My Training Review: Training Week 7

MONDAY: I finished work later than normal which meant I had to quickly squeeze in a run before my Body Pump class. I managed a relatively fast 7km which was fairly tough after yesterday's half marathon but a run nevertheless!

TUESDAY: today was my Sports Massage (see below blog post) so I was advised not to run afterwards. I went to the gym instead and did a light cycle on the bike for 10km and an arm weights session.

WEDNESDAY: a 10km run before Body Pump. I discovered today why I was advised not to run on Tuesday as the pain from the bruising on my legs literally made me feel sick whilst I was running! The pain was a strange sensation, almost like a constant impact repeatedly hitting against my skin - so it wasn't the most enjoyable run I have to say!

THURSDAY: no Body Attack class so I completed a Bootcamp session at my gym. I have never done anything like this before and I enjoyed it for a change. It was a bit like a circuits class (although outdoors) with different stations including tyres, ropes, and running with weighted rucksack.

FRIDAY: rightly or wrongly (I have read mixed reviews about doing this) but I completed a longer run this evening to make up for missed distance earlier on in the week. I covered 14km at around marathon pace, my legs were a little painful at the start but I got used to the feeling and felt strong.

SATURDAY: a 5k run on the treadmill followed by some core exercises and a good stretching session in preparation for Sunday's long run. 

SUNDAY: 24km today - beating my longest run to date. I ran 15.5km with my friend on another new route which I again really enjoyed. I felt comfortable for the majority of this distance then my legs suddenly started to tire over the last 3/4km. I had drink break and a bit of a stretch at my friend's house before heading out to complete the remaining distance. This was hard, and I had the feeling of no energy in my legs and it was real effort to keep going. I am proud I kept running until the 24km mark, despite it feeling extremely slow and plodding! I was also very, very hungry during the last few kilometres so need to review my nutrition pre run for future weeks. But at least I have learnt something to take forward!