The Calm Before the Storm...

I am not sure I can really call this week 'calm' - it has been busy with lots of festive activities at work and some much needed end of year socialising/letting my hair down. It has however been my final week of 'non training' as my sixteen week journey towards Brighton Marathon begins on Monday - the incoming storm! With this in mind, I have kept my running relatively easy this week, and embraced the other elements of my life a little more; it has all been quite well timed really.

MONDAY: Body Pump class

TUESDAY: an easy 5 miles averaging 8.27 min/mile. My legs were also a little sore in places today, which I can only presume was from my efforts charging round the Santa Run on Sunday!

WEDNESDAY: another steady 5 miles before work. I was pleased to get out early today as Tuesday night had been the first instalment of my work Christmas party at an Escape Room, and I had thus gone to bed much later than my normal, often embarrassingly early bedtime! My slight tiredness did help me keep my pace in check though. 

THURSDAY: 5 more miles in the morning, followed by a festive themed Body Pump class in the evening. 

FRIDAY: a vague Rest Day - that's if you call being part of a coaching team delivering a Christmas holiday club to 180 very loud and excitable children a rest! 

SATURDAY: the last Lincoln parkrun before Christmas. This is always one of my favourite events of the year as there always seems to be that extra warmth and friendliness in the air, as well as Santa hats and fancy dress aplenty (see image). I pulled mine own Santa hat on, and as I do each year, prayed it would both stay on my head but equally not make me too hot in the process! I actually barely noticed the hat until I finished and then the sweaty seam seemed to suddenly feel claustrophobic on my head! Whilst running though I felt strong, and I managed to pick up my pace for the final mile, which is always a good sign. I finished in 21:13; creeping that tiny bit closer back to sub 21 min territory again. Today was also my friend's 100th parkrun and at the end I gave her a card to celebrate the milestone accompanied by a big hug. 

SUNDAY: Saturday night had been the second part of my work Christmas party - the more traditional type of meal and drinks festive celebrations. With more free Prosecco consumed than probably advisable, my dancing shoes were out, and by the morning my legs and head were both very sore. I debated not even running at all today, but I got itchy feet by lunchtime and headed out for some miles just to clear my mind. Out in the refreshing air my legs came alive, and whilst I kept the run shortish at 5 miles, my pace was good at 7.48 min/mile average. Prosecco power!

Next week is both Christmas week and when my marathon training begins - the question is, which am I actually more excited about?! ​