This was the first full week of my 'real' life since landing back from Australia - back to reality you could say! My aim was to continue predominantly with easy paced running whilst focusing on reintroducing strength work into my exercise regime - after a period of about four weeks without any, I knew this would be enough of a challenge! 

MONDAY: I kick started my focus on resuming regular strength work with the latest block of the Strength and Conditioning for Runners session I attend. I loved being back, but I could certainly feel the short break I had taken from strength training - my legs were shaking at the end!

TUESDAY: despite it now being dark in the mornings and markedly cooler, I still had the urge this week to want to run early before work. Ignoring the summer heatwave, I have tended to run in the evenings, but it seems I may now have broken the habit! This morning was an easy 5 miles, I wanted no pressure on pace and unsurprisingly my body had bad DOMs from Monday's session! I made a tentative return to Body Pump in the evening - more pain!

WEDNESDAY: double DOMs meant for another easy paced 4.5 mile run.

THURSDAY: today was my birthday (27 on the 27th - I pretended that was a thing!) so started the day the best way I could think, with a sunrise run. After being disciplined and keeping my running very easy since the Sydney Marathon, I allowed myself a little treat today and pushed the pace with a 5 mile progression run. It still was not super speedy, but it was nice to challenge myself a little more. I went to Body Pump again in the evening which thankfully now was less of a shock to the system!

FRIDAY: Rest Day

SATURDAY: my love of parkrun meant I was excited to be running my home Lincoln event for the first time since my Australian adventure. I knew it was going to be hard work; it would be my first real speed test post marathon, combined with the fact my legs were still not feeling back to normal yet. My sister and her boyfriend were visiting and I was more optimistic about their chances of running good times than caring about what I could do!

For someone who openly suffers from the 'post marathon blues', the week following a marathon can often be as challenging as the run itself, and this time I had given myself the double whammy of also facing the end of my Australian adventure. Surely I was setting myself up for misery? However, I am pleased to report that even though this week has been an absolute whirlwind at times with a lot of travelling and emotion, I am sat here now feeling happy, relaxed and positive. My time in Australia and the Sydney Marathon itself was perfect, and whilst this sentence sounds awfully cliche and cheesy, the break and spending time with my best friend feels like it has somehow ignited something inside me, a spark that was threatening to fade before I left. 

Running wise this week has been a good week - and not because I have logged lots of miles! Those that know me and/or read my blogs will tell you that I am notoriously rubbish at rest, and my attitude to recovery is very much I know what I should be doing, but do not actually follow it! This time I have promised myself it will be different. I have tested myself this year, 3 marathons means I have almost been in a state of permanent marathon training since January, on top of all the other races I have completed in between. My body and mind have shown a new strength, but I am certainly not unbreakable. It will be hard at times, but this week has actually been welcomed and relatively easy to adhere to my own recovery goals...

MONDAY: Rest Day - the day after Sydney Marathon. It was instantly apparent my quads had born the brunt of the marathon stress as soon as I crossed the finish line on Sunday, and they were no better today. I was quite a comical site struggling around Sydney. Steps were completed one at a time with a kind of sideways action seeming less painful, and my left quad seemed to add the element of surprise by almost buckling from beneath me at random times as I was walking. It was an interesting final day in Australia!

TUESDAY: Rest Day - today began my mammoth journey back to Lincoln. Together with the emotion of having to leave Australia and saying goodbye to my best friend, I also had to manage my legs on the long haul flight ahead of me. I was on a plane for 25+ hours, and after the first journey to Hong Kong I was not moving great at all. However, I am not sure how or why, but when I got off the second plane at Gatwick airport in the early hours of Wednesday morning thankfully my legs seemed markedly improved. 

WEDNESDAY: Rest Day - after travelling through endless time zones in the air, I still had more travelling to endure on the train to make it back to Lincoln. When I finally arrived at my front door I was feeling tired and bedraggled and there never was a moment I even considered a run!

The blog is back – after three incredibly special weeks in Australia, I find myself once again at my laptop at home in Lincoln. It was hard to leave such a spectacular country, I loved it there, and saying goodbye to my best friend was equally as difficult, our parting embrace reducing me to tears as I really did not want to let her go. It was the trip of a lifetime for me, perfect in every way, and I ended the three weeks in the only manner I know how; the Sydney Marathon. This proved to be the absolute pinnacle of my Aussie adventure…
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If I was to blog about my entire three weeks ‘down under’ this would probably turn into an essay – so I won’t. However, prior to the marathon I had already had an incredible time in Australia, running around Sydney’s streets, exploring National Parks whilst chasing waterfalls, walking in the Blue Mountains, swimming with whales in the Pacific Ocean, meeting wild Kangaroos and getting close to Koalas, celebrating my 100th parkrun, completing endless breath-taking coastal walks… the list could go on. I had experienced so much and felt a freedom and happiness which I had not known for a long time. On top of this I was with my best friend, what else could I really ask for…

A marathon – the Sydney Marathon is what I asked to be added to that list. When entering the race many months ago it was always intended to be an experience rather than a race. With two marathons already under my belt for 2018 I did not need to run another 26.2 miles, but I wanted to. How could I turn down this chance? My time in Australia leading up to race day emphasises my relaxed approach to the race; I did everything I wanted to do, no fears of saving my legs for running or preserving energy levels, I must have walked miles and eaten a lot of Aussie chocolate! My days leading up to a marathon are usually consumed by race thoughts, however this time I was completely relaxed and had no pressure on myself to meet any goal – it felt quite liberating.

My training for this marathon had been challenging at times; at the onset I said I would not push myself as hard for this block, however I found myself doing so – I think it is in my nature. I was also tested by the scorching heat of the British summer, with early morning alarms getting me out on the streets for 5.30am before work and 20 milers logged carrying litres of water on my back just to survive. Aspects of my personal life also had an impact, as I have openly documented. At times I have felt emotionally drained, hurt and as a result just not myself. Training has helped me cope with this, and I have used the emotional pain to push myself harder, which is a response I would actually utilise in Sydney too…

The day before the marathon was an absolute scorcher, 30 degrees and almost too hot to do anything. I was starting to think my seeming fate of running marathons in heat would be continuing ‘down under’. Thankfully this was not the case, and on race day I woke to a cool and gusty morning, with highs of 15 degrees forecasted, which probably felt very cold to native Aussies! My best friend was also running the marathon and her partner the half marathon; he was due to start at 6am and us at 7am. This had meant a rather ridiculous alarm of 4am in order to eat and travel to the start, which luckily for us was only a short walk from my friend’s apartment. The race begins just underneath the Harbour Bridge and as we arrived at the start it was certainly apparent it was a fresh morning – even I was cold! The strong wind meant we had to seek shelter after waving off the half marathon runners, however I was happy with the conditions, very happy in fact, and by now I was just eager to get running.

Although I was putting no pressure on myself, I also respect the marathon distance and I knew I still needed to run with discipline. My friend would be quicker than me so I did not want to try keep up with her and then suffer for large parts of the race later on. We opted instead to run over the Harbour Bridge together and then begin our own races. As the start gun fired we wound our way up and on to the bridge; it was surreal as hundreds of runners ebbed their way across the endless archway, with the sun gently rising in the sky. I had a huge smile on my face, I loved the race already and I was not even a mile in. Leaving the bridge, my friend and I then parted, and I started my own race…

The first five miles absolutely flew by; I nearly did a double take on my watch when I saw the distance I had achieved already. I was just so busy taking it all in and enjoying the moment. I had passed a fellow runner wearing an Ipswich Town Football Club shirt, my football team and birth town, and had shared a few words with him about how poor our team is currently doing – I certainly did not expect that to happen during the Sydney Marathon! More significantly, I had also passed the 3:45 pacer, not intentionally, but I had caught them up and then found they were just not running to my rhythm. I also dislike the pressure clinging onto a pacer adds to a race, so was happy to lose the group. I fully expected the pacer to catch me up later on, but that thought did not really bother me at the time.
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A large chunk of the marathon course is completed in Sydney’s Centennial Park, with a few miles looped around its circumference. It was by no means horrendous, but I was pleased when we left and headed back to the main city as it gave me knowledge I had some good miles in the bag. The remainder of the course is set in central Sydney and it is not the flattest - my quads were telling me that! I feel I can be quite strong running on hills though, and whilst my legs hurt, I coped with the challenges. I could not quite believe the pace I was still holding at this point though, I felt good and with each mile that passed I thought ‘I can do a few more of this’ rather than starting to struggle. 15 miles passed, then 18, and before I knew it 20 miles were approaching.

