Taming the marathon beast...

Gavlor

Runchick wrote: »

Thanks ncmc I've been suspecting overtraining - well the only symptoms being proneness to illness and poor race performance. RHR is lower this week than it has been for a long time though

That coupled with a house full of little people who just love to catch bugs and share them - I suppose the training is lowering my immunity and eventually it all catches up :rolleyes:

I'll include you on my low mileage marathon plan..... For a small fee

What does meno know anyway!!

Dilbert75

Runchick wrote: »

Not much to report - respiratory infection, antibiotics, feeling pants, no running this week

This log is turning in to the 'what not to do when marathon training guide'... don't drink water during a marathon, race when not well, jaysus if she'd brains she'd be dangerous :rolleyes:

Ah don't be so tough on yourself A - this stuff happens. Just take a wee while to recover and then get back to it when you can enjoy it again. A few mornings lying in bed till a civilised hour won't do you any harm.

Big Logger

Gavlor wrote: »

I'll include you on my low mileage marathon plan..... For a small fee

What does meno know anyway!!

As I said on the main thread a while back, I really don't think anyone aiming for sub 4 needs to do all that mileage.
You should take a look at the schedule 2 plan from last months Irish Runner Runchick.
You have three kiddies to look after and running a house as well.
Most of the runners from the Graduate thread who are running all this mileage do not have the type of commitments you have.
I really think you would benefit from a lower mileage plan.

Gavlor

Big Logger wrote: »

As I said on the main thread a while back, I really don't think anyone aiming for sub 4 needs to do all that mileage.
You should take a look at the schedule 2 plan from last months Irish Runner Runchick.
You have three kiddies to look after and running a house as well.
Most of the runners from the Graduate thread who are running all this mileage do not have the type of commitments you have.
I really think you would benefit from a lower mileage plan.

Who? Me? Mileage? What now?!

Runchick

Big Logger wrote: »

As I said on the main thread a while back, I really don't think anyone aiming for sub 4 needs to do all that mileage.
You should take a look at the schedule 2 plan from last months Irish Runner Runchick.
You have three kiddies to look after and running a house as well.
Most of the runners from the Graduate thread who are running all this mileage do not have the type of commitments you have.
I really think you would benefit from a lower mileage plan.

Thanks for the concern BL but the mileage isn't as much about the marathon target as it is just that I like to run, simple as that. Yes I have 3 kids, run a house - also a part-time paid job, part-time voluntary job, doing a degree - those things cause stresses in my life which running helps to alleviate.

My view is that its not the mileage but the lack of a break that's my problem - I haven't really taken any rest time between DCM 12, Limerick in May and now this training cycle. In hindsight one marathon a year was probably enough, taking a complete break between goal targets would be wise, and building up the mileage a tad slower would have been smarter.

But hey we live and learn and I'm just glad that I have this log now to look back on and hopefully learn from in the future. Adapting to mileage is what I'm about...I'll never run fast but I hope to some day run really, really far

Dilbert75

Runchick wrote: »

Yes I have 3 kids, run a house - also a part-time paid job, part-time voluntary job, doing a degree

Way to go for making us all feel inadequate!

I'll never run fast but I hope to some day run really, really far

Here we go - another ultra runner! :eek:

career_move

Runchick wrote: »

Adapting to mileage is what I'm about...I'll never run fast but I hope to some day run really, really far

Dilbert75 wrote: »

Here we go - another ultra runner! :eek:

Belfast 24hr I'll tell Aimman the good news

DOCO12

Wishing you a speedy recovery Runchick. You def deserve the rest and you will come back all the better for it !

Runchick

career_move wrote: »

Belfast 24hr I'll tell Aimman the good news

Ahem....unfortunately aspirations far outweigh ability, last time I checked I couldn't even finish 26.2 ... but is it wrong that I think 24hrs of pain is kinda cool :eek:

New runner

Best wishes Runchick for a speedy recovery , u should try n enjoy a few lie ins , u def deserve it! U will come back fighting fit for sure!!

Dilbert75

Runchick wrote: »

last time I checked I couldn't even finish 26.2

Forget the last time. Next time you'll blitz it.

overpronator

Rest up RC, you definitely deserve it. Dont forget you have a great base built up, a spell on the sidelines recuperating could well bring that to the fore.

Aimman

Runchick wrote: »

Ahem....unfortunately aspirations far outweigh ability, last time I checked I couldn't even finish 26.2 ... but is it wrong that I think 24hrs of pain is kinda cool :eek:

Tis definitely an experience worth em... experiencing?

