Marathon

And so it was finally here, race week. After 20 weeks of training and 17 months since I decided I was going to start to try and run, I was going to be running a marathon.

After the last long run on Sunday 20th, I had a rest day on the Monday, then it was a series of small runs on the next 3 days, 4 miles, 4 miles and then 3 miles and the training was done. All I had to do now was run 26 miles on Sunday.

I set off to Edinburgh on the Saturday by train (First class! I could only afford it because I booked it so far in advance) Arriving in Edinburgh on time, I made my way to my hotel to drop off my bags.This was the view from my room.

After checking in I made my way up The Mound to a bistro called Porto & Fi to meet some friends. If you are every there I recommend the Cullen Skink risotto.

Then after a lovely meal I visited the Our Dynamic Earth centre . This is an interactive exhibition all about the planet earth. I didn't go to see that. The centre this weekend was being used as the base for all the Edinburgh Marathon festival activities. As well as the marathon itself, there was a half marathon on the Sunday and before I arrived there had been run 5k and 10k races as well as some junior ones too.

There were people here checking the details of the route, starting areas and also getting their race numbers if they were late entrants. I was here to meet the volunteers of Macmillan Cancer Support, the charity for whom I was raising money.
Here's the Scottish Parliament viewed from the Our Dynamic Earth centre.

I think it goes without saying what a wonderful job this charity does, providing care and support for patients and their families in times of greatest need and I was glad to be able help to raise money for this worthy cause in whatever little way I could.You can still donate here.

I meet some lovely people here, especially one man who's name I have shamefully forgotten but I will call him Dave. He was a runner himself and had done the London Marathon a month before but was here just to give advice and support. As this was my first marathon and I still was a little nervous, I asked lots of questions and he asked me all about my training and shoes and diet and was just so very supportive. He asked what time I was expecting to do it in and he said that it was a good time for a first marathon. Dave said he was going to be at the cheer point at 11 and 23 miles (the same place as the course loops back on itself) and would be looking out for me. I came away for the meeting feeling reassured and much more confident thanks to Dave.

Then it was back to the hotel and a quick shower and then back to the Dynamic Earth for an evening of Carbs and Comedy. This was an event open to runners of the marathon and consisted of a carbohydrate loading meal of pasta and salad and then a comedy set featuring 3 Scottish comedians. Here I met guy called Steve from Glasgow who was on his own and was running his first marathon too. He was good company and the comedy was good too and I came away feeling relaxed and ready for the next day.

Back at the hotel I switched on my laptop and connected to Skype so I could see and talk to my beautiful girlfriend for one last time before the big race.

And so to bed.

Sunday. Race day.

I woke up at my usual time of around 10 past 6 and had breakfast. This was supposed to be fulfilling bowl of porridge, fuel for the race but due to a miscalculation or cock-up on my part, the hotel didn't do breakfast. I found this out when I arrived on Saturday and had the make an emergency trip to the supermarket to purchase some cereals grain bars instead.
Then it was a quick shower and into my running kit and out of the hotel to walk to London Road, the starting point of the race.
After loading my bag onto the truck that would take it to the finishing line to be waiting there for us I asked a fellow runner to take a photo of me.

And here's the starting pens just before the race start.

You may have noticed that brightness in the sky. It was caused by the sun. This was an unexpected  sight.The sun has been a rare visitor this far north this year and certainly not something most of the runners at my level had been able to train for. Even just a week before I was running in icy rain. How would I cope running in the heat? Let's find out shall we?

At 09:50 the race started. I didn't move. About 20 seconds later I and everyone around me started to walk towards the start. This built to a jog, then a gentle run till finally we were crossing the start line and we were off.

Now comes the difficult bit. How do I describe a 26 mile race? (I keep referring to it as a race and of course it is, but to the mass majority of runners we aren't competing against each other but ourselves, trying to set personal bests or just to complete the course) Do I describe each mile? Or just tell you some memories and incidents?
I think it should be the latter.