​‘What’s your next race then Alice?’ That infamous question has been cropping up again recently, but I do not think many people expect the answer I give. ‘Sydney Marathon’ I reply, as if it were a straightforward, logical response. Reactions range from shock, disbelief to pure excitement. Sydney Marathon is about three weeks away and I fly to Australia tomorrow – yet the news is still a surprise to many. I have not kept my trip to Australia purposely quiet, but it has just felt rather indulgent. Travelling to Australia was something I never thought I would do in my life, let alone run a race ‘down under’. As a child, a trip to the other side of the world was something I imagined only certain people were able to achieve, and now I am getting to do it. It is surreal.
 
The biggest motivation for my Australia trip is not just the marathon though, and maybe that’s why I have not shouted about the 26.2 mile race I have entered as much either. My trip is focused around visiting my best friend, who moved to Sydney nearly 3 years ago (you can enjoy some of our random mixture of memories on the leaving card I gave her - see image!) Even though it has been a few years since my friend left the UK, I still miss her a lot, and to finally be able to spend quality time with her and experience her Australian life will be really special – the marathon is the cliché cherry on top.
 
Sydney Marathon will hopefully be my 8th marathon – a fact I personally find quite hard to believe even though I have ran them all! I have trained hard so far, but without any pressure - there is a difference. I like to push myself, work hard and be disciplined – that’s just me. However, for Sydney Marathon I have no goals for the race other than to finish and relish the entire experience. So, whilst I have tested myself in training, especially during this hot summer, I do not want to start Sydney Marathon with any weight of expectation on my shoulders. When I land ‘down under’ I will also have around two and half weeks in Australia before race day on Sunday 16th September. I want to enjoy these days and not worry about being in strict marathon prep mode the entire time. My friend and I have some exciting adventures planned already and making memories matters more to me than what time I can run 26.2 miles in.

My final week in the UK before I start my rather lengthy trip to the other side of the world. Whilst 23 hours on a plane does not appeal to me at all, the end destination very much does. It is similar to marathon training I guess, I cannot expect to turn up and run a marathon without investing the time into training beforehand. So, as much as I have wanted this week to pass by very quickly, I have still had to remain focused on the processes required to get there.

MONDAY: Rest Day - after Sunday's 22 miler, which I think was one of the hardest training runs I have completed throughout my various marathon training cycles, today I did not feel good - there is no other way to put it! I woke feeling so tired, almost delirious, and I could barely make coherent sentences - it was almost like being drunk! Thankfully I had the day off work, so I took things very easy and allowed myself some rest.

TUESDAY: yesterday's recovery really paid dividends and I woke today raring to attack intervals. I had 8 miles to run, with 5 x 1 mile reps and 400m recoveries. Mile reps can be tough, but I felt focused to tackle them and to try and maintain consistency and a strong running rhythm. My splits were pleasing logging at 7.18, 7.25, 7.36, 7.24 and 7.23 min/mile respectively, although you can see which mile landed predominantly on a slight uphill section!

WEDNESDAY: my quads troubled me a little on this morning's run, which was an easy paced 9 miles. I have been experiencing waves of tightness in my quadriceps just above the knee, it is not painful but just makes strides feel a little unnatural at times. Despite some strange sensations in my muscles, my 'easy pace' felt good today at an 8.20 min/mile average, and I seemed to grow into the run with the last 7 miles all logging at sub 8.20 min/mile pace without it feeling any extra exertion. 

THURSDAY: my plan asked for some 'marathon paced' miles today - what is my marathon pace?! I am not really sure yet! So, as you can imagine this run was a little off plan! I ran a 7 mile tempo run still, but my splits were definitely not what I am capable of running 26.2 miles in (hopefully/maybe one day!) and were predominantly sub 8 min/mile pace. Body Pump in the evening. 

FRIDAY: Rest Day

This week seems to have passed by in a little bit of a blur! Runs have been successfully ticked off the plan though, I feel more content in myself, and the excitement is building for my trip to Australia, with take off in just over a week!
 
MONDAY: following Newark Half Marathon on Sunday I had a rest day today. I was also participating in a research study that required rest from exercise which may also have influenced my choice – I will not pretend it was solely my decision!
 
TUESDAY: a hard interval run, which simply felt cruel on my legs. I am still running early morning despite it being less of a heatwave now, but I just seem to be into the routine of waking up and simultaneously lacing up! I think the reason why this run felt so cruel was the amount of reps – 15 x 400m with 200m recoveries, over an 8 mile distance. The repeated stop/start nature of demanding speed from my legs over and over again tired me, and it showed in my rep splits. I started well with 7-7.15 min/mile splits, then had a bit of a slump in the middle when things felt tough, however was able to gather myself and my pace again toward the end. Physically and mentally tough runs hurt at the time, but they feel extra rewarding when you finish. Body Pump class in the evening.
 
WEDNESDAY: today’s run was hard again, but not really due to the demands of my plan. I headed out for 10 easy paced miles, but my legs just felt so empty and almost unstable. I knew I wanted to play safe, so I cut the miles slightly shorter to complete an 8 mile loop and just focused on getting home in one piece. My ‘easy’ pace was acceptable, averaging 8.27 min/mile, but the unease in my legs meant it felt a run to tick off rather than enjoy. I was proud of myself for not pushing things though, you have to listen to your body at times, and it takes discipline to do that as much as to run.
 
THURSDAY: waking up to rain lashing against my window, my eagerness to get out running early was tested slightly! I rolled over in bed at first, but my mind wouldn’t settle back to sleep – I wanted to run. Braving the rainfall (see image), I ran 9 alternating miles; 1 mile easier pace, 1 mile harder pace. My legs felt much better than on yesterday’s run, although I did have some on and off quad tightness at times which felt a little strange. I was happy with my splits though, particularly with my consistency after the first couple of miles, logging 8.39, 8.03, 8.19, 7.33, 8.17, 7.33, 8.03, 7.28, and 8.10 min/mile respectively. Body Pump in the evening.
 
FRIDAY: Rest Day

SATURDAY: after going sub 21 minutes at Lincoln parkun last week, I really wanted to try keep some consistency today. I felt I ran well and I was humbled as ever by the little cheers and encouragements the volunteer marshals gave me throughout – it is such a boost and always brings a smile to my sometimes grimacing face! I ran into the finish funnel and felt a little disappointed to read a time of just over 21 minutes on my watch, not because this is a bad time, but because the run simply felt that little bit quicker. Chatting to runners after my time was soon forgotten though, and I was actually more pleased my legs felt strong after a few wobbles in the week. However, later in the day my official time came through as 20:58 – I was very happy! You can sense your runs sometimes, I knew I felt good today.
 
SUNDAY: ​the big run - 22 miles. Running this distance is tough enough, but circumstances meant I was making this run even more of a challenge for myself. I had work at 11am, meaning I needed to be out running by roughly 6am to have a bit of breathing space.  I usually eat two hours before a long run, but I could not face a 4am alarm, or trying to force food down at that time of the morning. Instead I tried to eat high-carb meals throughout Saturday to fuel my body, and I downed a bottle of Lucozade pre-run and stuffed my Camelbak with as much energy as possible to take during the run. It was not ideal I knew it, but I would just have to cope with it. Although a grey day it was muggy out; my CamelBak annoyed me for the first time, it felt sticky against my back and like I was carrying an extra weight of water I did not really need. The first 10 miles were average, a blustery wind keeping my pace steady, and I took energy on early to try and avoid a total crash. From 10 miles onward though my legs progressively just ground to an almost halt; my quads felt tight and stiff, and steps seemed hard work. At 18 miles I sat down on a nearby tree stump to take on another gel to try give my body a boost, and if it had not been for the fact I was so exhausted I think I would have cried. My legs just hurt so much it was hard to imagine running again! I had to though, not just because I wanted to make 22 miles, but I actually had no other way of getting back other than walking, which would have made me late for work. I restarted my legs somehow and with determination ground out the final miles - pace meant nothing now. I made it home with 22 miles banked, and proceeded to literally collapse onto my hall floor, legs buzzing in utter protest at what I had just made them complete. In that moment I cannot say I felt great, but I did feel proud I had stuck at it. My average pace was 8.50 min/mile - not amazing, but not a disaster either given the circumstances. I am never attempting to run a virtually fasted 22 miler again, but I did make it to work on time! 

