weekend itself. This was a slightly different trip, but again one I loved, especially the atmosphere around the marathon and sitting on the beach cheering the runners across the line. I think the marathon would always be my next natural progression with my Brighton affinity.

After not getting a place in the London Marathon, which I will not pretend, would have been my first choice for a Spring marathon in 2019, I was left to consider my options. Brighton and Edinburgh were the two events I toyed with, however right now I am impatient and also hungry to get training, so knew I would not be able to wait until May for my first 26.2 mile event. Falling in April, Brighton then become the clear favourite, and as soon as I made that choice in my mind, I instantly felt excited. I knew it was the right decision.

My goal for Brighton will be to try and PB – which will mean building on my recent Sydney Marathon performance and running a sub 3:40 time. My ultimate quest of running a Boston Marathon qualifying time has now increased in difficulty with the race organisers deciding to make qualifying times even quicker. I now need a sub 3:30 time to stand a chance of running Boston, and with competition for places high, I would say the nearer to 3:25 I can get, the better. Can I run this time in Brighton – probably not; but I feel like I both want and need to keep getting closer and consequently progressing as a runner. Can I actually run a 3:25 marathon ever? I do not know for sure, but I guess I must have some self belief, else my commitment to the goal would not feel as strong. For now, a PB in Brighton is the target.