This week marked one of the biggest turning points in my training when I unexpectedly managed to maintain my half-marathon pace for 5:44 miles.
This probably doesn’t like a massive achievement to other people, but my plan hadn’t indicated to go that fast or for as long, so I was really pleased when my body’s natural pace was the half-marathon pace I’d been wanting to sustain for such a long time! Previous to this, I was becoming resigned to the fact that I’d probably end up finishing the GNR in about 2hr 10min, but now feel like my 2hr goal is that little bit more achievable.
This probably doesn’t like a massive achievement to other people, but my plan hadn’t indicated to go that fast or for as long, so I was really pleased when my body’s natural pace was the half-marathon pace I’d been wanting to sustain for such a long time! Previous to this, I was becoming resigned to the fact that I’d probably end up finishing the GNR in about 2hr 10min, but now feel like my 2hr goal is that little bit more achievable.
My first run of the week was on Tuesday when I attempted some speedwork. Although I managed to build up a good speed for one fast 800m, I couldn’t do 5x800m at the same speed and was feeling slightly deflated so just finished the 5 mile run at a steady speed. My 5:44 mile run was on the Wednesday and I think it was partly the bad run on the Tuesday that pushed me to pick up the speed and run at my half-marathon pace.
Thursday was a slower run with lots of hills incorporated into the 4 miles, mainly due to the fact there are a lots of hills where I live so I have little choice but to do them.
By Friday, I felt quite exhausted with the work, run, eat, sleep pattern and was the glad the week was over so I could give my legs some well earned rest! On Friday evening I drove up to Northumberland to meet up with some friends, and although I could have got a lift and had a drink, I restrained myself knowing that alcohol is not going to help with my running. However, I did have a very fatty plate of fish and chips, which I feel slightly hindered my parkrun attempt the following day and made me realise how crucial a good diet is in addition to training.
On Saturday morning, I still felt tired, my legs were in pain and I’d accidently set my watch to show the actual time, rather than to be used as a stopwatch: it wasn’t going to be a successful parkrun. However, I plugged through, not knowing what time I was on or the pace as my watch couldn’t find the GPS, and finished in 26:08. It was 23 seconds slower than my previous attempt, but it’s still a time I’m pleased with, especially since I thought it was going to be more like 27/28 mins.
The final run of week 9 was a lovely scenic 13 miles which took in some of Watergate Park. My legs were in a lot of pain at the beginning, especially down the inside of my calves, but they eased up as I carried on and I managed to maintain a slightly faster pace than my previous 13 mile attempt, averaging at about 10min miles.
This week coming will involve my favourite run from last year, the Tynedale Jelly Tea! It’s a really lovely route and since its 10 miles, I’d quite like to use this to try out my GNR pace.
Hope everyone’s training is going well... 3 weeks to go!