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.
Monday, 30 April 2012
Sunday, 22 April 2012
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.
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.
Tuesday, 17 April 2012
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.
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.
Wednesday, 11 April 2012
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.
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.
Sunday, 8 April 2012
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:
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.
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.
Tuesday, 3 April 2012
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!
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!
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