Think of it as a very long game of musical chairs where you get to run around in a circle with everybody for ages waiting for the music to stop.

Great thing about the 24h is that there is no target distance. Once you've completed one lap, you're a finisher and once you get past 26.2M, its an official marathon. You could even do the 12H one and by 7am the next morning, you can sit on the grass with a bottle of wine and watch the rest of them shuffle around like the Walking Dead for the next 12 hours.

But rest up a bit and get yourself back on track first before signing up on line (PS, I'm not on commission!) :rolleyes::rolleyes:

Runchick

Aimman wrote: »

Tis definitely an experience worth em... experiencing?

Think of it as a very long game of musical chairs where you get to run around in a circle with everybody for ages waiting for the music to stop.

Great thing about the 24h is that there is no target distance. Once you've completed one lap, you're a finisher and once you get past 26.2M, its an official marathon. You could even do the 12H one and by 7am the next morning, you can sit on the grass with a bottle of wine and watch the rest of them shuffle around like the Walking Dead for the next 12 hours.

But rest up a bit and get yourself back on track first before signing up on line (PS, I'm not on commission!) :rolleyes::rolleyes:

...or sit on the grass for 24hrs with several bottles of wine watching them shuffle around...surely they need supporters

(dam you aimman you actually make it sound like 'fun' and doable some day...I'm fecked if I can figure out the attraction of this kind of pain though )

Runchick

Wed 7 Aug

4.4m @ 9.38

9 days of absolutely no running - but a sudden burst of energy while playing at the park with the kids yesterday told me it was time to lace up again. Still have a head cold so not pushing things. Legs feel strong - calf niggles completely gone thanks to plenty of stretching and rolling As long as I continue to feel good I'm hopeful about getting 18m LSR in on Sunday

dazza21ie

Runchick wrote: »

Wed 7 Aug

4.4m @ 9.38

9 days of absolutely no running - but a sudden burst of energy while playing at the park with the kids yesterday told me it was time to lace up again. Still have a head cold so not pushing things. Legs feel strong - calf niggles completely gone thanks to plenty of stretching and rolling As long as I continue to feel good I'm hopeful about getting 18m LSR in on Sunday

Glad to hear your not pushing it . Hope the niggles stay away for you now.

belcarra

Runchick wrote: »

...or sit on the grass for 24hrs with several bottles of wine watching them shuffle around...surely they need supporters

Several bottles of wine will just about get you close to the kind of out-of-your-mind state that 24 hours of running will leave you in!:p

Murph_D

Good to see you back - properly coordinated, I hope. Nothing like a week off for the niggles.

Runchick

Thu 8 Aug

7.11m @ 10.11 Av HR 143

All I had time for, if I had the choice would've gone further

Fri - rest

Sat 10 Aug - easy

4.58m @ 9.59 Av HR 142

Sun 11 Aug - LSR

18.09m @ 9.57 Av HR 145

Still feeling remnants of sickness - bit of a sore throat and ears - so wasn't sure how far I'd go. Decided to judge it by how I was feeling and thought 12 miles would probably be enough. I did a loop via the house after 8 miles, used the loo, took a drink of water and headed back out feeling pretty good and confident on doing 18. Miles 9 - 12 were a bit of a struggle but after that I found my second wind and was constantly having to slow down when I found myself naturally running at MP. Miles ticked by nicely until 2 miles from home when I suddenly felt jelly-legged and woozy (Limerick all over :eek:). I stopped/started for a while, getting worried I might faint so stopped and walked the last 0.5 mile to home once I'd clocked 18 miles. After food and fluid I now feel ok so putting it down to fuelling. I had a small bowl of porridge an hour before going out but nothing else except a small drink of water when I stopped at home. Clearly not enough - probably time to carry gels or a banana at least...and water .

So after a 10 day lay-off I've managed 34 easy miles this week. Looking forward to getting back to full schedule next week...(please, please please let my injury/sickness days be over)

RedRunner

Well done on the 18miler. Good to see you're back in the game.

Murph_D

Runchick wrote: »

Miles ticked by nicely until 2 miles from home when I suddenly felt jelly-legged and woozy

Interesting - that happened to me back in March or April when I had to abandon after 22k or so feeling exactly as you describe. I put it down to lack of fuel at the time too. Had to get a taxi home! No after effects though.

Runchick

murphd77 wrote: »

Interesting - that happened to me back in March or April when I had to abandon after 22k or so feeling exactly as you describe. I put it down to lack of fuel at the time too. Had to get a taxi home! No after effects though.

