Manchester Marathon Training: Week 12

I had identified that this week could be a challenge for my energy levels, as I had a couple of long and active days at work in my diary. But I am pleased to say I have learnt from the past couple of weeks when I have had suffered massive energy dips, and focused this week on eating, drinking and sleeping well - which thankfully seemed to really help!

MONDAY: cross trainer, foam rolling and Body Pump class.

TUESDAY: 8 miles of intervals was on the plan, and after delivering a bootcamp style circuit all day at work (including myself flipping a large car tyre countless times!) I was a bit worried about how it would go. The plan was for 5 x 1 mile intervals, with 90 seconds recovery in between, plus a warm up and cool down. It was tough, the recovery period felt very short and I actually thought I was going to be sick after the second interval. But I made it!

WEDNESDAY: my second long day at work, including a delightful 5am alarm to kick things off. I was late home too, and as I still wanted to make my Body Pump class I did not have time for my planned run. I opted instead for a steady 5k. My legs were heavy and this short distance felt a real effort; so I was actually pleased not to be running further!

THURSDAY: on a wonderful Spring like evening I ran 9 miles with my friend. The weather was mild - I was overdressed - and it stayed light for the entire time, which after running on so many dark winter evenings felt glorious! We kept a good pace throughout, roughly 8.30 min/mile, and the distance literally flew by. 

FRIDAY: Rest Day

​SATURDAY: my longest pre marathon training run - 22 miles. You know you have been marathon training when ten miles seems to tick by relatively quickly and without too much effort. After this I found I hit a period of leg heaviness, almost like my body started to realise it was going further and began to protest! Around 14 miles my lower quads became tight meaning hills and inclines were not enjoyable! I pushed on though, supported by running with my friend (see image) who seems to breeze through hills - my aim is to keep up with her one day! We hit 18m in 2hrs 36 mins - roughly 9 min/mile pace, and I (at this point rather enviously!) left my friend here, running the last 4 miles solo. I think I zoned out for this bit, and just focused on getting home, as I do not really remember feeling anything! I stopped the clock at 3 hours 16 mins - shattered but happy. I was even happier later to see that last year during marathon training I ran 21 miles in 3 hours 27 mins - so I was 11 mins faster today, plus ran a mile further!

SUNDAY: my overall mileage was slightly out this week having mixed up my distances slightly, so I had 3 miles left to meet my weekly total. I thus completed a very gentle 3 mile loop, mainly just to loosen the legs and finish off what has been a good training  week. ​