The heat. It was hot. OK, not as hot as Mexico, as my lovely Vero keeps reminding me, but hot enough to have everyone using very available water station (these were every 3 miles) and trying to find shade to run in. This proved nearly impossible as the route leaves Edinburgh for the coast after about 4 miles and there is none. The hope of a cool sea breeze also didn't materialise.
Because of the temperature, I started to sweat earlier than usual and so I had to take of my glasses, first checking I could read all the signs. I could, just about.

The supporters. The hot weather had it's advantages, it meant there was wonderful support from the large crowd nearly all the way around the course. As well as the Macmillan
supporters at every cheer point, the general public were great. As well as clapping, cheering and general encouragement, I was particularly lucky being in a vest with my name on it. The sound of a total stranger shouting "Come on Phil, you can do it" always lifted my spirits and spurred me on. The shouts of small children, arms raised for high 5's always made me smile.

Some enterprising people also had hosepipes spraying very welcome cold water in the air to run through and I know that at the same age as the young boys with Super Soakers, how much I would have enjoyed spraying passing runners. Still would do now.

My race. As I said before, the goal was to complete the course. I had a secondary goal too, that of trying to finish in under 4 hours. I was fairly confident of completing the race one way or another as I had already run a few training runs of 22 miles, what's another 4 miles? I was slightly less confident of the 4 hour goal although, again, the training runs seemed to make it look like that it was possible.
I set off well. I was using an app on my phone so I have the pace for each mile recorded and after the first mile of 8 minutes and 20 seconds, the pace went up the just under 8 mins and stayed there for 16 miles. This was good, comfortable running. I was keeping a steady pace despite the heat.
But after the 16 mile mark, the pace slipped, first to 8:10, then 8:20, then.. who knows?
The phone battery died and my family and friends following my progress on-line where left in the dark, worrying.

I didn't know this, but I did know my pace was slipping. Despite my best efforts, I was having to start walking for short periods, about 20 seconds every mile. I have never been comfortable having to do this and on the 22 miles runs had managed to do them with only a minimum walk at 11 miles to turn around.
It wasn't the case today, the heat or the slightly faster pace had got to me and I was struggling.
I could feel the tops of my thighs burning. I started to have to walk more and more. Taking a rest from running but still moving forward. Fellow runners were doing the same. I saw someone receiving oxygen at the side of the road.

I reached 22 miles. I had never run further before. I checked my watch. It was about 3hrs 20 mins. 40 minutes to do the final 4.2. I had done 6.2 (10k) before Christmas in 43 minutes. I could do this.
I stopped feeling guilty of having to walk a little but it got more difficult to walk as the crowd wouldn't let me! The shouts of "Nearly there Phil" "Phil, come on, you can do it!" were getting louder and more frequent. I didn't want to let these strangers down.

At the 23 mile point I saw Dave. Remember Dave? He remembered me! He looked at his watch and shouted "Great time, Phil" as I ran passed, legs really aching now. But once again, I was spurred on by the thought of people willing me to success.
As well as the support on the course, my head was full of all the people who believed in me and it was this that kept me going.

Mile 25 came and went, slowly. And here was mile 26. The finish!!
No, another .2 miles to go!
The longest part of the race.
The crowds were larger now and I was determined not to stop again. More shouts of "Phil". A fellow female runner commented "I wish I was called Phil" I said "You can be, we are all in this together" and that's how it felt. We were all completing, not against each other but ourselves. Together we were helping each other, I had never felt more a part of something.

Nearly there.
I rounded a corner and there it was, the finishing line.
Up a slight incline and I was running to the finish, just yards to go.
I could see the clock. I could see it was 3 hours something but no more. The sweat was in my already blind without glasses eyes.
I put my head down and ran as fast as my legs would go.

Finish.

I had done it!! I had completed my first marathon. But had I done it in under 4 hours?
My watch was still going. 03:58:35. Yes!!

