The Week I Did Rather A Lot

This week I have completed seven exercise classes and ran twenty four miles...its seems my answer to the question 'what to do when you have finished training for a big race or event' is just to do even more...! 

MONDAY: Body Pump weights class followed by Body Attack cardio/plyometric class

TUESDAY: today I had my first visit to my sports therapist since the madness of the last few weeks and my recent races. I literally could not wait despite the undoubted pain I would be subjected to. It was not quite as bad as I feared, although I think I am learning to withstand the discomfort better with each visit. I did tentatively ask my therapist how my legs felt and her answer was 'extremely tight' - whoops...sorry legs! Following my massage I kept my run that evening relatively easy choosing a five mile loop which finished at the gym. I then tried a Kettlebells class followed by an Abs class.

WEDNESDAY: six miles before Body Pump. After my therapy yesterday my legs felt fresh and I pushed the pace, averaging 8:17 min/miles.

THURSDAY: Body Attack class; this was a little bit of a struggle as I felt slightly jaded from all I had done so far this week. I just did not seem to have that extra bit of energy I usually am able to draw upon. Afterwards my entire body ached, as if reminding me it needed a break. 

FRIDAY: Rest Day

SATURDAY: a much anticipated return to running parkrun - I had literally been looking forward to this all week! It had been over a month since I had last ran parkrun, what with being away for races or opting to volunteer if I had a race the next day. 

With this in mind I had no real idea what I would be capable of in terms of time. My last visit had been a huge PB of 21:34; I very much doubted I would get close to that, but hoped I still had some speed in my legs. I started strong on the first lap of the course, and slowed slightly for the second and third, but my legs were generally running well. It was my breathing which seemed to forget what going fast felt like, my lungs felt as if they were just not big enough! Despite this, I stopped the clock at 22:14, a time which saw me finish 3rd female. I had no complaints at all! After parkrun I then went to another Body Pump class... naturally!

​SUNDAY: a pleasant 10 mile out and back run alongside my local riverbank. I have missed running along this stretch with the darker evenings meaning my opportunities have been limited; I thus enjoyed the run even though doubling back on myself is usually something I try avoid. I ran the first six miles comfortably at 8:40 min/mile pace, then felt like I wanted to pick up the pace for the final four miles, running between 8:20-8:30 min/miles. It was nice to have a bit of freedom to play and run to feel.

Whilst I have completed a lot of exercise this week, and a lot of different forms of exercise, my mileage has dropped considerably from the heights of marathon training. So running wise I am taking things easier - promise!