For the first time since before April this year I stood at the start of a race under damp, cool, grey skies with goosepimpled skin. I have nearly become accustomed to race days involving dodgy tan lines, 20 plus degree heats and pouring copious amounts of water over my head in order to survive. This almost felt new! The Newark Half Marathon was not a new event for me though, I had taken part last year when I had used it as more of a training run in the lead up to Berlin Marathon. I had entered Newark Half Marathon again this year as part of my Sydney Marathon training, but this time I wanted to race. The weather conditions meant I felt I could test myself properly, and after weeks of logging solo long runs, I was also ready for a different challenge.
 
The race started at Sconce Park, but in slight difference to last year, the organisers had moved the startline a little further back to limit the length of the grass finish at the end. This pleased me; organisers acting on runner feedback, and overall, I was really impressed with the friendly but efficient organisation of the whole event. I found myself quit near the startline with people seeming a little reluctant to be bold with their finish time aims. I guess this is actually quite refreshing as we all know too often people can place themselves quite obviously in wrong start pens. This meant as the start signal was given I was soon racing off the line, and racing I most certainly was.
 
I strode from the start, checking instantly into my running form; I have been focusing a lot recently on my arm action and I wanted this to be strong from the start. The first couple of miles passed by very quickly and the course soon left Newark, leading out to a village called Hawton and then heading over the A46 and onto more rural roads. I remembered from last year that the first half of the course was very long and straight, with many miles logged on the same couple of roads. Last year I found this a little demoralising, but this time the course seemed to compliment my running. The long stretches of open road meant my stride was unbroken and my running pace remained consistent, I was in the zone you could say. This first half of the course also featured a few longer, drawn out hills, some more obvious than others until you began to climb them. I found myself driving confidently up these challenges, even against the moderate breeze which was blowing into my face. I was picking off runners on the ascents and striding out of the decents unaffected. Things felt good and my pace was around 7.30 min/mile pace or just below. I kept a mantra in my head, setting myself the goal of completing just a few more miles at this pace, then asking myself to dig in for a few more.
 
After passing the half way point the course turned onto some smaller rural lanes. I had a brief moment of struggle here. The wind vanished and suddenly the day no longer felt cool, but in fact quite muggy and intense. Thankfully a water station appeared and I dowsed myself with water, took on some energy and refocused my mind. It was around this point I realised that since probably the first mile I had not seen another female runner either in the distance or had anyone take over me. I am not really sure what this told me, it was just an observation at this point! However, between miles 8 and 9 a marshal informed me I was 10th female. 10th! I could not believe it and I was even more determined not to drop pace now.

Whilst my position in the race pleased me, what felt even more satisfying was how I was physically feeling. I was not looking at my watch religiously as I could sense my running was consistent still; my stride was powerful, whenever my arm action began to tire I immediately felt it and regained my form, and most importantly I was enjoying my running.

Hitting ten miles I told myself just three more miles to tick off and passing through Hawton village again and re-joining the same roads the race started on, it really felt like I was on the final stretch. Perhaps the only disappointment I have from my performance was when I passed 12 miles; mentally I wanted to push for that final mile, but physically my legs did not have a mile-long kick left in them. I tried, but they were unwilling. This final mile therefore felt probably the longest of all, as for the first time I was not running as I wanted.

As I neared the final turn to re-enter Sconce Park, a male runner caught me up and ran by my side. ‘Just the grass to beat’ – he said, ‘We can do it’ I confidently replied. The grass finish was still hard, even though I was very grateful it was considerably shorter than last year. My new friend urged us on - ‘Come on sub 1:40, we can do it’, again my reply was confident ‘We can beat 1.40 easily, come on!’ Sprinting on grass does not feel like sprinting, it is energy sapping and definitely not smooth, but my new friend and I powered as fast as possible toward the finish arch and crossed the line almost exactly together. My time was 1:38:23 – I turned, smiled, and shook the hand of my finish partner ‘sub 1:40’ I simply beamed.
 
My finish time was not a PB, although is my second quickest half marathon time to date, but it felt such an achievement. I think I felt more pride from how good I felt running and how much I enjoyed the whole race. I was very happy to place 10th female too, a simple bonus. The Newark Half Marathon is a race I think I may be growing to love…  ​

​This week has been one of my most satisfying and enjoyable running weeks for a long time. I have loved all the runs I have logged and also produced some very pleasing performances. Away from running, ongoing personal life problems came to a bit of a head, and although I was very tempted just to pretend nothing had been going on in this blog, the emotion these events gave me actually fuelled some of my running. So, whilst not the most joyful thing to be recounting or probably reading, it is relevant.

MONDAY: Body Pump class 

TUESDAY: this week’s plan looked a little gentler (if that word can be used during marathon training!) with 6 miles of fartlek today’s interval type run. I wanted to use this week to give my body a bit of a chance to recover and reset, so quite welcomed the break from running sets and reps both physically and mentally. Instead I opted to use the environment around me to add the challenge, throwing in some longer hills I usually tend to avoid during speedwork, then ending with faster 7.40 min/mile splits. I loved the run because I felt free, quite apt as the word fartlek literally means ‘speed play.’

WEDNESDAY: an easy paced 6 miles which seemed joyfully comfortable at around 8 min/mile pace. Even though it was cooler today and I had no evening commitments, I still woke with a 5.30am alarm to run – I now seem to simply be in the habit!
 
THURSDAY: today’s planned 7 mile progression run had the chance to ruin my week of happy running; it is not my favourite type of training run simply because you have to be so pace orientated. However, during this run my mind and body felt disciplined to succeed and I logged perfect splits - and by perfect I mean not killing myself with the first split being much too fast - of 8.43, 8.20, 8.16, 8.04, 7.58, 7.39, and 7.15 min/mile respectively. Body Pump in the evening.
 
FRIDAY: Rest Day – changes in my personal life really upset me today. I had been trying to bury the emotion all week, but arriving home Friday night I sat on my sofa and simply cried like a child. It was hard, but what is relevant to running is what brought me out of my sobbing state was the fact it was parkrun tomorrow. I looked at my puffy face and mascara strewn cheeks in the mirror and thought I needed to pull myself together if I wanted to run well in the morning. Running is powerful to my life like that.
 
SATURDAY: I will admit, waking today I still felt a little emotionally drained and my eyes seemed swollen and sleepy. I felt determined to really believe in myself today though and I wanted to channel some emotion positively. Arriving at Lincoln parkrun, which I have long called my happy place, I felt at home and content instantly; now to see if my legs would agree with me! 

Spurred on by enthusiastic marshal and volunteer support, I logged two strong laps, both sub 7 min/mile pace, and knew I just needed to hold on during the last lap and I may meet my aim of going below 21 minutes again. My legs were trying to give up on me, but as a fellow female runner overtook me I resolved to try keep up with her. I remained in her shadow until the final 100 metres when I sprinted as if fresh out the blocks to dip into the funnel first – my time 20:56 (see image). I was gasping for air, hands on my knees in the finish funnel, and turned my head to see my new runner friend in the exact same position. We exchanged a smile as if to say – why do we do this?! – then I extended my hand to her for a handshake, which seems to be the ending to nearly all my parkruns of late. This is why I love parkrun though – most people around me I do not know on the start line, but by the end we are friends.

​SUNDAY: again, I woke today with the week’s personal events mulling over and over again in my mind – I was in quite a sombre mood. It was Newark Half Marathon today though, which I had been really looking forward to as a break from logging long slow 20 mile runs, and the race now felt doubly good timing for me. Conditions were grey and rainy, but I was actually pleased with this; it would be my first event not held in 20+ degree heat since before April. I knew I wanted to really race, and I did. I channelled all my emotional pain into physical pain, pushing my body to keep going. I felt strong, in control, maintained positive running form and most importantly loved every single one of the 13.1 miles I completed. I crossed the line in 1:38:23 and as 10th female – not a PB, but it felt like it (see image). Full blog to follow soon. ​

A challenging and sometimes frustrating week both in running and for some personal reasons. However, I have kept going, which I think is the mentality I possess - it takes a lot for me to give up on anything in life, especially things I care about. It is also virtually three weeks until I fly to Australia now; I cannot wait to see my friend and the marathon at the end seems a huge bonus, and this just gives me even more motivation. 

MONDAY: a morning Body Pump session the day after running a 20 miler was probably not my greatest idea - I just felt so tired! I had the day off work though, and with it being a running 'rest day' and having evening commitments, it seemed like a logical decision - my logic can openly be questioned at times though! 