Thanks Murph its kind of reassuring to hear this has happened to someone else. I'm a lazy sod and can't be bothered carrying anything when running but just know its time to resurrect the fuel belt for long runs :rolleyes:

Mon 12 Aug - recovery

4.1m @ 11.00

Slow shuffle round the block to shake off the aches and pains from Sunday's 18. Achilles feels tender again and calves tight - this was the first time I actually felt like I was 'recovering' during a slow run - tightness loosened a bit and felt better after a good stretch post-run.

Tues 13 Aug - easy w strides

5.21m @ 9.52 Av HR 143

Threw in 6 x 100m strides. Achilles still tender so plenty of stretching and rolling on the cards between now and tomorrow's session. Will tape up the calf too - all the injuries around at the minute - I really dont wanna be next

Runchick

Wed 14 Aug - session day

12m @ 9.09

Session was 2m w/u then 4 x 1m@MP+20, 1m@MP-20, 2mc/d

(Planned) Actual splits:

(10) 9.51
(10) 9.50
(9.15) 9.10
(8.30) 8.27
(9.15) 9.06
(8.30) 8.19
(9.15) 9.06
(8.30) 8.23
(9.15) 9.08
(8.30) 8.09
(10) 10.20
(10) 10.24
Absolutely loved this session. Thought it would be tougher than it was. Loved the change of pace, felt strong throughout and no complaints from achilles which I'm delighted about Set up the session on the Garmin - first time doing this and found it fantastic - hardly needed to look at the watch - only when it was telling me to slow down

Had the choice of running at 6am or 5.30pm today. I am a weirdo who likes the early mornings so set the alarm for 5.45. Woke up, took RHR - 49 feck - that's a bit high for me - so thought I'm not rested enough so turned off alarm and back to sleep until 7.30am Took RHR again - 43 - happy days - now i'm rested :cool: Think I'll do this in future if planning early sessions. I've struggled through them before and this morning's wee experiment shows that I'm probably just too tired.

Anyway delighted with today. I've been running dismally lately and badly needed a good solid session to give me some confidence back

Dilbert75

Runchick wrote: »

I've been running dismally lately and badly needed a good solid session to give me some confidence back

Well you've done that - I was reading it saying to myself "God she's running well now".

Runchick

Dilbert75 wrote: »

Well you've done that - I was reading it saying to myself "God she's running well now".

Thanks, slow poke paces compared to you lot but feels good to me :P

Dilbert75

Runchick wrote: »

Thanks, slow poke paces compared to you lot but feels good to me :P

You're not racing me, just like I'm not racing Blockic or Meno or Gavlor (actually I might have a chance of beating Gavlor, but only this week) or anyone else. It's just you vs you. And it looks to me like you're winning.

Runchick

Dilbert75 wrote: »

You're not racing me, just like I'm not racing Blockic or Meno or Gavlor (actually I might have a chance of beating Gavlor, but only this week) or anyone else. It's just you vs you. And it looks to me like you're winning.

This is true but progress rates are comparable and I've been gettin slower :rolleyes: Its very much me vs me, for some reason U2s 'running to stand still' springs to mind :eek:

Dilbert75

Progress is not a nice straight line A. But it's still progress.

ncmc

Runchick wrote: »

This is true but progress rates are comparable and I've been gettin slower :rolleyes: Its very much me vs me, for some reason U2s 'running to stand still' springs to mind :eek:

As I've said before, I can totally relate to that. You're like my double in that I think we both suffered a bit from a drop in confidence after our respective marathons. I just keep telling myself that I'm not actually getting slower, my fitness levels may have dropped a little, but it's not possible to lose significant speed over such a short time scale. The problem is that a couple of bad runs or races can really knock the confidence.

I'm just trying to cling on to the good runs and let the bad ones go. It's easier said than done sometimes, but trying to keep positive really does help. Had a bad run? Forget about it! Had a good run or session, enjoy it and keep it in mind for the next run!

It's a work in progress, but we'll get there!

Gavlor

Dilbert75 wrote: »

You're not racing me, just like I'm not racing Blockic or Meno or Gavlor (actually I might have a chance of beating Gavlor, but only this week) or anyone else. It's just you vs you. And it looks to me like you're winning.

You know that I'd risk never running again just to lap you in that race

Dilbert75

Gavlor wrote: »

You know that I'd risk never running again just to lap you in that race

Modest as ever. See you on Sunday in Clonmel so.

Gavlor

Dilbert75 wrote: »

Modest as ever. See you on Sunday in Clonmel so.

It doesnt count if you add it to your post via edit button

besides, I'm busy that day!!

