The Week of Getting Back On Track

Without following a specific training plan, I can sometimes lose track a little of what my ‘running week’ has looked like. This week has been a good example of that, and sitting here reflecting on the past seven days I have realised I have achieved quite a lot, especially during a period when I was in the mindset that it was ok to take things a little easier! I feel like I am truly 'getting back on track.'

MONDAY: a double dose of cross training with the start of the next block of the Strength and Conditioning for Runners and a Body Pump class.

TUESDAY: I had debated trying a few intervals this morning, but to be honest, I woke up and did not feel sharp or particularly motivated enough to test myself in this way! I opted for a 5 mile tempo run instead, with the middle 3 miles all sub 8 min/mile pace. This felt enough of a challenge and I also actually quite enjoy tempo running!

WEDNESDAY: I re-joined my Wednesday morning run buddy for the first time since Brighton Marathon for a 6am run today. To ease myself back into things we obviously opted to run 6.2 miles of ‘rolling hills’…! This week we were also joined by two of my friends other running buddies and it felt good to have a group of us out on the streets. They are all training for a Skyrace in Italy – which sounds brutally beautiful – so hill training is essential for them, whilst for me it was a good test to see where my body was at. The verdict – not too bad! I completed all of the hills, but did have to stop to shake out the lactic acid at the top of a couple!

THURSDAY: after the hills of yesterday, my body needed a few easy miles. I completed a comfortable 4 mile loop in the morning, before logging a few miles as Run Leader at Run Club in the evening.

FRIDAY: Rest Day

SATURDAY: the start of a double weekend of running in Scunthorpe, with a trip to Normanby parkrun. The course is my work colleague’s local event and I like to join for a run when I can – it is probably my favourite place for some parkrun tourism. This time I was joined by my sister and her boyfriend who were visiting for North Lincs Half Marathon on Sunday. Set at the beautiful Normanby Hall Country Park, we were greeted by blossom, sunshine, peacocks and a few people in Star Wars fancy dress - Normanby parkrun were fully embracing the fact it was ‘May the 4th’ and it added to the friendly feel. Despite a race tomorrow, I decided to give my all across the 5k, as I enjoy running there so much. From the start I went off fast and within the first few yards I knew I was in First Female position. From then on, I knew my challenge was to try hold onto this position – parkrun is not a race – but it gave me a focus. I find the Normanby course goes by so quickly, passing the grand hall a number of times and weaving through woodland, and before I knew it the final sections were approaching. I held strong, my colleague shouting encouragement as we past each other on the course, finishing in 21:25. Naturally, this earned me the title of ‘Princess Leia’ from the wonderful friendly Run Director.
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SUNDAY: back to Scunthorpe today for North Lincs Half Marathon. I was not really sure what today would bring – I knew I would not be challenging a PB and I also knew I wanted to enjoy the run and not give myself 13 miles of utter pain! I think I succeeded in the latter pretty well, running a consistent and strong race to finish in 1:41:02. Full blog to follow -  but on the Brighton Marathon comeback and after a pretty full week of running, it is a race I both enjoyed and am proud of. ​