TUESDAY: on a slightly cooler morning I actually really enjoyed an interval run, and without the intensity of the suffocating heat, I felt I could run a lot more naturally. I completed 7 miles with 8 x 800m reps and 200m recoveries, with splits predominantly between 7.20 and 7.30 min/mile pace. Although I enjoyed the run, when I arrived home I made the mistake of comparing my splits to my spring marathon training, and I felt a little disappointed that I was a fair bit quicker in spring. My logic can once again be questioned here as so many variables can be apparent - however I know I am not quite as sharp/quick as I was earlier in the year at the moment, and sometimes that can frustrate me when I am training equally as hard. 

WEDNESDAY: another cooler morning and an opportunity to boost my confidence after yesterday's run. I ran 9 steady miles, and including a warm up mile, averaged a pleasing 8:09 min/mile pace, and simply just felt strong.

THURSDAY: a real sign of marathon training is when you look at your plan and think - 'oh, its only 5 miles today' - the word 'only' simply becomes abused! Despite a relatively shorter distance, I got out running early with temperatures rising back to 'very hot' status. My legs were simply dead though; the run was supposed to be a marathon paced effort, but I just focused on gently getting round. Even taking it easy I was a sweaty mess at the end, and I think I have to remind myself just how demanding marathon training is, especially in this year's heat. Body Pump class in the evening. 

FRIDAY: Rest Day

The breaking news from this week is that it actually rained! Of course, Mother Nature decided it would be good timing for the skies to open on Sunday when I had 20 miles planned..! Prior to this, the heat has continued to be a challenge, and 5:30am morning alarms have remained a necessity. 

MONDAY: this evening was the last session of the current block of Strength and Conditioning for Runners sessions I have been attending. I have really enjoyed the past weeks, not only do I feel I have progressed my running technique, but I have also relished being part of another developing community of runners. This final week we completed some timed runs using uphill and downhill gradients, as well as timed laps to measure our progress against week one. We also finished with a fun team relay challenge, which really emphasised the camaraderie which has built between us all. 

TUESDAY: an early interval run of 7 miles with 6 x 1000m reps and 200m recovery periods. Even getting out just before 6am the temperature was already at 18 degrees. Needless to say it was tough at times, but I was determined to push as hard as possible. I could feel the effects of last night's Strength and Conditioning session in my legs, which had been completed at pretty much maximal effort, and by the end I really was hanging on in there! My splits were good though in the conditions; 7.46, 7.31, 7.26, 7.26, 7.28 and 7.32 min/mile respectively. Body Pump class in the evening.

WEDNESDAY: today started with an easy paced 10 miler - I would like to say I chose to keep the pace 'easy' but in reality my legs had absolutely no energy and I do not think I really had much option other than to plod round! I think the past few days had accumulated in my limbs, and I also do not think I had really fuelled enough.

THURSDAY: 7 miles with alternating paces; 1 mile easier, followed by 1 mile faster. I usually aim to keep about a minutes difference between the two paces on these type of runs, however this was a little more of a challenge given the warmth of the morning. I was not far from this target though and sometimes you just have to adapt and be realistic in the conditions. Body Pump in evening.

FRIDAY: Rest Day

SATURDAY: Friday was a little bit 'off plan' for me. Generously given the afternoon off work by our employer, I went out for some pizza with my colleagues, which then ended up leading to some 'quiet' drinks, which then ended up with me pulling out some of my questionable dance moves until the early hours. I had not planned this evening at all, but in the moment I felt like I wanted bit of an escape to be honest. With this in mind, I did not feel my sharpest for Lincoln parkrun today! Thankfully the temperature had cooled a lot, else I think I would have massively struggled, and I managed to respectively finish in 21:17. 

SUNDAY: waking up to rain lashing on my window and a swirling wind I will admit running 20 miles was not appealing. I was running on my own too, which meant I knew I would have to draw on some real mental strength to get the miles logged. I procrastinated for longer than I have done in past weeks, where I have been eager to get out before the heat built, and found myself staring out my kitchen window wishing it would clear up a bit and that I had my friend to run with. Wishing gets you nowhere though, so I headed out the door and ran. The first 10 miles were relatively ok; the wind battered me at times, but the rain was actually quite refreshing. From 10 miles onward though my legs got a bit twangy and tight in odd spots, which held me back a bit. After 15 miles I could then feel the energy draining from my legs. Hitting 16 miles I stopped, took on a gel and sent a message to my sister saying '4 miles to go - but my legs are gone'. Her reply of  'go, go, go' was what I needed - just 'go' Alice, no point thinking about it, just do it! Unfortunately as I turned to complete the final 4 mile stretch I was hit with a massive headwind which would persist until I arrived home. My pace and legs suffered in this, but I kept 'going'. Even when a huge fallen tree blocked my path (see image), there was no way I was turning back, and instead I completed a slightly precarious assault of its fallen branches. I hit 20 miles - the run was a mental and physical challenge at times, but that sense of knowing you did it never gets tiring. ​

'You are so brown Alice - have you been on holiday?' - was the question I was asked this week. 'Its running!' I replied. Summer marathon training is certainly leaving me with golden limbs and dubious tan lines. So, the warm weather continues, and I think it has now been a month since the last time I contemplated an evening run. The good news is that this week I have felt far less shattered; the bad news is that  certain non running aspects of life have left me feeling frustrated and at a bit of a loss at times - but I have channelled this energy into my running. Running is usually my answer to most things..!

MONDAY: Strength and Conditioning for Runners session, followed by a Body Pump class

TUESDAY: early morning intervals - although this run felt less like an interval run, with fewer, longer reps, and lengthier recovery periods. I ran 7 miles with 4 x 1 mile intervals and 400m recovery periods. I aimed for my mile reps to be as close to the lower end of the 7 min/mile pace bracket as possible, and was pleased with 7.38, 7.22, 7.17 and 7.21 min/mile splits - I always seem to take one rep to warm up in the mornings even when it is hot! 

WEDNESDAY: this morning felt like a conventional British summer, it was still warm, but no where near the intensity of late. I had 7 easy miles to run, and in much kinder conditions I found that running actually felt a lot easier than past weeks (not sure why I was surprised by this!) My pace suggested I found things more comfortable too, with an 8.08 min/mile average compared to past weeks when I have been more towards 8.30 min/mile for easy runs. 

THURSDAY: another early, easy paced run. The weather was still on the kinder side of hot, but I reined in my pace a little this time to give my legs some gentle miles, completing 10 miles with an 8.22 min/mile average. Body Pump class in the evening. 

FRIDAY: Rest Day

SATURDAY: after a week with no parkrun I was very happy to be heading back to my home Lincoln event this morning. I always call it 'my happy place', and standing chatting to friends in the sun (which was already burning my skin!) I am always reminded why. It was hot, but as I ran I felt the best I had at Lincoln parkrun in a good few weeks. I seemed so much more in control, and it actually took a while for this fact to fully dawn on me. It was as I entered the third and final lap that the thought really struck me - my legs feel strong still! So I pushed on this last lap, where in past weeks I have struggled around the final loop, and I finished in 21:07, my best Lincoln time for a while. A male runner crossed the line just behind me and thanked me for pacing him to a new PB - I had no idea I actually was acting as a pacer, but I was pleased to help someone and little things like this make me love the Lincoln parkrun community even more.

SUNDAY: today I was running solo again for my long run, which is not my favourite thing to do, but across the past few weeks I have had to get more accustomed to it. My plan was for 16 miles with the first half slower and the second half quicker. Usually I tend to ignore this on a long run and just get my miles logged at a consistent pace, however today as I was running on my own I thought I would attempt something. I did not have the confidence to try running half the distance quicker, but I thought I would assess my body towards the end and see if I could manage at least a fast finish. I felt strong throughout the run; there was no fade or struggle trying to force its way into my body, and as my route turned to head for home I decided to give the final 4 miles a push and see what was really left. My tank was definitely not empty, and my final 3 miles in particular were most pleasing with 8.20, 8.15 and 8.16 min/mile pace splits. This run gave me a real confidence boost; long runs have been a struggle of late in the heat and despite working hard, I was not really sure where my training was at - today helped push out some doubts. ​

Two things have been the feature of this week - heat (still) and tiredness. The warm weather rages on, although thankfully there have been a couple of slightly less intense days this week. My overall tiredness has been prominent though; some days I have literally felt like a zombie whilst walking to work in the mornings! I think my tiredness is an accumulation of many things; my general increase in marathon training, having to work harder running in the heat, my early alarms to try beat the heat, and the fact outside of running my job has also been very busy of late - which all just builds eventually! 

MONDAY: Strength and Conditioning for Runners session, followed by a Body Pump class.

TUESDAY: 5.5 miles of early intervals on a slightly cooler but muggy morning. I felt I ran better in terms of my form and pacing and had the same sets to complete - 16 x 200m with 200m recoveries - as last week. Although I felt my running had improved on last week, my paces were on average slightly slower for most of the intervals, which did surprise me a bit. However, I was satisfied with the fact it felt a lot better at least!