I would have to wait for the official time but I was certain I had done it.

I collected my medal and t shirt and a very welcome bottle of water and tried to collapse on the floor. I couldn't do it. my legs wouldn't bend. I carried on walking.

And I think this blog has gone on long enough so I will bring it to a close.

I want to thank again the wonderful people at Macmillian for all their support, before during and after the race. The massage was most welcome! Please give your support to these lovely people doing a vital job.

And finally I want to thank, and I know it will embarrass her, my Veronica. She has made this whole running thing so much easier with her endless support and her willingness to listen to all my boring talk about running. Thank you my love.

Race Number: 3337
Category: Over 40 Male
Full Time: 03:54:34
10k split: 00:49:28
Half marathon: 01:47:47
30k split: 02:38:16
Overall finish position: 2321
Category finish position: 598

6 days to go

Here's what I ran last week.

On Tuesday (after a rest day on Monday) I ran 6 miles. This was a sprint/jog/sprint run and it went well. My strained calf on my right leg seems to be getting better each day, although it is too late to help with the training as I am on the taper now and am running less in the last 2 weeks before the race.

On Wednesday it was 5 miles and Thursday 6. Nothing much to say about these except it feels strange to "just" be running 6 mile runs now.

Friday was a rest day and Saturday was only a 3 mile run.The difference this time was that I tried out a different running app. Instead of my usual Runkeeper app I used Map My Run. I have used this before but I prefer Runkeeper. The one advantage of Map My Run is that it has a function that allows you to post your current status live as you are running to Facebook and Twitter.
This seemed to work well for the 3 miles and I plan to use it during the marathon to keep you all informed! You will be also able to follow my progress live here. Just click on the "live" tab during the race.

And finally on Sunday I did my last long run before the big one. 12 miles and went OK.

So that's it just a few more short runs and it will be time to see if all the effort has been worth while. It certainly will have been for the money raised. Currently £300 online and more off line too.

If you haven't donated yet please think about it, even if it isn't much. You can do so here.
Every penny makes a difference. Thank you.

Starting to gel (Two weeks to go)

So here's a blog about my running week

I am on the taper now, gradually reducing the mileage so I am in the best condition on the day of the marathon. So after a rest day on Monday, I started the week again with an alternate jog/sprint 6 miles.

I have never found this easy to do, I think that's the point of it, but this one felt good afterwards. Although my strained calf is still giving me trouble, it is much less so that it was. This means that once I get started and warmed up I can push myself a little if I am careful.
I did on this run and it was my thighs that ached the next day like they should do after a good workout not my calf.

The next day my mind rebelled and I let it win and convince me not to run. I can't remember what excuse I used but I know I felt guilty for not running later in the evening.

The day after that I knew I couldn't not run but there was a problem, the weather.
Now I don't mind running in all conditions. I have run in rain, hail, snow and ice. When it has been pitch dark and hurricane winds (nearly). It was only raining this day, but very hard and I started to think about my health. I don't want to get a cold or be unwell for race day and it's coming very soon.
I know you don't get a cold from the rain but why take the chance?
I went to the gym.

On Friday I had to run. There were heavy rain shower forecast all day but I couldn't put it off any longer. I did 8 miles and guess what? It started to rain as soon as I set off. I was completely soaked within the first mile. It eased off later but I came home soaked and went for a long soak in a hot bath.

I was working the weekend and this has always been a problem during my training because the longest weekly runs are always scheduled on a Sunday because this is usually the race day also.
I work one weekend in every four but I had to work this one extra because the one I should be working is the day of the Marathon.

I did the 4 miles after work on Saturday easily but didn't know what to do about the 18 miles due to be done on the Sunday.The problem of not doing the long run on the Sunday means that I have to do it on my day off on Monday and that I don't get a rest day afterwards. I carb loaded on the Saturday night (ate bowls of pasta) and decided I would decide whether or not to run after work tomorrow.

