Week 11 of training... 5 weeks to go until the MBNA Chester Marathon!
What a brilliant week I’ve had!
Started with a hills session on Monday, my son, Isaac, is on summer holidays at the minute so he came along with me on his bike, it’s always nice to have some company! He decided to sit out the actual hill training though and instead, kindly sat at the top timing me and cheering me on. It was still pretty humid on Monday, so it made for an uncomfortable session.
Tuesday to Saturday saw me doing a mixture of gym sessions, swimming, stretching, foam rolling and running between 3-5 miles. I’m not a great swimmer but like to add a bit of variety into my training. It keeps things interesting! My stretching and foam rolling sessions are some of the most important ones. I’ve had my fair share of injuries over the last few years, so it’s important I do the right things to look after myself.
Sunday was my long run, 20 miles! Definitely the highlight of my week. I was just buzzing! I was really nervous before setting out in the morning. This being only the second time I had completed the distance. I’ve previously run one marathon and it wasn’t the best experience. Although I kept moving throughout, I was at power walking pace some of the time, due to the sheer heat (thank you London 2018!)
I set out aiming to run between 10:30/11 minute miles with the idea that I could pick it up in the second half if I felt strong enough. I actually ran the most consistent race of my life! The first 10 miles clocked in at 1 hour 43 minutes and 46 seconds and the second 10 miles, 1 hour 42 minutes and 28 seconds. A negative split! Weather wise, I had sun, wind and rain. The rain managed to drown my headphones, so they stopped working with 6 miles to go. Luckily, I’d brought a spare pair with me. I’ve no idea why, as I’ve never done this before but clearly someone up there knew I’d need them!
I finished the race with an average mile pace of 10:19. My fastest pace on a long distance run to date! The best part was, I could have run on! Obviously I stopped at 20 miles, but knowing that I felt strong enough to continue, fills me with confidence for the MBNA Chester Marathon in 5 weeks time.
So, on to week 12! This week I’ve got a busy work/social life, with 3 long day shifts (7.30am-9.30pm) and a full day in London. Training is definitely a juggling act! I’m on a drop back week mileage wise, as the last 3 weeks have seen me increase my long run by 2 miles each time. Perfect timing for such a busy week! I’ll do my usual runs, gym and stretching around work and other commitments and then will do my longer run Sunday. I’m doing 13 miles this week and have chosen to enter an official event again, because let’s face it, who doesn’t love a bit of bling?!
Week 14 - https://www.activeleisureevents.co.uk/news-items/taper-traumas
Week 12 - https://www.activeleisureevents.co.uk/news-items/4-weeks-to-goless-mileage-still-a-lot-of-juggling
My Fitness Journey - https://www.activeleisureevents.co.uk/news-items/my-fitness-journey-by-rachel-finch-slimmingworldsplash