WEDNESDAY: an easy paced 10 miles, averaging 8:29 min/mile pace. I ran very early today, and it was comfortably cooler - this does help make the early alarms feel worthwhile! 

THURSDAY: I was really tired today, and found myself splashing cold water on my eyes to attempt to try wake myself up before I headed out the door for more early miles. I had the same tempo run as last week to complete; 7 miles with the middle 5 miles at half marathon pace. At first I was slow to get going, unsurprising really considering I did not really feel awake! Eventually I got into my rhythm though and logged pleasing splits of 8.52, 7.55, 7.36, 7.31, 7.39, 7.31, 8.05 min/mile respectively. Body Pump class in the evening.

​FRIDAY: Rest Day

And so the warm weather continues..! The heat is certainly adding an extra challenge to marathon training at the moment...

MONDAY: Strength and Conditioning for Runners session - I was quite pleased that post Lincoln 10k on Sunday my legs did not feel too bad.

TUESDAY: the start of three consecutive mornings which begun with a 5:50am alarm in order to get out running before the heat hit - and still make it to work on time! Today was intervals; 5.5 miles with 16 x 200m reps and 200m recoveries. It was a muggy, warm morning but with shorter, sharper reps I hoped to still be able to run the intervals at around 7 min/mile pace or slightly below. The best way to describe the run is sweaty; on the recovery periods I simply poured! However I did manage the majority of the reps at 6:53 min/mile pace, which was very pleasing. 

WEDNESDAY: an early 10 miler keeping at a comfortable pace, averaging 8.24 min/mile.

THURSDAY: I really had to force myself out of bed this morning when my pre 6am alarm woke me for the third time in as many days, but with 29 degree temperature forecast for the evening I knew I had to get out running. Luckily the run was a tempo run, which I tend to enjoy, so this helped me drag myself out the door. I ran 7 miles with the middle 5 miles aiming for half marathon pace. It was really warm already and I had one small break at about the half way point in some shade simply just to try cool down a little! Despite it being tough, my splits were good; 8.28, 7.49, 7.39, 7.32, 7.32, 7.25 and 8.07 min/mile respectively. Body Pump in the evening. 

​FRIDAY: Rest Day - and no early alarm!

​SATURDAY: Lincoln parkrun today was just ridiculously hot. Stood chatting to friends around the bandstand before the run started I think I was already sweating, it was that warm. Needless to say running was tough, I felt sluggish in the heat, especially as I tried to push as hard as possible in the conditions. My time was definitely not my quickest at 21:47, but it was the best I could safely do, and did see me finish as First Female.

On 18th March 2018 I tentatively drew back my curtains and proceeded to sulk like a child as I saw that the ‘Beast from the East’ had covered my hometown Lincoln in a blanket of overnight snow. I hate snow anyway, but this day was meant to be the Lincoln 10k road race, one of my favourite days and events of the year. Needless to say, there was no Lincoln 10k, with the event cancelled – or so I thought…
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Fast forward nearly four months to July 1st 2018 and the Lincoln 10k was very much happening, for which credit must go to Run For All and the City of Lincoln Council for finding a new date for the event to take place. Whilst snow played havoc in March, race day take two could not have been more different if it tried. Landing in the middle of a UK heatwave (or have we just forgotten what summer is really like!?) it was very, very hot; a harsh 25/26 degree heat. Since the London Marathon in April, every race I have taken part in this year has been hot, but this was probably the closest it has come to those brutal marathon day conditions. As I walked to that start all I kept telling myself was if I could run 26.2 miles in that heat, I could do this.

The Lincoln 10k is special to me; not only is it my hometown event, but its where my running adventures really started. A very nervous 21-year-old version of me had stood at the same start line in 2013 and completed my first ever running race wearing battered gym trainers, old Primark socks, an analogue wrist watch and with the uncertainty of whether I could actually make it around a 10k route. Things have changed a little now! Since 2013 I have completed every Lincoln 10k and shared the day with some very special people in my life, which is why it felt lovely to have my sister and her boyfriend join me for the 2018 race.

As we arrived at the start line it was strange to see the starting pens completely empty – no one wanted to be stood in the direct sun for any longer than needed! We found a spot in some shade and waited until the last possible moment to take our spot on the start line. As we did I was soon greeted by many familiar faces from the Lincoln running community, parkrun friends and people I simply regularly spot whilst out training around the streets of Lincoln; we wished each other luck and joked about the very obvious heat. My strategy for the 10k was simply to run as I felt; the weather was clearly going to play a factor, so I decided to adapt as I ran, I would know if I needed to slow and if things felt overly tough, and with a much more experienced runner head now, this is an approach I felt I could take.

As the ‘go’ signal was given I raced off the line, probably getting a little caught up in the excitement of the day. A large section of the first mile is set on a gradual decline, which is also tree lined and thus provided welcome shade. My first split was therefore very quick. This rather ‘too good to be true’ first mile also meant that as the course turned onto the next road, set on long, gradual incline and in full glaring sun, things instantly felt a lot harsher. I tried not to let this panic me, and just focused on maintaining my place amid the runners I found myself running alongside.

Without stating the very obvious; it was just so hot, and as the first water station appeared I found myself vigorously pouring water over my head and body in scenes reminiscent of the London Marathon. Again, I thought back to this race – I did that, I could do this. Keeping calm and in control was crucial for me, and whereas in my last 10k at Woodhall Spa I felt after two miles I could run no more, today passing two miles I felt much more assured. I was working very hard still, and on a section of road which I wouldn’t usually think of as having many changes in gradient, I felt every slight change in incline as it demanded more from my already strained body. This was a theme for the race really; whilst the Lincoln 10k is generally regarded as a flat race, the heat made each climb feel like a mountain - long drawn out mountains basking in the sun's direct heat!

My knowledge of the 10k course and the fact I run these roads so often definitely helped me in the final stages of the race; I knew which sections were left, and I focused on the roads I had to tick off rather than my mileage or pace. As the course looped back past the start line again and onto the last section, people I knew in the crowds started to pick me out and cheer my name, I smiled back or gave a slight nod of acknowledgement, although I am sure with my sister running (who is actually my twin!) we caused a few people to think they were seeing double!

The support of Lincoln friends certainly boosted me on the final mile, which is another long, gradual climb which usually feels a bit of a challenge, but today felt like it simply went on for ever. I needed and was grateful of every enthusiast cheer. I started a little battle with a fellow female runner at this point too, each of us seemingly taking a turn to step up the pace before dropping back and letting the other try kick for the finish. As we turned the final corner with the finish arch in sight we raced each other to the line and crossed at almost the exact same moment. My actual finish time was 44:29, not a PB but only 30 seconds away from my current record and just 11 seconds slower than last year’s race, which was held in the usual spring weather. I was happy, absolutely drained from the heat, but very pleased with my performance in the testing conditions. After I had composed myself I found the lady I had raced with and congratulated her on a great final mile; she seemed pleased I had spoken to her and proceeded to pull me into an impromptu ‘selfie’  - a touching surprise.

As I wearily walked around the edge of the beautiful Lincoln Cathedral toward the post-race village set in Lincoln Castle's grounds (a finish setting which I think I take for granted being a Lincoln local) lots of people I knew began to spot and talk to me – which is one of the things I love about Lincoln 10k day, it brings so many people together whilst doing something so positive too. In the Castle grounds I continued to meet and chat to more friends who had completed the 10k, which led to my sister and her boyfriend joking I was a Lincoln celebrity due to all the people I knew! I am not, but the day reinforced to me just how much Lincoln is my home now, and what a big part running has played in making it feel that way.
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So another Lincoln 10k medal has been earned, and it certainly felt hard earned this year! I think I ran the race well, although my first mile was quick, my other splits were much more consistent and seem to show I settled into a manageable pace which I could maintain in heat. I enjoyed being able to share the experience with my sister and her boyfriend, hear their thoughts on the race and recount experiences over a well earned post-race BBQ basking in the now welcomed sun in my back garden. Lincoln 10k day will always be special to me – and this year was no different. ​

This week has been a bit of an 'off plan' week - as off plan as I get anyway! I looked at what I had planned in my day to day life and what was on my running plan and the two did not really combine that well! Rather than get stressed or try and squeeze in lots of miles I just settled with doing what I could, and sitting here writing this blog I feel completely fine about this - which is a positive for me!