After an OK day at work I decided to give it a go. I got on my running kit and set off straight away. I knew if I didn't I would make excuses again. It started well, my dodgy leg warmed up quickly and the weather was windy but not too hot. I had even left a water bottle about 8 miles along the route on my drive home!
The one thing I had forgotten to do was to charge my phone and it died on my after about 7 miles. This meant I could only guess how far I had run. I have run this route before and I knew where the extra water was so I wasn't too far out. It also meant I had to add the run to the website manually something I don't like doing. It never looks good, like I am making it up. I also had to guess how long it took me as I didn't record the start time when I set off. I must wear a watch. Here it is anyway, all 17 miles of it.

It actually went well despite having the wind against me and it starting to rain on the return run. I also took the opportunity to try out some energy gels. If you don't know what they are,
 "High 5 Energy Gel is a high carbohydrate, ultra concentrated 4th generation gel with delicious, light, natural flavours"
according to the web. They are for when, towards the end of the race, your body runs out of fuel and I wanted to try them before the race because I have heard that some people can react badly to them.
I didn't have any bad reaction and did feel I had more energy then usually on the return leg so I will be using them during the marathon I think. They are given out at the water points.

Only two more weeks to go. High 5!

3 weeks to go.

After last Monday's nightmare of a non run, let's see how I did the rest of  the week shall we?

I did run the next day, 8 miles. I took it easy, worried that my leg might not work but was pleasantly surprised that it was fine. Not perfect by a long way but so much better than it had been for weeks.

The next day it was 9 miles. I ran this like the previous day, along the canal path. As I have mentioned before this is a nice place to run as it is flat and the ground is softer than the road. It is also traffic free. The only problems are bikes and dogs.

When you get out of town the owners of the dogs let them off the lead which is ok but when you are running towards them from behind they don't see you and on this run I had two incidents.
One was when I nearly stepped on a tiny dog as it ran under my feet and the other when I was attacked by a dog jumping up at me and bearing it's teeth near my arm. The owner shouted at it as I pushed it away and apologised to the owner, I am not sure what for!
I don't blame the dog, it was only protecting itself and it's owner from a man running towards it but it did shake me up a bit.

I finished the week with a short 5 miles on Thursday. On Friday I went to the gym and on Saturday instead of running the 4 miles I was scheduled to do, I built a shed.

And so to Sunday. The long run. Would I do it this time? Or just stop dead after 2 miles?

I had my carb loading pasta the night before and my porridge for breakfast, put on my running kit and grabbed my water bottle and set off. My goal was 22 miles.

The start was cautious and steady, slowly warming up. I made it passed the 2.5 mile mark where I had to give up on Monday and settle down into a comfortable pace. I tried to run mainly along the grass verges on the side of the road as it was softer there. It was going well.

I had run this distance before but that time it was on the flat canal path, this time there where hills.
It was also sunnier than I had expected. As always running these 20 plus mile distances I ran out of water halfway but this time I was prepared. The previous day I had left a sports drink at the 11 mile mark behind a bush.

So after topping up my bottle I started on the return. Although the return is always slower, it seems faster as I count down the miles to home and I was very glad to finish it this time.

I finished only 3 minutes slower than the last time I ran 22 miles and as I said earlier, there were hills!

This was the last run run before the marathon with only 18 miles next week and 12 the week after, then the big one.

I now have more confidence I will be able to do it. Just a little nervous that it's coming around so quickly!

And if you haven't already sponsored me, why not do so now? It's for a really good cause.

Medium Fast Hobbler (or Keep on Running?)

I am not doing well with this blogging or my running.

After last Sunday's 20 miles I thought I was on the right track but this week has proved otherwise.
On Tuesday I did 8 miles but not that fast. Then I missed a day and on Thursday I did 9 miles, a bit quicker but not great and then only 5 miles on Friday.

On Saturday I missed a day again and on Sunday instead of running I went to the gym instead. I didn't do great there either, only 45 minutes on the exercise bike and when I tried the cross trainer my leg made me give up after a couple of minutes.

