Can I really do this?

gypsylee

Decided to start back running on the roads last week. Was a bit nervous the first time in case it set off the ankle injury but all good so far. All runs are easy pace and not too long. I am not going to worry about the pace the moment, just concentrating on getting the miles done to build up a base before the end of June when marathon training begins.

Tuesday 24th April

Distance: 4.2 km. Time: 28 minutes
Splits: 6.47, 6.36, 6.41, 6.41, 7.01 (0.2).

Thursday 26th April

Distance: 4.4 km. Time: 30.22 minutes
Splits: 6.39, 6.43, 6.40, 6.51, 7.02 (0.4)

Saturday 28th April - Miles for Matt. A short LSR.

Distance: 6.3 km. Time: 43.46 minutes
Splits: 7.10, 7.09, 7.23, 7.19, 7.33, 7.21.

Monday 30th April

Distance: 5 km. Time: 34.21 minutes
Splits: 6.53, 6.43, 6.46, 6.40, 6.58.

It has been a while since I got out for an early morning run. Enjoyed this run.

MTD: 45 km
YTD: 246 km

gypsylee

Happy to report that my ankle is feeling fine. I am running all runs nice and easy, foam rolling daily and doing the exercises every day. Fingers crossed I stay injury free.

I am now working a four day week so I have Wednesdays off which allows me to get out for a run in the morning.

Wednesday 2nd May

Distance: 8.1km Time: 55 mins
Splits: 6.40, 6.22, 6.28, 6.45, 6.49, 6.45, 7.07, 7.04.
Comments: Started off a bit quick, was so happy to be out running! Slowed down to an easy pace.

Thursday 3rd May

Distance: 5 km Time: 50 minutes
Splits: 10.12, 9.41, 10.02, 10.08, 10.22
Comments: This was a walk with my daughter who is in the middle of her final college exams so needed to get some fresh air

Saturday 5th May

Distance: 10.1 km. Time: 1 hr 12 mins.
Splits: 6.36, 6.416, 7.06, 7.16, 7.05, 7.16, 7.18, 7.17, 7.33, 7.24
Comments: First LSR since injury. It was a beautiful morning, really enjoyed this run.

Monday 7th May

Distance: 8.1 km. Time: 55 mins
Splits: 6.38, 6.28, 6.29, 6.48, 6.54, 6.59, 7.02, 7.03
Comments: Started out too quick again, slowed down to a very easy pace. Very muggy out but a good run.

Wednesday 9th May

Distance: 6.5 km. Time: 44 mins.
Splits: 6.47, 6.32, 6.56, 6.42, 6.41, 7.05, 6.35 (0.5)
Comments: A wet and windy morning for this run. Glad to get it done.

Thursday 10th May

Distance: 3.6 km. Time: 35 mins.
Splits: 9.41, 9.28, 10.05, 10.20 (0.6)
Comments: Another evening walk with my daughter. Beautiful out.

That's it now until Sunday when I am running a 10 km race in Castlecomer. Had signed up for the 10 mile but injury stopped that so dropped down to 10 km. The first few kilometres are hilly so going to take it easy as I don't want to aggravate my ankle. I will be happy to finish in around 65 minutes. So glad to be able to do this run as it was in doubt for a while.

Base building going well for DCM. Looking forward to starting the plan on the 25th of June and hopefully ticking off all the runs.

ariana`

gypsylee wrote: »

Happy to report that my ankle is feeling fine. I am running all runs nice and easy, foam rolling daily and doing the exercises every day. Fingers crossed I stay injury free.

I am now working a four day week so I have Wednesdays off which allows me to get out for a run in the morning.

Wednesday 2nd May

Distance: 8.1km Time: 55 mins
Splits: 6.40, 6.22, 6.28, 6.45, 6.49, 6.45, 7.07, 7.04.
Comments: Started off a bit quick, was so happy to be out running! Slowed down to an easy pace.

Thursday 3rd May

Distance: 5 km Time: 50 minutes
Splits: 10.12, 9.41, 10.02, 10.08, 10.22
Comments: This was a walk with my daughter who is in the middle of her final college exams so needed to get some fresh air

Saturday 5th May

Distance: 10.1 km. Time: 1 hr 12 mins.
Splits: 6.36, 6.416, 7.06, 7.16, 7.05, 7.16, 7.18, 7.17, 7.33, 7.24
Comments: First LSR since injury. It was a beautiful morning, really enjoyed this run.