MONDAY: the start of a very hot week in the UK heatwave. After Round Sheffield Run on Sunday my legs were not feeling great; getting out of bed Monday morning was like I had completed a marathon, with my hips in particular bearing the brunt of the soreness. I felt a bit better by the evening and managed my Strength and Conditioning session and a Body Pump class.

TUESDAY: an easy paced 8 miles before going away with work on a conference. It was warm even at 6.30am, and despite keeping my pace in check I was a sweaty mess at the end. It felt good to get some miles in though, and a slower pace stressed my still sore legs a little less.

WEDNESDAY: after very minimal sleep following a late night at my conference I was faced with squeezing in a quick, early run in a place which is virtually in the middle of nowhere! Running with my phone in hand to try help navigate, I ran a faster out and back 5k to simply not get lost and save time; it certainly helped wake me up a little!

THURSDAY: back home and continuing with more early morning miles; 6 miles in the shape of a tempo run - my favourite. It was marginally cooler first thing and this helped with my pace, logging on target splits of 8:36, 7.27, 7.31, 7.27, 7.32, 8.01 min/mile respectively. Body Pump class in the evening.

​Round Sheffield Run feels almost like a bit of a cult event – if you have taken part in it you know just how uniquely good it is, and if you haven’t, you don’t know what you are missing out on! My friend and I took on Round Sheffield Run in 2016 for the first time; it was totally unknown to us and just something my friend had spotted and thought looked different to try. It turned out to be one of the standout events of the year for us both. Needless to say, we eagerly signed up again for 2017, where we took an impressive eleven minutes off our debut time. Taking part in the event for the third time in 2018 was always on the agenda, with the event date firmly fixed in both our running calendars. The unique concept of Round Sheffield Run means it comprises of 11 timed stages of running totally 20km, with 4.5km worth of recovery breaks in between the stages, with the vast majority of the course set along simply beautiful trails and parkland in Sheffield. The event also allows you to compete as a pair, which is another novel idea and one which really allows you to share the experience with others.
 
My friend and I approach Round Sheffield Run with a relaxed attitude; for us the event is not really about a clock time, it feels more like a challenge than a conventional race. We know we will have a great day of running whatever happens, just as long as our legs are able to conquer the (many) hills! The race starts at Endcliffe Park in Sheffield; itself a beautiful location. My friend and I had chosen an early start wave and it was already apparent that the event was set for beautiful weather, clear blue skies, sunshine and a developing warmth. To complete Round Sheffield Run a timing ‘dibber’ is used to check in and out of each running and recovery stage – it almost makes a Garmin useless and I only use mine to log the distance I cover rather than referring to pace or time. I am always trusted with the 'dibbing' task and I tend to grow quite attached to my little timing device by the end! Now the race…
 
Stage 1 is a gentle introduction to what is to come; the route weaves through picturesque woodland on a mix of paved and dirt tracks, with a few very gentle inclines thrown into the mix – it feels like a warm up almost. This stage also gives you a taste of the scenery to come to expect, streams running tranquilly through enchanting woodland, with the trickle of waterfalls complimenting the crunch of runners’ feet. It really is beautiful. 
 
Stage 2 is a real test – named King of the Mountain, it gives you an idea of the sort of gradient challenge it presents. Since our first year, my friend and I have resolved to try run as much of this stage as possible. As we began the ascent I stopped talking to focus my mind and breathing on the test ahead. It is a test, the start of the climb builds gradually as the terrain itself progresses underfoot from well-trodden woodland paths to rocky narrow trails barely wide enough for one person. We had to walk a couple of small sections which were so steep and rocky that I am not sure if I could ever run them, but aside from these we climbed to the top of the ‘mountain’ with increasing assurance. 
 
Stage 3 and 4 are predominantly downhill; which is basically a lot of freewheeling fun. Downhill sections actually appeared to be our weakness last year; we noted that many runners were a lot more skilled at this form of running and we were overtaken a lot on these parts, whereas on hills we seemed to gain distance. Feeling bolder we attacked these stages a little more, still having to carefully navigate our way through tree roots, rocks and hidden dips, but at the same time trusting our limbs to bound downwards. I always feel like a child on these sections, a smile etched widely across my face despite my concentration, and squealing the odd little yelp as I dance dangerously down the trail tracks.
 
Stage 5 requires you to climb a long set of steep stairs which reach high into woodland before you can even 'dib' into the start checkpoint. This simply warms the quads up nicely for further hills to come. This stage begins steeply and is then followed by lots of smaller inclines. It is somewhat peaceful, however when my friend dared me to look down and I realised just how high up we were actually running on quite a small pathway, my heart did beat a little faster! Stage 6 offers some relief all round comprising a brief and welcomed downhill sprint, which again my friend and I confidently took on.

This has been my favourite training week so far - there have been some hard, challenging runs, but the weekend has been a timely reminder of the happiness running truly gives me...

MONDAY: Strength and Conditioning for Runners session

TUESDAY: early morning intervals, followed by a Body Pump class later in the evening. The intervals were a massive struggle I won't lie; I had 6 miles with 5 x 1000m on my plan, however by the end I am not sure my interval and rest periods had too much difference in pace! My legs faded badly and I stopped a few times after some intervals just to compose myself. I think the one positive was I did not give up!

WEDNESDAY: another early morning run, but at an easier 8.17 min/mile average pace it felt much more manageable, even though at 6.30am it was already 18 degrees in temperature! 

THURSDAY: I could not bring myself to set another early alarm today so put my run off until the evening after I had been to a Body Pump class. Obviously I regretted the decision once the evening arrived, especially as I had 7 miles on my plan, but I gathered some motivation to give it a go. I actually ran fairly well, aiming for alternating miles, one faster and one at an easier pace, and finished with splits of 8.08, 7.00, 7.46, 7.36, 8.23, 7.42 and 8.20 min/mile pace. 

FRIDAY: Rest Day

SATURDAY: without any work commitments on a Saturday for the first in a long while I was able to venture for some parkrun tourism today. A friend who lives in North Lincolnshire had been asking me for a while to come and try the relatively new Normanby Hall parkrun, so I pulled on my home Lincoln parkrun vest and took the opportunity to become a tourist. It was a beautiful setting for a parkrun and a very interesting course with a mix of path, woodland and gravel running surfaces. As I ran I had a few wobbles in terms of confidence with my breathing (which is still not back to being perfect yet!) but I was helped by the fact I had a couple of females running around me which spurred me on. My friend and his wife were also running and as the course route looped round a few times they shouted across enthusiastic encouragement. I finished in 20:39 - my quickest 5k time for a few months - and then went and cheered my friend and his wife onto new PBs too; a good morning.  

It has been an interesting week - running has been good, bad, happy, frustrating, hard and enjoyable all across a seven day period. 

MONDAY: I started the week with the second session in my latest block of Strength and Conditioning for Runners. It was a really muggy evening and I found as I ran and exercised my chest and consequently breathing felt a little congested. The session focused on some arm drill work and I left with a mission to try to improve my running style - which I know quite often resembles a chicken, with my arms splayed out from my side and crossing over my chest literally like bird wings!

TUESDAY: early morning intervals of 6 miles with 3 x 1 mile reps. Fresh in my mind from last night's session I really focused on my arm drive. This focus helped take my mind away from over-analysing my breathing, which still did not feel quite right. I logged intervals of 7.19, 7.13 and 7.17 min/mile pace, which I was pleased were relatively consistent.

WEDNESDAY: a steady 6 miles with sub 8 min/mile splits throughout. My breathing still felt almost wheezy though, especially in the warm conditions, which was a concern. 

THURSDAY: another 6 miles, this time split across two runs. I ran a quicker 2 miles to the gym for a Body Pump class - 7:47 min/mile pace - and then a steadier 4 miles back at just over 8 min/mile pace. Even though I felt tired, I still tried to focus on my arm drive and running form. 

FRIDAY: Rest Day, and a trip to the Doctors to get my chest and breathing examined. Ever since I lost my voice a few weeks ago, I have struggled a little with my breathing, but now it had really started to affect me. My lost voice was likely to be due to a virus, which the doctor informed me now seemed to have left me with some asthma like side effects in my chest. I left with an inhaler to use for the next two weeks to try shift this lingering nuisance and return my breathing to normal. 

So here I go again, another journey to 26.2 miles, and a race which will possibly be my greatest marathon adventure yet - Sydney Marathon. I have written about why I have chosen this race and what it means to me here, and starting this training feels like a countdown to something very special. Having raced a lot in the past month or so, I am following a fifteen week training plan - I figured one less training week would not hurt this time!