I decided to start this week off right by doing the long run I should have done on Sunday today. I couldn't do it yesterday because I was working. I ate loads of pasta last night and got up early and had porridge and sipped water till it was time to run. I had already left a water bottle 11 miles from home to use on the way back and had prepared all the clothes, shoes etc I needed for the run the night before. I left the house spot on 9 am.

Because of my calf strain it is always taking a while for my muscle to warm up and for me to run comfortably. In fact it takes about a mile till I am even running properly at all. The first mile is more like a medium fast hobble.

It was the same this time but after a mile I was running as normal as I ever do, but the pain was strong. I carried on running but tried to run on the grass verge as if was softer there. A little further I stopped to walk. This is never something I like doing especially this early in a run. Although I had applied Ibuprofen gel to my leg and strapped it up before setting off it just didn't feel right.

I started to run again hoping to get through the pain, but as you might have guessed I gave up.
After another mile or so I had to walk again and knew there was no way I could run 22 miles today. Or indeed any further. I turned around and limped home.

I am now, 6 hours later, feeling OK. The leg feels as good as has been lately and I am fine.
I am wondering however if my leg really did feel that bad this morning. Was the pain psychological? Did I just not want to run? Maybe I should have carried on through the pain.
I really don't know.

I am also wondering what I will to if this happens during the Marathon.
Will I give up so easily? Do I have the strength of character to continue through the pain?
Or is it stronger to admit defeat and give up gracefully?

Or is this all just self doubt as the race that I have been training for the last 20 weeks for is now nearly in sight?

Let's just take one day at a time and see if I manage to run tomorrow.

London Marathon

I have just realised I haven't blogged for 5 days. Sorry! Did you miss me?

I ran 4 times in those 5 days but I really can't remember much about them.
They were a 6, 8 and 3 and a bit miles and a 20 mile one today.

I am now running a revised training schedule because of my leg. I am not training quite as hard as I am no longer trying for a time and am just hoping to complete the marathon. (I keep saying this but I will be disappointed if I don't do it in under 4 hours!)

I was also breaking in my new shoes this week. They are so much better. I had been running in my old one for too long, too many miles. I have been carefully looking out for signs of blisters developing on my feet and there are no signs yet although my toes on my left foot took some damage today.

The 20 miles is the only one I can say anything about. It went OK. I took water but like the 22 miles I did previously, I didn't have enough water. Again, this won't be a problem in the Marathon as there are water stations every 3 miles. The main problem today was people.

As it was an OK day weather wise, there were a lot of people out walking, some in big family groups with dogs.
Of course I don't mind this as I am a walker too but they seemed to have no idea that I was running behind then and gaining on them fast. The canal path where I ran is wide in most places but the groups spread out and it's very difficult to pass. Even when they notice me it's usually too late I have had to slow down or even stop. I don't like having to do this because it breaks my rhythm. Maybe I should have a bell fitted to let them know I am behind them?

Today was the London Marathon. Maybe I will be running that next year?
It's 5 weeks till mine in Edinburgh.
 

New shoes.

After a week of not running at all and my doctor telling it would be better for my leg if I stopped running till it was better, I went running again.

I did 5 miles. I ran my usual 5 mile route but ran it in reverse, not sure why. I started off slowly and carefully, mindful of my dodgy leg but it was OK. It hurts when I run of course but not too bad I have to stop. The worst thing was I felt so unfit. As well as not running for a week, I had eaten a lot of snack foods last week and gain a pound or three. My legs felt so heavy and slow and I was glad when it was over. The time itself wasn't actually that bad and my pace was about the same as always so there is hope.

Today, after 2 weeks of waiting, I called into the running shop where I had ordered some new running shoes. I had to order them as they didn't have my size (I have weirdly small feet).
It turns out the manufacturer isn't making them any more but an Olympic edition instead but not for about a month. I couldn't wait so I had to buy the model of shoe above the one I ordered.These are better shoes but more expensive. But I got them for the same price!