Monday 7th May

Distance: 8.1 km. Time: 55 mins
Splits: 6.38, 6.28, 6.29, 6.48, 6.54, 6.59, 7.02, 7.03
Comments: Started out too quick again, slowed down to a very easy pace. Very muggy out but a good run.

Wednesday 9th May

Distance: 6.5 km. Time: 44 mins.
Splits: 6.47, 6.32, 6.56, 6.42, 6.41, 7.05, 6.35 (0.5)
Comments: A wet and windy morning for this run. Glad to get it done.

Thursday 10th May

Distance: 3.6 km. Time: 35 mins.
Splits: 9.41, 9.28, 10.05, 10.20 (0.6)
Comments: Another evening walk with my daughter. Beautiful out.

That's it now until Sunday when I am running a 10 km race in Castlecomer. Had signed up for the 10 mile but injury stopped that so dropped down to 10 km. The first few kilometres are hilly so going to take it easy as I don't want to aggravate my ankle. I will be happy to finish in around 65 minutes. So glad to be able to do this run as it was in doubt for a while.

Base building going well for DCM. Looking forward to starting the plan on the 25th of June and hopefully ticking off all the runs.

Good luck with the 10k on Sunday!

Huzzah!

Good luck on Sunday

gypsylee

Sunday 13th May - Searlait Twang Memorial Run

Distance: 10 km. Time: 1.07.01
Splits: 6.23, 6.50, 7.30, 6.45, 7.44, 6.59, 6.12, 7.00, 6.24, 5.49.
Comments: Having done this 10km last year I knew the first six kilometres were hilly so I took it very handy with a bit of walking as I was afraid I would aggravate my ankle. The last couple of kms were downhill so had a fast finish. A very slow time but happy to manage to get it done.

Tuesday 15th May

Distance: 6.1 km Time: 43 mins.
Splits: 6.45, 6.58, 6.57, 7.14, 7.09, 7.07
Comments: Having read the posts on the DCM Novices thread about slowing right down I followed that advice for this one and subsequent runs. My race pace is currently about 6.20 on a good day so I want to run my training runs a minute slower. Getting there.

Saturday 19th May

Distance: 10 km Time: 1.13
Splits: 7.11, 7.20, 7.24, 7.35, 7.24, 7.15, 7.16, 7.31, 7.19, 7.20.
Comments: Needed this run to clear my head. Happy with the pace.

Monday 21st May

Distance: 6.5 km. Time: 46 mins.
Splits: 7.03, 6.51, 7.10, 7.12, 7.23, 7.06, 7.12 (0.5)
Comments: A damp warm morning. Legs felt tired at first but settled into it and enjoyed this run. Happy with pace.

Happy with last week's running.

ariana`

gypsylee wrote: »

Sunday 13th May - Searlait Twang Memorial Run

Distance: 10 km. Time: 1.07.01
Splits: 6.23, 6.50, 7.30, 6.45, 7.44, 6.59, 6.12, 7.00, 6.24, 5.49.
Comments: Having done this 10km last year I knew the first six kilometres were hilly so I took it very handy with a bit of walking as I was afraid I would aggravate my ankle. The last couple of kms were downhill so had a fast finish. A very slow time but happy to manage to get it done.

Tuesday 15th May

Distance: 6.1 km Time: 43 mins.
Splits: 6.45, 6.58, 6.57, 7.14, 7.09, 7.07
Comments: Having read the posts on the DCM Novices thread about slowing right down I followed that advice for this one and subsequent runs. My race pace is currently about 6.20 on a good day so I want to run my training runs a minute slower. Getting there.

Saturday 19th May

Distance: 10 km Time: 1.13
Splits: 7.11, 7.20, 7.24, 7.35, 7.24, 7.15, 7.16, 7.31, 7.19, 7.20.
Comments: Needed this run to clear my head. Happy with the pace.

Monday 21st May

Distance: 6.5 km. Time: 46 mins.
Splits: 7.03, 6.51, 7.10, 7.12, 7.23, 7.06, 7.12 (0.5)
Comments: A damp warm morning. Legs felt tired at first but settled into it and enjoyed this run. Happy with pace.

Happy with last week's running.

