Week 12 completed! This week was a drop back in miles, following 3 weeks of increasing mileage. It landed on a good week really as I had 3 x 14 hours work shifts and a hen do in London on Saturday, so it meant I only had 3 days free for running. I must admit, I was a little worried that the lack of mileage would be detrimental to Sunday’s half marathon, but I actually think it did me good! Listen to the plan!! Trust the plan!! The plan is good!  

I started my week with a gentle recovery run with my dad (following last Sunday’s 20 miles), I did feel a little stiff, so I really took it easy. I managed to squeeze in a few other bits of training throughout the week, mostly at home, stretching, foam rolling and circuit style exercises. It’s really important to try and include this variety during marathon training to avoid injury. Cross training helps with increased flexibility, efficiency, power, strength and stamina... and it stops me getting bored!

I did a steady 6 miles on Thursday and finished my week on Sunday with a half marathon. I planned to run a relaxed paced half, so I went out with the 2:20 pacer, thinking 10:30 minute miles would do me nicely. I was constantly tripping up over people though and decided if I stayed there, I was likely to have an accident, so within the first mile I’d already run off and left the pace group behind!

I saw the lovely Race Angels at about mile 6/7 and admitted to them that I’d probably gone off too quick and would be paying for it when they saw me again at mile 11!

At mile 9, I thought I was losing it. I felt sluggish and thought my pace was starting to slip, however, the feeling literally lasted 5 minutes and then I somehow managed to increase the pace. 

When I saw the Race Angels again at mile 11, although I felt tired, my legs felt strong and I knew I could continue to pick up the pace to the finish. I was so pleased to finish with negative splits again! I’m really loving these speedy finishes!

Monday 2nd September

Run -  5 miles at recovery pace

Tuesday 3rd September

Foam rolling and stretching at home

Wednesday 4th September

Rest Day

Thursday 5th September

Run - 6 miles at marathon pace

Foam rolling

Friday 6th September

Gym

•   20 minutes on the bike
•   10 minutes on the rower
•   15 minutes circuits (squats, sit ups, press ups, step ups, weights etc)
•   Stretches

Saturday 7th September

Rest Day

Sunday 8th September

Run - half marathon at easy pace

Week 14 - https://www.activeleisureevents.co.uk/news-items/taper-traumas

Week 13 - https://www.activeleisureevents.co.uk/news-items/disappointment-tears-good-friends-and-a-long-wet-22-miles-what-a-week

Week 11 - https://www.activeleisureevents.co.uk/news-items/week-11-of-training-5-weeks-to-go-until-the-mbna-chester-marathon

My Fitness Journey - https://www.activeleisureevents.co.uk/news-items/my-fitness-journey-by-rachel-finch-slimmingworldsplash