And so I tried them tonight. On the training schedule, which I am still trying to follow despite my leg, I was supposed to do 7 miles. I did 6. There was 3 reasons I didn't do the full 7 miles.
Firstly, I was breaking my shoes in gently.
Secondly, I was being careful with my leg.
And thirdly, and most important, it was bloody difficult again! I didn't think that taking a week off would have made me feel so unfit. Again the time wasn't too bad but it felt like a struggle to complete.I just hope it gets better.

Anyway, here's a photo of my new shoes before they get all muddy. 

Down at the docs.

So I went to the doctor.

As I hobbled in slowly she said "It's about your leg, isn't it?" She is a good doctor. I explained I am in training for a marathon and that I injured my right leg some time ago (I still don't know how) and after about a month of it not getting any better I was finally asking for her advice.
As she examined my leg, she asked what I had been doing to cure it and ease the pain. I told her I had rested it, taken Ibuprofen and applied ice packs. She agreed this was all good.

After examining me, she told me I had a calf strain and the only real cure was to stop running.
After asking when my marathon was and how far I was already running she said she realised I wasn't going to stop and that if I wasn't stupid and took things carefully, it wouldn't get any worse. She also made me an appointment with a physiotherapist.

I have decided to take the rest of the week off training and to do everything I can to get my leg fit again. More meds, ice and stretching exercises.

I know now that my dream of running the time I wanted for the marathon isn't going to happen this time but I am going to run it and complete it. I have put too much time and miles into it now to quit and there is all the money I have been sponsored too.
But I am also not going to cripple myself. I am going to be sensible and listen to my body and all you out there that have followed and supported me on my journey.

Thank you all for your support, especially my wonderful Vero, I couldn't have got this far without you.

7 weeks (again)

Here's my second post of the week, this time about my last 3 runs.

On Wednesday I was supposed to be doing my postponed hill run. (mile jog, then up hill for 2 minutes and then jog back times 15, jog home) I did this instead. It was a mile and a half jog to the bottom of the hill but then instead of just running up the hill for a couple of minutes I continued up.And up. This was fine except it got very windy as I climbed higher.And what goes up..
I found the run down the other side of the very hard on my dodgy right leg.

My leg was very sore the next day so I made Thursday a rest day and I had to do the same on Friday.
I hate having to do this but I was in no condition to run. I made an appointment at the doctor for next Wednesday.

Yesterday I ran again. 8 miles. I took it easy because of my leg and because I wanted to save my strength and legs for the Big Run.

That was today. 22 miles. My longest run so far and 4 miles longer than ever before.
It went OK and my leg, although aching, held up. Tomorrow I might not be walking.

I took water with me but I managed to drink it all after 11 miles so ran the second half with none. On the marathon itself there will be water stations every 3 miles so I won't have this problem.
I was only 4 miles short of the marathon distance and didn't feel a lack of energy at all except a short burst of light headedness about 20 miles in.
I am confident that I can finish the marathon now and according to a run calculator I should complete it in under 4 hours. I aim for 3:45.

Because of the week off running I had because of my leg, I have got my weeks confused. It is still 7 weeks to go till the marathon.
Here's this weeks training schedule:

 