MONDAY: the start of training and also the start of my summer block of Strength and Conditioning for Runners sessions. I loved being back at the session; being in a group of like minded people and learning about ways to benefit my running, it is not surprising I do really. Body Pump class after. 

TUESDAY: early morning intervals of 4.5 miles with 12 x 200m reps; the first sign of marathon training commencing. My legs felt a little sore today and definitely not at their best, so I did not put too much pressure on myself for this run, focusing on taking the rest periods easy, and working at a hard effort in the intervals, rather than focusing on paces. 

WEDNESDAY: a steady 5 miler after a much needed Sports Massage earlier in the day, logging a 7.54 min/mile average pace. 

THURSDAY: a double session of Body Pump followed by a five mile tempo run. Running after Pump required a bit more effort to fight fatigue, but it felt like good training. I aimed for the middle 3 miles to be at half marathon pace, approx 7.20 min/mile, and finished with splits of 7.11, 7.17 and 7.23 min/mile respectively. The last tempo mile was not too enjoyable as it felt like I was asking a lot from my tired legs whilst also running on a gradual incline, but overall it was a good run. 

​After I completed the London Marathon in April the inevitable question which people began to ask me was ‘what’s next then Alice?’ The big ‘next’ was actually a place in the Liverpool Marathon four weeks later, but I kept this under wraps and gave slightly vague answers instead – apologies! The ‘what next’ question has now started to crop up again; people know me well enough to realise that there will be something else running related in the pipeline! And there is – something pretty special to be honest.
 
I will not beat around the bush (slight pun intended); I am going to Australia, where I hope to complete the Sydney Marathon. Flying literally to the other side of the world to run 26.2 miles may seem like a new level of madness, but for once in my life this trip is about much more than just a running…
 
Roughly two and half years ago my best friend moved to Australia. Saying goodbye to Maaike was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do, it was heart-breaking knowing that someone so close to me would now be so far away. Our lives had been entwined in so many ways, not only did we have our friendship, but we had been housemates, colleagues, training partners and, of course, running buddies. Seeing Maaike leave was a difficult set of emotions; a raw mix of pain and sadness, but also happiness that she was getting this amazing opportunity that I knew she really wanted. Maaike brought out the best in me, and still does! Her visit back to the UK last year was like we had never been apart, and I know whatever happens in life she will always be there for me, no matter the distance, as I will be for her.
 
The day Maaike left Lincoln I promised her I would come and visit her in Australia, and whilst it has been a very difficult promise to make happen, I never intended to break it. My previous job saw me restricted to school holidays for annual leave, and even then I had summer holiday residential programmes to deliver. In the minimal free time I had left flight prices were sky high (another slightly intended pun) and it was a trip proving a challenge to make a reality. I think at times Maaike herself questioned if I ever would come. However, starting a new job, working for an understanding employer who has permitted me a lengthy annual leave block, combined with my now overwhelming desire to visit my friend and experience her Aussie life, my flights are firmly booked.

Whenever I went to Australia I think it was only natural that I would have looked for some form of running event to do – it is what I love after all, and the bonus is Maaike loves it too! It was actually Maaike who mentioned the Sydney Marathon to me, and I was instantly sold. This would be a once in a lifetime race, and I am still hopeful I may be able persuade Maaike to run it with me! I would love to share a marathon with her, if not this time, sometime. I am not massively well travelled so the fact I am actually going to Australia still has not really sunk in. To run a marathon there, hopefully my 8th marathon, just feels simply surreal.
 
However, I go back to my original point. The marathon is not the sole purpose of this trip by any means. I have no goals or expectations of the race other than to relish the entire experience. I am going to train hard as always, because I would not have it any other way, and the ironic thing is I have probably already run 26.2 miles in hotter conditions in the UK this year, with both London and Liverpool being held in 22-25 degree heats! When I land ‘down under’ I will however have around two and half weeks in Australia before race day on Sunday 16th September – I will not be spending these days chained to a chair resting and focusing on nothing else bar the 26.2 miles I will be running. I want to explore and create memories with my best friend, I do not care how or if this will impact how quick I can complete the race, some things are just more important than times.
 
So the answer to the ‘what next?’ question is Sydney Marathon, or perhaps more accurately Australia to visit my best friend. ​

As much as I love the experience and the occasion that large scale running races offer, I also just as much enjoy smaller, local events where things feel a little more relaxed and remind you that it is just running after all! Woodhall Spa 10k is a relatively local race for me, set in a small village a short drive from Lincoln. I had never taken part in the event before and wanted to finally give it a try. It is always very popular and places sell out quickly, and on arriving at Jubilee Park in Woodhall Spa, I could see why. It’s a perfect setting for a local race, and I could tell most people had arrived in groups or with family; a play park for children to enjoy, ample seating for eager and willing spectators, food and drink facilities etc. I spotted lots of people I knew from the Lincoln running scene, although struggling with laryngitis, it did mean my lack of ability to chat with people was a little frustrating.

Race day itself was another hot one – my fourth event in a row which has been held in quite extreme conditions. The day had a different heat to it though, it was muggy with a dense thick air, which when the sun shone through felt almost suffocating. The start line was in shaded trees, which offered some respite before the ‘Go’ signal was given. I was totally relaxed as I stood here, not even really thinking about the race to come. It had been November last year that I had last taken on a 10k event, the Doncaster 10k, and on a bitterly cold day I had ran a new PB of 44:02. I know my speed has progressed since last year; however I was not really sure if I was in ‘peak’ condition, with slight illness and having just come off the back of two marathons in the space of a four week period. Needless to say I had no real time goal or race strategy (maybe a slight error!) and was literally going to run and see what happened.

​On ‘go’ I raced off the line; the course is a large rural loop set on roads which feature only minor undulations. I will admit now I do not think I took much of the course in, as soon as I started running I was really just focused on that! I ran the first mile quick; I knew it was very quick in fact and more like a parkrun lap rather than a 10k start. I just kept going though; however after passing two miles I was starting to wish this was just a parkrun. Another mile I could cope with, but this was not even the halfway point. My head was telling me to stop, just walk, this is just too hard. My heart wasn’t willing though and I calmed down the thoughts whirring in my head, regulated my breathing, and just focused on keeping moving. My pace had dropped now, the heat and the fatigue in my body apparent. I could feel my body did not have its full energy; I think recent life challenges as well as running challenges had taken a bigger toll on me than maybe I had realised, and my breathing was slightly strange feeling probably due to my laryngitis - but I kept at it.

Last week was personally one to forget, and this week I was determined to try and make things better. The challenges in my personal life have not really gone away, but I didn't want them to affect me as badly as they did last week. I can't control what is going on, believe me I have tried, but I can try and control how I deal with it. This week I also wanted to have another relatively easy/care free running week doing what I wanted. Although it seems a lifetime ago now, it is still only a couple of weeks since the Liverpool Marathon, and next week my new goal commences - which will be revealed soon!

MONDAY: on a beautiful Bank Holiday Monday I started the day with a Body Pump class and ended with an 11 mile cycle ride - yes, not even running! I had been given a free bike a few months back and had never really had the time (read - have been prioritising running) to take it for a spin. It was relaxing to do something different and definitely helped clear my mind.

TUESDAY: a friend has recently got into Body Pump classes and although I did the class yesterday I wanted to go along with her again today and keep the encouragement going. I therefore ran an easy 4 mile loop to the gym and back, with a Pump session in the middle. Running felt purposeful, but without any pressure. 

WEDNESDAY: a run I absolutely loved. I headed out the door with the aim of running 5 miles but with no focus on pace. The weather was a delight; cool and drizzly, which although might sound horrible, after weeks of running and racing in intense heats, it was heavenly. I ran just over 5 miles in an average pace of 7.47 min/mile - it felt great.

THURSDAY: today I took another turn at revisiting my old football roots and spent a day at work coaching a half term holiday club for children. It is always tiring, but I prepped well and as soon as worked finished rushed and made it to the gym just in time for another Body Pump class with my friend. Three Body Pump classes in one week - I am expecting to be 'hench' soon! Today I also started to notice I was losing my voice. I knew I was a little run down after the stress of last week, and just put it down to that combined with shouting at children all day!

FRIDAY: Rest Day - I woke today with absolutely no ability to speak. My day was unbelievably frustrating, and made me realise just how much you rely on your voice to not only communicate but also to feel a part of things.

A week without much running, I know what you are thinking, surely this is going to be a thrilling blog article then!? I write this blog primarily about my running, but running and my life are so closely intertwined it is hard to separate the two at times. This week has been hard for me, but probably least of all in running.

