London Marathon Training Week 6 #2

So this week obviously began with the latest London Marathon update (if you can call it that.) I have had my rant, which you are welcome to read again here, but I am sure you can imagine my feelings... 

Aside from the London Marathon hanging over me, this week has felt the most normal in my life for a long time; its felt good, really good, but also a little tiring as I found myself rushing around to fit things in once again. Lockdown really has made me realise how busy I often make my life! Things which have helped were actually being able to go into my office at some point each day of the week and see some colleagues. I was also single handily trying to deliver 2500 consultation letters to local households, which meant a lot of steps, but also much less time sat at my kitchen table – hallelujah! I even had my first day of annual leave during 2020 (which I somehow managed to coincide with the hottest day of the year!) which I used to have a post lockdown reunion with my sister and her boyfriend, and also made a return to the gym. This week makes me feel hopeful for the future, but I am also cautious; on reflection I am now mixing with quite a few different people, and whilst I am following the guidance, I can easily see how across the UK social contact must be sharply increasing and how local lockdowns are developing. Its such a tough balance, as I know how much better I feel in myself being able to do a few more ‘normal’ things again, but yet the threat of ‘the virus’ has yet to really go away…

MONDAY: Rest Day - with the knowledge I had a gym session booked for later in the week I thought best not to overload my body too much with any home workouts (plus I am getting bored of them now anyway!)

TUESDAY: despite the London Marathon news, I felt really motivated to run some intervals today, even with a rather tough looking 6 miles with 10 x 400m reps on the plan. I ran along the riverbank near to me, an out and back stretch which is great for intervals, but often catches you unaware with a deceivingly strong headwind. Today was one of those days and my reps ‘out’ were all well under 7 min/mile pace, whilst my reps ‘back’ into the wind were closer to 7 min/mile pace – I felt strong though despite the added challenge and enjoyed the feeling of pushing the pace.

WEDNESDAY: I met my friend this week for another 6am run just outside Lincoln. We ran 6 miles on mixed terrain and at our usual pretty speedy pace. Strictly speaking today was supposed to be a recovery run, but my affinity to my training plan was rather wavering, and I much preferred the idea of miles with a friend!

THURSDAY: again my ‘plan’ went out the window a little today; on what was supposed to be some steady miles, I actually ran 5 miles with my Run Club which included 12 x 200m fast paced efforts – again far more enjoyable! Prior to my evening run, I also went back to the gym for the first time in four months, managing to get a slot at my favourite class, Body Pump. I was a little apprehensive as to how my gym would manage the whole reopening, and I probably had fairly low expectations. However, I have to say I was honestly very impressed by the lengths they had gone to. I felt safe and was able to thoroughly enjoy doing some strength training again; yes I have lost strength, particularly upper body, but it also feels exciting to be able to work hard to get it back again.

FRIDAY: Rest Day

SATURDAY: I wanted to try test my speed this week during my ‘not Lincoln parkrun’ attempt, however my legs were still sore from my return to the gym – which I was not overly surprised by! I gave it a go though, purely aiming for some quicker miles, without expecting to feel super speedy. After my legs had warmed up a bit, I ran well and held a constant quick pace, which I extended to 4 miles. I was nowhere near parkrun speed, but it was a nice step up in gear.

SUNDAY: thankfully, my long run this week was a bit of a ‘cut back’ on my plan after last week’s 19 miles; I am not sure even I had the mental strength to log a really long run this week. 14 miles felt a nice distance though and after a number of quicker runs this week, I kept my pace easy. The warmth did make it slightly less comfortable and I also find it tougher when running with water, which although essential for long hot runs, the 2 litres or so on my back does slow me down a little!

Dare I even say that by next Sunday I should know where things stand regarding the London Marathon 2020…!? ​