	MON	TUES	WED	THU	FRI	SAT	SUN
Sub-3:00	5M easy	10M - 1M jog, then 4 x 2M fast with 400m (2-min) jog recoveries, then 1M	10M slow	6M - 1M jog, 4M brisk, 1M jog	Rest or 4M easy	3M easy	Half-marathon (aim for sub-1:23)
Sub-3:15	4M easy	8M - 1M jog, then 3 x 2M fast with 400m (2-min) jog recoveries, then 1M jog	9M slow	6M - 1M jog, 4M brisk, 1M jog	Rest	3M easy	Half-marathon (aim for sub-1:30)
Sub-3:30	Rest	7M - 1M jog, then 3 x 1.5M fast with 400m (3-min) jog recoveries, then 1M jog	9M slow	5M - 1M jog, 3M brisk, 1M jog	Rest	3M easy	Half-marathon (aim for sub-1:37)
Sub-3:45	Rest	7M - 1M jog, 3 x 1.5M fast, with 400m (3-min) jog recoveries, then 1M jog	9M slow	5M - 1M jog, 3M brisk, 1M jog	Rest	3M easy	Half-marathon (aim for sub-1:45)
Sub-4:00	Rest	7M - 1M jog, 3 x 1.5M fast with 400m jog recoveries, then 1M jog	8M slow	5M - 1M jog, 3M brisk, 1M jog	Rest	3M easy	Half-marathon (aim for sub-1:50)
Sub-4:30	Rest	7M - 1M jog, 3 x 1.5M fast with 400m (3-min) jog recoveries, then 1M jog	7M slow	5M - 1M jog, 3M brisk, 1M jog	Rest	Rest	Half-marathon (aim for sub-2:00)
Sub-5:00	Rest	1M jog, 10 x 400m at mile/5K pace with 200m jog recoveries, then 1M jog	Rest	10M easy	Rest	3M easy	16M run/walk in 3:02 (first 8M easy, last 8M at half-marathon pace)
Get You Round	Rest	45 mins: run 4 mins, walk 1	80 mins: run 3 mins, walk 2	Rest	65 mins: run 4 mins, walk 1	Rest	3:30: run 5 mins, walk 1

   

I am still following the top line but obviously aiming for a longer time.

If you have read this far, and haven't already done so, why not sponsor me here? Thank you.

7 weeks

And so begins the first full week of running since the week off and last week's intermittent running.

Yesterday, Monday, I ran 5 miles. This was done on my usual 5 mile route and it was OK but my right leg still wasn't 100% but I can't waste any more time not training.

Tonight I was supposed to be running 1 mile then up a hill for 2 minutes and jog back 15 times and a 1 miles run back home. I didn't do this. I was going to do it near to work on the hill I used last time but I was raining so heavily and I hadn't brought my waterproofs.
I decided to switch days and run Wednesday's run tonight instead. This was just a steady 9 miles.
Again I used a familiar route which was lucky as my phone stopped telling me how far I had run about 2 miles in and I had to guess how far it was. I ended up running over half a mile longer than I needed to.

The run was fine but the weather wasn't. It wasn't actually raining and it seemed OK if just a little cold until I turned around to run home. This was on the seafront and as I turned I felt the full force of the wind against me. It doesn't normally blow this direction and was a real wintry north wind. To prove this a hailstorm was delivered on cue.

It was a bit of a struggle running against the wind but I did it and in fact made a decent time too.

Only 7 weeks to go!  

My running week.

So, it's been a long time but here is another blog.
This week I started running again after my week off last week. My right leg still isn't 100% but I couldn't delay my training schedule any longer. Having lost a week I wasn't sure what to do so I just slowly increased the mileage every day I ran.

On Monday I did 5 miles or just over. Throughout my runs this week my pace was between 8 and 8:15 minutes per mile. This seems to be my natural pace and I am happy with it. This run this time went OK and although I my leg ached a little, I was only limping slightly next day. This was much better than last week when I wasn't even running!

I rested on Tuesday and on Wednesday I did 8 miles.This run was fine too, the only problem was the heat. It was the first really sunny day this year that I had gone running and I didn't take any water. It was probably only about 18c (and any Mexicans reading this will laugh and say "That's not hot!") but it was a reminder that I will be running a marathon in May when it might be a great deal warmer.

Another rest on Thursday and a 10 mile run tonight. This went smoothly with only a slight twinge when I started off but the leg soon settled down. I also tried out my new bluetooth headphones tonight which were nice and loud and I no longer have the worry of being caught up in the cable while running.