Runchick

Thur 15 Aug - recovery

4.53m @ 10.36 Av HR 139

Fri 16 Aug - rest

Sat 17 Aug - 20m LSR

20.14m @ 10.02 Av HR 152

Bloody windy day for this one! Stopped at home after 11 miles for the loo, a drink of water, a bite of a cliff bar and took a hand-held water bottle and a gel with me. To be honest I was struggling a bit with motivation more than anything and just wishing it to be over -never had this before Legs were absolutely fine but I did get a bit faint towards the end and was pretty drained when I got home. Food, rest, ice bath and shower later and I feel fine. Anyway glad to have it done, the gel gave me just about enough energy to finish but I may need to take more in future. Really can't imagine 26.2 at the minute but have faith that it'll all come together over the next 10 weeks

Murph_D

Hang in there, Runchick. It's the tough runs that stand to you in the end. I had a fairly miserable one last week myself. You hung in there. I know you like to get out early but I run it worth it to have a good breakfast and wait a couple of hours. Anyway you know this already :-)

career_move

Well done A. Sounds like it was a tough 20 miler but the important thing is it's in the bag now .... onwards and upwards

RedRunner

Well done on the 20 miler Runchick especially after recent illness. That Beast will be slain come Oct28 never mind Tamed!;);)

Runchick

murphd77 wrote: »

Hang in there, Runchick. It's the tough runs that stand to you in the end. I had a fairly miserable one last week myself. You hung in there. I know you like to get out early but I run it worth it to have a good breakfast and wait a couple of hours. Anyway you know this already :-)

Cheers Murph, I probably should eat more and run later but the guilt of taking up the whole day from the family kicks me out early :rolleyes: probably just need to eat more on the run...2 gel on anything over 20 I reckon

career_move wrote: »

Well done A. Sounds like it was a tough 20 miler but the important thing is it's in the bag now .... onwards and upwards

Def was mentally tough more than anything - haven't got bored during a run like that before

RedRunner wrote: »

Well done on the 20 miler Runchick especially after recent illness. That Beast will be slain come Oct28 never mind Tamed!;);)

Thanks RR I really hope you get back out there this week yourself

Runchick

Sun 18 Aug - recovery

5.14m @ 10.53 Av HR 132

Week rounded off with 51 miles which is almost what my peak mileage week was for Limerick. I'm noticeably less tired this time around so taking that as a good sign. Mind you I'm deliberately running slower in every run except sessions - whether that pays off in 10 weeks time remains to be seen :rolleyes: Stepback week and extremely tempted to race a local 10k next weekend but don't think I will - think I'll just keep plugging away with the training in the hope I run a decent half in September.

Runchick

Mon - rest day (stepback week so only running 5 days)

Tues 20 Aug - easy with strides

4.52m @ 9.36 Av HR 145 Max 169

Easy run with 7 x 100m strides to get the HR up, love, love love strides

Wed 21 Aug - session day

8.1m @ 8.52 Av HR 158 Max 175

2m w/u, 4 @ HMP, 2m c/d

(Planned) Actual splits:

(10)9.46, (10) 9.38, (8.15) 7.50, (8.15) 7.47, (8.15) 8.07, (8.15) 8.04, (10) 9.33, (10) 9.50
Splits might look impressive but a bit of cheating was involved Went out far too fast in first mile thinking I was great but paid for it big time. After 2 miles I was wrecked and HR was way too high so I stopped for a breather, got HR down and tackled the next 2 - aiming to keep them at target pace. Stopped briefly to use the loo during the 3rd mile too. Overall enjoyed the session but annoyed with myself for not doing 4 straight miles. I know starting conservatively is the way to go but just can't help myself when I get out there :rolleyes:

Back to doc today and starting another course of antibiotics. Last dose cleared the chest but haven't really shifted the stuffiness and sore ears from chest infection 3 weeks ago so hopefully will nail it this time. Hasn't really affected my running but will be good to feel 100% again, good timing with stepback week but I'll be monitoring things and not pushing things if I'm not up to it.

New runner

Can't believe u running so well Runchick n still on antibiotics! U deserve a medal, well done! I'm feeling really inadequate reading about all the big miles everyone doing but as I not doing DCM ill have to suck it up! My hip still giving me fair amount of bother, especially after the hard workouts so know big mileage def out of the question. I considering doing a 10k race on Tuesday coming if hip not too bad. It's dessies run in derry n I did it last year, swore a few times during it though that I'd NEVER run again if I finished it! hoping to do about 15m tomoro n ill see how after that. Hope ur LSR goes well this weekend n u continue to improve to full health again soon.