I ran Liverpool Marathon on Sunday, my second marathon in a four week period after the London Marathon in April, with a half marathon race also thrown in the middle for good measure... mad I know! It has been a big four weeks for me, and I am proud of what I have achieved and still probably slightly amazed and unable to believe it. This week I knew I had to fight the desire in my head to lace up my trainers, and I had to really focus on rest. I mean REALLY focus on rest, not the usual 'couple of days' Alice form of rest. This years is far from over for me in terms of running and I need my body and legs in one piece. 

MONDAY: the morning post Liverpool Marathon and I woke to near perfect legs, again making my doubt had I really ran 26.2 miles again? Still in Liverpool, I enjoyed a gentle 6 mile walk around the city, reliving the race with my sister and her boyfriend.

TUESDAY: I had developed blisters on the base of nearly all my toes today, a delayed reaction maybe, but my legs were great still, and I was walking and getting up/sitting down completely normally. I found it so hard to believe. I did go to a Body Pump class this evening, but only as I hoped I may be able to see my friend; I didn't and it made the class a bit of an effort as I probably would not have gone otherwise.

WEDNESDAY to FRIDAY: I completely rested - making it five days without running a step. 

SATURDAY: I was at work early morning so unable to attend my home Lincoln parkrun as usual, which made me a little sad, so I laced up for 4 early morning miles instead (see image). At first my knees protested as I started to run, but after this I felt fine, keeping the pace steady.

​I had been signed up for the Rock n Roll Liverpool Marathon for many months; having taken part in the half marathon distance for the past three years, my curiosity to take the challenge and step up a distance was there. I had my London Marathon place, but with these two marathons falling just four weeks apart, I thought it could be a back up race if for whatever reason things did not go to plan in London. The final factor was my sister, who lives in Liverpool, could actually get me free spot in the race and therefore there was not too much financial investment if I decided nearer the time I did not want to take up the place.
 
I was completely happy and proud of my 2018 London Marathon performance in those brutal conditions, I loved the day and will cherish the memories forever, but if I am honest I felt I had trained for better, and the heat had prevented me from reaching my full potential. Once I had come down from the emotion of London Marathon day, Liverpool beckoned and I will admit thoughts crossed my mind that perhaps I would be able to PB in this race and get the sub 3:45 time I had worked hard for. However, as Liverpool race day neared I began to feel this hope may be unrealistic for two factors. Firstly, whilst initially my recovery following the London Marathon had been good, I had been struggling with a bad cold in the two weeks leading up to Liverpool and it had totally wiped me out, leaving me feeling very apprehensive about how strong my body actually was. Secondly, I was quite literally scared of this challenge. I had never attempted two marathons so close together before, preferring the safety of having sixteen good weeks of training behind me, and the logical side of my head kept telling me it was a crazy idea. I was so fearful of running Liverpool I barely told anyone I was planning on running it – which was quite hard!
 
Arriving in Liverpool for the Rock n Roll weekend I was still very nervous about attempting the marathon. My sister and her boyfriend were taking part in the half marathon, and I was hit by waves of anxiety that I had not just opted to join them. However, my overriding feeling was this was my moment to try this challenge and to attempt a second marathon relatively soon after running another. If it was horrid and I hated it, I would know it was not for me, and I would seek sanctuary in my sixteen-week plans. I pushed out all form of time goals from my head and the mission was simply to finish – in one piece. 
 
Race day was very warm – again – trust my luck to have another 26.2 miles to complete in 20+ degree temperatures! However, before I even began to run, I knew it felt nowhere near as intense as London conditions; if I could cope with that I could do this. I think London was a learning experience for me, I had never run any distance in that heat before, but now I had, I could draw on coping strategies.

We met up with my sister’s running club at the race start – the Dockside Runners -and I was pleased to be wearing my own ‘Dockside’ club vest year. I have run with the club a few times, and met them at a few at races, they are such a friendly bunch and so welcoming to me as an occasional member. After a group photo, the half marathoner runners took their place in the pens, I wished my sister and her boyfriend luck and then had a nervy hour to fill before the marathon was due to begin. Time went relatively quick, and I was soon taking my own place in the starting line-up. I messaged my friend and long-suffering running buddy in the start funnel only minutes before the race began; I missed her being with me, I missed her calming influence and her emotional understanding of both me and of marathons. In that moment I wished she was by my side about to complete a long run together. I tried to adopt this mentality as the start gun was fired – it was just a long run. 
 
The race starts close to the dock in Liverpool and the first mile winds through the city centre, the same as the half marathon course. We soon forked off my more familiar route though and began a new loop of Liverpool I had never experienced, heading out towards Everton and Liverpool Football Clubs’ grounds. This first section was hot and hilly – very hilly. I tried not to let this bother me though and instead took the climbs in my stride and soaked up the new sights I was seeing. I kept myself doused with water from early on, never without a bottle in my hand in case I felt I needed a sip or to pour some over my head. A particularly touching moment was a gentleman driving a car near Everton who was leaning out his car window handing bottles to runners completely off his own back – what a nice thing to do. I enjoyed running around Everton’s ‘Goodison Park’ stadium and literally running through the stands of Liverpool’s ‘Anfield’ stadium, with Stanley Park a very beautiful setting to link the two sections of the route. I was in a good place.
 
After leaving the football landmarks, the marathon route then headed back toward the centre of Liverpool again, and between seven and eight miles I suddenly had a little wobble. The warmth of the day hit me and the thought that I still had a lot of miles to go crossed my mind. Can I actually do this? It was here I made a strategy in my mind – break the race down into two 10 mile sections and a 6 mile finish, and just focus on each section at a time. It worked, and making it to ten miles I then started a new race in my head. It also helped that I was now back on the half marathon route and was enjoying running past sights like the famous Cavern Club, which I was more accustomed to running past, and which somehow just helped me feel more under control again.
 
Just after the 11 mile point I got a real boost. It suddenly dawned on me as I passed this marker that I would be running past my sister’s flat soon – why had we not arranged to see each other here? – I questioned in my mind. Both her and her boyfriend would have finished the half marathon by now, it would have been perfect. As I passed her street though, there they both were standing on the roadside. The same thought had crossed my sister’s mind (maybe it’s a twin thing!) I was ecstatic to see them, waving madly as I neared them. They joined me either side as I ran, which felt a lovely surprise. The relative quietness of this marathon, compared to say the streets of the London Marathon, and the more relaxed tone meant it so nice to be able to do this. I asked about their half marathon experience – hot and hard -  and they asked how I was feeling. I can remember my positive response - ‘Good… I am feeling good!’ I beamed, and I meant it. I now felt fully in control. My sister and her boyfriend probably ran with me for half a mile through China town but dropped to the side as yet another long hill approached – funny that! In all seriousness, having their support left me with a smile, and I strode up this next hilly challenge with added belief.
 
The next section of the course very much focused on two of the beautiful parks Liverpool has; Princes Park and Sefton Park. It was peaceful running around these, with the tranquillity only broken by the occasional live band which are dotted around the whole course to give an extra motivational boost. 

The highlight of this week has been the one non running thing I actually did - which instantly says something about how my running has been! Starting with the good; I watched the excellent Skid Row Marathon at the cinema on Wednesday (see image), a powerful film which to me emphasised just how transformational running can be to life. The film was being screen in selected UK cinemas for one night only, but I recommend if you do get a chance to watch it in future, you definitely take it! Now the not so good; running has been an effort all this week thanks to a niggling and draining cold. My germs started last weekend and I seem to have been unable to shake them...

MONDAY: as it was beautiful Bank Holiday Monday I took an easy 3 mile round run to the gym and back for a Body Pump class, not wanting to push my legs too much after Sunday's North Lincolnshire Half Marathon. My cold was stuffy and in my head, am sure you know the type, and the warmth of the day did not help how I felt. 

TUESDAY: on another warm day I tried to run later in the day hoping it would affect my cold less. Short answer: it did not help. I ran 6 miles which just did not feel that great, and I had the first sense that I just lacked any real energy. 

WEDNESDAY: heading out for an early morning 5 miler I was not really sure why I was expecting to feel any better than yesterday. I felt worse - my legs were lead and just not wanting to run, and my cold was seemed like it was somehow in full grasp of my body. 

THURSDAY: I hoped I would start to feel better as the week wore on but today was the biggest struggle. I had a headache all day and just felt lethargic. Me being me, I pulled on my trainers after work still and did an easy 4 mile round run to the gym for Body Pump. Exercise made me feel better mentally, but my body still was not right when running; it just did not feel like me - which sounds a weird thing to say, but it didn't.