Well done on the 10k race and on the slower training paces, stick with it and it will start to feel more natural

Baby75

Well done on the 10km it was a tough course you did well how is the ankle all good I hope

gypsylee

Ankle is doing okay. Bit niggly at times but foam rolling and exercises are helping. It actually aggravates me more when I am walking, I can run without any problems.

Baby75

gypsylee wrote: »

Ankle is doing okay. Bit niggly at times but foam rolling and exercises are helping. It actually aggravates me more when I am walking, I can run without any problems.

Its so annoying isn't it , I found using a ball and using it once a day on my feet is helping me along with foam rolling

gypsylee

Wednesday 23rd May

I am loving having Wednesdays off work and enjoying my relaxed runs. It was very warm for this one but I took it handy. Was aiming for a near 8 minute km as per advice given on the DCM Novices thread but it was so hard. I really thought I was going slow enough but I wasn't. I will keep trying to slow down even more.

Distance: 10 km. Time: 1.16
Splits: 7.17, 7.31, 7.25, 7.29, 7.21, 7.30, 7.45, 7.48, 7.51, 7.33.
Comments: This is the longest time I have run without any stops at all, albeit very slowly, since I started running over two years ago. Usually there is a couple of minutes stoppage to blow my nose, tie my laces, answer the phone etc. so I was delighted to do the whole run without any stops.

No more running for me now until the 6th of June. I am off to Disneyland Paris on Sunday with my daughter to celebrate her 21st. We will be like a couple of big kids! Plenty of walking involved though.

I am walking the Mini Marathon on the 3rd of June with my daughter as we do every year.

Will be back on track from the 6th of June and will be focusing on getting ready to start the DCM plan on the 25th of June. Looking forward to getting stuck into it now.

ariana`

10k without stopping brilliant, well done!!

Now, you need to learn to blow your nose on the move (i do it all the time). Invest in Lock laces and leave the phone at home! No more stopping... well ok but not for any of those reasons!

Enjoy the hols! And good luck for the mini-marathon

Sunny Dayz

Well done! Trying to run slower is nearly as difficult as trying to run faster!


Have a brilliant time in Disneyland and enjoy the WMM.

Baby75

Well done on the run running slow is hard work!

enjoy the holidays away and the mini marathon

gypsylee

Back on track now with the base training following my two weeks off. Had a great time in Paris, loved Disneyland. Plenty of walking so was not completely immobile!

Sunday 3rd June - Mini Marathon

I walked this with my daughter, as I do every year. Loved the start this year, was in the "blue" section which I think is slightly faster walkers!. Really enjoyable afternoon as always, was very hot though so was glad not to be running. All miles in the legs though.

Distance: 10 km. time: 1 hour 35 minutes.
Average split: 9.33 per km.

Wednesday 6th June

Distance: 12 km. Time: 1 hour 33 mins.
Splits: 7.09, 7.28, 7.29, 8.03, 7.45, 7.31, 7.52, 7.41, 7.36, 7.47, 8.32, 8.24.

It was very hot out but as I was going slowly it was an enjoyable run. Delighted to get this distance done.

Thursday 7th June

Distance: 6.2 km. Time: 43 minutes.
Splits: 6.43, 6.42, 6.50, 6.50, 6.51, 7.15.
I am not made to run in hot weather! Glad that my runs are very easy ones at the minute as I doubt I would be able to go much faster anyway! Enjoyed this run though.

Saturday 9th June

Distance: 11 km. Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
Splits: 7.21, 7.19, 7.53, 7.46, 7.55, 7.53, 7.47, 7.44, 8.04, 8.27, 8.45.

I headed out at 8.00 a.m. to run a lsr of 14 km. I was hoping to avoid the heat. Intended to do 8 minute splits but started too fast as usual.
Took a slightly different route and enjoyed the country roads. All well until 8 km when the heat got to me. Couldn't believe it was so hot so early in the day. Struggled for the last couple of kms, walked a bit. 11km brought me past my house and I could not bring myself to do the last 3 km loop. It was a tough run but glad to get it done.

Monday 11th June

Distance: 6 km. Time: 42.35 mins.
Splits: 7.11, 6.47, 6.54, 6.59, 7.10, 7.21.
Nice to get out for an early morning run. Still very hot but enjoyable.

