Ok, so the last few weeks haven't exactly gone to plan. It's been difficult getting back into running again what with wisdom tooth extraction, late nights, nasty weather, and bad sleep (I could go on with the excuses for ever) but am glad to say i'm finally getting back into it.
Had my first spin class for 6 weeks last week and I survived that so have been out for a couple of runs, slowly trying to build up the distance again - it's not easy. Even though i've maintained a decent base fitness, it's amazing how just the thought of long distances has become incredibly hard. This morning was extremely chilly compared to recent weeks with a bitter wind, but it surprised me how quickly I warmed up and totally forgot about the fact that my ears felt like they were about to fall off due to frost bite!
It's only a few weeks now until the big marathon training is due to start so have to just bite the bullet and get back out there no matter how cold/windy/rainy/snowy etc. it is!
This is going to have to be my mantra for the coming months....
Finally got out again this morning for my first run since the half marathon. Only did a slow-ish 1.5 miles, partly because it's been so long and partly because I'm breaking in a new pair of luminous salmon pink trainers for all that dark winter training!
This is the longest break i've had since I started running and was beginning to wonder if I would ever get the motivation to get training again, especially as the mornings now are dark and getting increasingly chilly. It is so much easier to lay in bed for that extra hour thinking up a million and one excuses why I don't want to run but I had to get tough with myself. I will be running a full marathon in April and if I want to stand any chance of getting through that then I have some serious training to be getting on with!
Going to spend the next few weeks aiming for at least 3 runs a week, two 5k and a long run of minimum 10k at the weekend - plus the odd spin class thrown in for good measure! Need to have a closer look at training plans and see if I need a longer one to get me through because training for a half marathon is nothing compared to a full one so I had better do some research now as that clock is ticking away...
Found this little quote that is a good motivator to keep going though...
Ok so this blog is a couple of days late - I have been busy recovering from a rather long run followed by some particularly painful dental surgery!
On Sunday, I completed the Folkestone Half Marathon! I was one of the last across the line mind you but I did it. The race started off pretty well for me and as the first 3-4 miles went by I was averaging a speedy (for me!) pace of 10:30 mins/mile, and amazingly, I managed to beat my previous 5k time by 30 seconds and my 10k time by 3 minutes!
Unfortunately, this speediness did not last, and the course was pretty hot down by the sea and although there was a bit of a breeze, it didn't seem to reach me until the last couple of miles. My energy levels began to gradually drop off after mile 9 I started struggling and found myself doing a bit more power walking than I would have liked. I kept going though - didn't once come to a complete stop and was spurred on by words of encouragement from the race marshals and the good people of Folkestone out for a Sunday stroll (I even had one little boy offer me his half melted ice cream as I looked hot, bless him haha!) I finally made it up the never ending hill 12.5 miles in and over the finish line in what I made as 2Hrs 42 mins but the official time published was only 2Hrs 39mins and 16 secs, so i'm happy to call it that ;)
Overall, it was a good experience, the whole event was really well organised and there was a great atmosphere - the encouragement and positivity from people all around the course was second to none. Considering I have only really been running seriously for a little over 4 months, I was happy with my time but can see how I need to work on my speed and stamina if I have any chance of making it to the Brighton Marathon finish line!
Now the plan is to have a week off while the hole in my mouth heals then keep on running 2 to 3 times in the week with a long run at the weekend to maintain my fitness for marathon training which I've scheduled to start in mid-December following an 18 week plan. I must use my weekly training for tempo runs and really get to grips with them if I ever hope to improve my speed, oh and lose a bit more weight too because carrying round the equivalent of a full set of month old sextuplets with me all the time does not make for an efficient runner!!