Runchick

New runner wrote: »

Can't believe u running so well Runchick n still on antibiotics! U deserve a medal, well done! I'm feeling really inadequate reading about all the big miles everyone doing but as I not doing DCM ill have to suck it up! My hip still giving me fair amount of bother, especially after the hard workouts so know big mileage def out of the question. I considering doing a 10k race on Tuesday coming if hip not too bad. It's dessies run in derry n I did it last year, swore a few times during it though that I'd NEVER run again if I finished it! hoping to do about 15m tomoro n ill see how after that. Hope ur LSR goes well this weekend n u continue to improve to full health again soon.

Thanks NR I love your positivity and optimism...saying I'm running well is a bit of a stretch - more cluelessly plodding around but sure its a bit of craic and I'm still enjoying it so that's the main thing :P I hope the hip holds out for you, let us know how you get on

Runchick

Thur 22 Aug - recovery

4.18m @ 10.23 Av HR 134

Honestly can't remember this run :rolleyes:

Fri - rest

Sat 24 Aug - 14m LSR

14.07m @ 9.55 Av HR 148

Started with nice slow 10.20ish miles, slowly increasing speed and after 10m was feeling good so threw in 3 PMP miles (9.07, 9.19, 8.50). Felt good throughout.

I'm becoming more and more convinced that my running success is a mental battle more than physical. I went in to this run thinking its only 14 miles, hardly noticed the time going by, enjoyed it, felt good. Stark contrast from 20 last week when mentally I had it in my head it was a long slog and kind of dreaded it - really it was only today's run plus 6 miles...I would happily have tacked 6 miles on today because I was in the right frame of mind for it.

If I get my head in the right place the rest is easy

Sun 25 Aug - recovery

4.56m @ 10.56 Av HR 132

Slow recovery plod on a glorious morning. Nice start to Sunday morning - and no need for newspapers with Boards race reports to read over coffee

Stepback week complete - 35 miles done and dusted, feeling good

RunningKing

+1 on the mental stuff!

overpronator

another +1 on the mental side, I train alone and find the longer stuff above 14 a tough a slog from mile 1 yet breeze through an 11 miler on a Wednesday night. it doesn't make sense!

Runchick

Did 6 miles this morning but felt tightness in my quad after a few sets of strides (continued on and did 8 sets - stupid I know :rolleyes:) Iced it but its been a dull ache all morning, pi$$ed off big time - felt bloody fantastic during the run - better than I have for a long time - really don't want a lay off at this stage :mad:. Have physio on Wed for a massage so I'll get it checked over then - was gonna do the session tomorrow but will see how this goes - it was fine until the speedy stuff so might just run easy...'stay positive, stay positive' she says through gritted teeth

Runchick

Mon 26 Aug

6m @ 9.49 Av HR 142 Max 165

Easy with 9 x 100m strides - sore quad run

Tues 27 Aug - session day

12.07m @ 9.15 Av HR 154

Plan w/u, 4, 3, 2, 1 @ MP with 3-4 min recoveries, c/d. Decided to head out this morning and see how the quad was - iced it last night and it felt ok this morning. I fully expected it to give me bother but headed out the door at 5.50am. I even put a blanket on the sofa fully expecting to be back home in 10 minutes for another hour's sleep before the kids got up :P

1m w/u no bother so headed into MP miles - 8.52, 8.45, 8.44, 8.48. Quad behaving, happy days, 3.5min recovery jog then next set of MP miles - 8.46, 8.38, 8.44. Starting to feel a dull tightness from quad and thought I'll stop if it gets sore. Next set @ MP 8.44, 0.8m @8.39 - felt a spasm from quad at this point so decided to call it a day. 1.5m from home so slowly jogged back. Happy enough to get 12m done all things considered. Physio tomorrow and hoping for good news.

On a positive note, I really enjoyed this run. MP is my favourite pace, its the only pace I can judge without a watch and I feel strong at that pace. Absolutely love MP sessions, great for the confidence

Gavlor

12.7 miles and its only 8.37??

Fair play

Runchick

Gavlor wrote: »

12.7 miles and its only 8.37??

Fair play

Best time of day for it - you should try it :P

Gavlor

Runchick wrote: »

Best time of day for it - you should try it :P

I thought I had once, but then I woke with my face in a bowl of cornflakes

dazza21ie

Great running Runchick, lets hope you can keep those niggles away because you are otherwise looking good for Dublin.

Nice of Gavlor to volunteer to join you for your 20 mile run this Saturday at 5:00 am :D