Not sure if I am going running tomorrow but I am only 6 miles short of equalling last months total of 157 miles with a whole 10 days less running! I'm not going to be able to resist am I?

Pissed off.

If you have been wondering about the lack of blog entries about my running this week I have a good reason for that. I haven't been running.

My last run was the 18 mile run on Sunday and as I'm sure you remember I mentioned that my right leg was not great. The muscle in my lower leg had been playing up for  a couple of days previously too.

On the Monday morning it was difficult to walk comfortably and running was out of the question so I decided to rest it that day and I have been doing the same all week.

I'm using ice packs and a cooling gel and taking ibuprofen and it is improving but I am scared to go running again till it's 100% again. I had a similar problem with my left knee last year and I kept running thinking it would get better over time but it didn't till I stopped and rested it for a week. I don't want it to drag on this time.

But it's very frustrating. It has happened right in the middle of my marathon training and I want to get back out there. It's also perfect weather too!

I know in the long run (pun intended) I will be OK and it shouldn't effect my marathon too much but it's still bloody annoying!

3 is the magic number.

Sorry it's been a few days since the last blog. Did you miss me?

Since I last blog I rested. For one day but a day early. I had a bad day on the Thursday and really not in the mood to run so I had my Friday rest day early.

On the Friday I ran 7 miles. This was on my normal street route as it was already getting dark when I set off and it's a well lit route. It went OK but my right leg started to get a bit stiff afterwards.

Saturday was down to be a hilly 5 miles and so I tried a new route I hadn't ran before. I had ran up the hill from my house before but only for about a mile before following the route back downhill. This time I continued going up for a further 1.5 miles before turning around. I enjoyed this route and will try it again but at the start my right leg was still playing up. It got better but I was limping at the start. Extra stretching and an ice pack when I got home.

Today's long run was once again my longest yet at 18 miles. This time I had no choice in it being a slow steady one as my right leg wouldn't let me go faster. I combined a couple of routes I had ran before and ran 9 miles along the quite canal path only having to run on the road for about a mile. It was a comfortable run despite my leg but I wish I had taken some water with me. It is starting to get warm in the mornings now and is heading towards midday by the time I finish this long runs.

Here's next weeks schedule. Still on the top line.

	MON	TUES	WED	THU	FRI	SAT	SUN
Sub-3:00	5M easy	8M - 1M jog and strides, then 15 x 400m with 200m jog recoveries, then 1M jog.	12M slow	8M steady	4M easy or rest	5M easy or parkrun	20M slow
Sub-3:15	4M easy	7M - 1M jog and strides, then 12 x 400m with 200m jog recoveries, then1M jog	11M slow	8M steady	Rest	5M easy or parkrun	20M slow
Sub-3:30	Rest	6M - 1M jog and strides, then 10 x 400m with 200m jog recoveries, then 1M jog	10M slow	7M steady	Rest	4M easy or parkrun	20M slow
Sub-3:45	Rest	6M - 1M jog and strides, then 10 x 400m with 200m jog recoveries, then 1M jog	8M slow	7M steady	Rest	3M easy or parkrun	16M slow
Sub-4:00	Rest	6M - 1M jog and strides, then 10 x 400m with 200m jog recoveries, then 1M jog	7M slow	6M steady	Rest	3M easy	15M slow
Sub-4:30	Rest	6M - 1M jog and strides, then 9 x 400m with 200m jog recoveries, then 1M jog	6M slow	6M steady	Rest	Rest or parkrun	14M run/walk
Sub-5:00	Rest	1M jog, then 12 x 200m at 5K speed with 200m jog recoveries, 1M jog	Rest	1M jog, then 4M at marathon pace, then 1M jog	Rest	3M hills or hilly circuit	13M run/walk
Get You Round	Rest	45 mins: run 3 mins, walk 1	65 mins: run 3 mins, walk 2	Rest	65 mins: run 3 mins, walk 1	Rest	2 hrs 20: run 4 mins, walk 1