My Training Review: Training Week 8

MONDAY: Monday marked the half way point of my 16 week marathon training plan - which was a scary realisation! Scary in that eight weeks have already flown by, and also scary in that the marathon will soon be upon me! I started the week with a 8.5km outdoor recovery run after Sunday's long run. My legs felt really, really tired and it was odd sensation at first running when it felt like they really didn't want to! I felt better afterwards though and did my Body Pump class at the gym.

TUESDAY: Rest Day - I had a training session for a course I am currently undertaking after work, which meant I didn't finish until late, so decided to have my rest day today. I was still feeling a little tired in general after Sunday's long run so I also felt the break would do me good.

WEDNESDAY: An 11km outdoor run finishing at the gym in time for Body Pump. My calves were initially a little tight which caused them to feel slightly uncomfortable to run on, but the feeling  eased - or I simply got used to it!

THURSDAY: Back to the tempo running this week and the first time I have attempted to do a tempo run not on a treadmill. I found it difficult to stick precisely to the suggested distances for the different running speeds without the treadmill to guide me, but it felt more natural and also nice to push the pace over a shorter distance (6.5km). I finished at the gym for another Bootcamp session.

FRIDAY: I contemplated having another rest day today, but wanted to do some good stretching as I had really neglected to do any throughout the week after my runs. So I went to the gym and did a light 10km cycle on the bike, followed by a lengthy stretch and foam roller session.

 SATURDAY: My second venture to Park Run today! Again an enjoyable experience, especially being able to go with friends. My time for the 5km distance was slightly disappointing - 26mins - and I felt like my legs just didn't want to go fast - the distance felt like nothing at least! Prior to marathon training I had been running around 23 minute 5k distances, so I am learning to have to adjust my expectations without getting too disheartened!

SUNDAY: This week's long run saw me complete another half marathon distance. The weather was not up to the standard of the last few weeks, and I battled against some VERY strong winds in places mixed with a steady rain (the above image does not do it justice!). Despite the conditions I enjoyed the run, I made sure I stuck to a steady, slower pace and finished in just over 2 hours - which I was happy with considering at times it felt like I wasn't moving against the wind! Oh, and it will come as no shock to hear that my calves were tight to start with...!