Non Training Week 9

My final week of 'no training' before the Manchester Marathon plan begins - mentally and physically I feel ready to go - so I guess these last nine weeks have served their purpose!

MONDAY: I started the week with an 8.5k run; my Garmin watch just would not find 'location' before I set off, so I ran without it. I felt like I was running well, and my feelings were reinforced when a pedestrian shouted out to me across the road, complimenting me on my running pace. Body Pump class afterwards.

TUESDAY: Rest Day

WEDNESDAY: my last stint at double Body Pump classes before marathon training. I have enjoyed the challenge of a morning and an evening class over the past few weeks, and have noticed that I have been gradually adapting to the workload, compared to the first few weeks when I was drained by the end of the evening class.

THURSDAY: a 9k run on a very unseasonably warm December evening - I wish I had been wearing just a running vest! My watch let me down again, running out of charge half way round - I need to get more routined with charging it when I get back into training that's for sure!

FRIDAY: Rest Day - unplanned after my work Christmas party carried on from lunch at 12 until 1am Saturday morning...!

SATURDAY: my friend and I ventured to a festive Park Run in Lincoln today for the last time in 2016 (see image). I had hoped to get my PB today, but after 13 hours of drinking and five hours sleep I knew this was not going to be possible! I think the fact I got up for 9am could be considered an achievement in itself! Park Run was in fact a massive struggle! I wanted to stop at one point as felt a bit queasy and my legs sluggish, but I dug in and carried on. It was again a strangely warm day, but I kept my Santa hat on to almost inflict more pain on myself! My time; no where near my best at 24mins 10sec, but it was never really going to be good! My friend meanwhile got her PB for the year, so it was a trip worth making at least!

I would also like to share the most amazing
Christmas gift that my friend gave to me after Park Run (see image) - a homemade medal hanger for my new house which I am moving into very 
shortly- isn't it just perfect!! I literally cannot wait to put it up! 

SUNDAY: ten steady miles along the riverbank near my house. I had not been along the path for many months since the darker days had drawn in, and I loved seeing how it had changed with the seasons. I didn't push the pace as still felt a little tired from Friday's antics, and I also wanted to make sure my legs were not strained too much ready for tomorrow when (finally!) marathon training begins.