Delighted to have some routine back as regards my running. Think I am getting too used to the "very easy" runs though. Suits me though as my ankle is niggling on and off so don't think I could go much quicker at the moment.

Have a 10km run in my hometown next Sunday. Just going to run it by feel and will be happy to finish it in 65 minutes even though I have ran the route many times. Don't want to aggravate my ankle by pushing too hard.

gypsylee

Time to update this log although there isn't much to report.

Wednesday 13th June

Distance: 6.5km. Time: 44 mins.
Splits: 6.50, 6.37, 6.48, 6.39, 6.39, 7.09, 7.06 (0.5)

Had hoped to run 8 kilometres this morning but soon after starting to run I got a pain in my knee. Was uncomfortable so cut the run short at 6.5 km.

Sunday 18th June - Thoroughbred 10km

Distance: 10 km. Time: 1.08.
Splits: 6.41, 6.16, 6.39, 6.44, 7.07, 6.55, 6.56, 7.21, 7.27, 7.07.

I had been looking forward to my local run. Rested the legs since Wednesday but as soon as I started running the pain in my knee returned. it was a painful run which turned into a run/walk finish. Disappointed but happy to finish it at least.

And that was the last of my runs in June. The physio diagnosed a tight IT band. She worked on it, gave me exercises to do and after a another tough session with her on the 27th of June I got the okay to start running after on the 2nd of July.

Monday 2nd July

I was so worried this morning before starting this run. Took it easy, running by feel to see how the legs felt. Thankfully there were no niggles and I really enjoyed this early morning run. I can't believe I have started a marathon plan. So happy.

Distance: 5 km. Time: 36.53 minutes.
Splits: 7.08, 7.10, 7.35, 7.06, 7.03.

The physio recommended that I take a rest day after each run so my plan going forward is Monday morning, Wednesday morning, Thursday night and Saturday morning. I will do the weekday runs at about a 7 minute per kilometre pace and the Saturday LSR at an 8 minute pace. This pace together with lots of strengthening exercises and foam rolling will hopefully help with any niggles.

Huzzah!

Woot - welcome back and good luck with the training!

gypsylee

Delighted to be following the training plan for DCM. It's great ticking off each run as complete.

Wednesday 4th July

Distance: 5 km. Time: 34.07.
Splits: 6.42, 6.36, 6.41, 6.52, 7.04.

Thursday 5th July

Distance: 5.1km. Time: 37.07
Splits: 7.04, 7.06, 7.21, 7.20, 7.01

Saturday 7th July

LSR Distance: 11.4 km. Time: 1.30.31
Splits: 7.21, 7.51, 7.58, 8.01, 7.52, 8.12, 7.47, 7.44, 8.09, 8.04, 8.05, 7.49 (0.4)

Happy enough with the pace for these runs. Delighted to have ran all the runs on the plan with no niggles.

I did a Pilates class this week and felt great after it. Really stretched the body. Will be starting a course soon once the holidays are over and the dates suit me.

Plenty of strengthening exercises, foam rolling and heel drops. Fingers crossed I can stay injury free.

Baby75

Sounds like you have a great plan and the S&C will stand to you for sure, I am 5 weeks doing mine and the Heel drops twice a day and I am starting to notice great improvements.

gypsylee

Time to update this log.

Monday 9th July

Distance: 5 km. Time: 35.08
Splits: 7.09,6.51, 7.03, 6.50, 6.59.

Tuesday 10th July

Distance: 6.5 km. Time: 45 mins.
Splits: 6.49, 6.46, 6.43, 7.13, 7.00, 7.04, 7.21 (0.5)

Wednesday 11th July

Distance: 5 km. Time: 35 mins.
Splits: 6.52, 7.03, 7.06, 7.01, 6.53.

Saturday 14th July LSR

Distance: 8 km. Time: 1 hour 2 mins.
Splits: 7.21, 7.50, 8.03, 7.51, 7.49, 7.51, 7.58, 7.47.

Monday 16th July

Distance: 5 km. Time: 34 mins.
Splits: 6.58, 6.50, 6.54, 6.54, 6.46.

Tuesday 17th July - Tourist Run in Portrush

Distance: 6.5 km. Time: 44 mins.
Splits: 6.41, 6.37, 7.03, 7.02, 6.47, 6.46, 7.20 (0.5)

Thursday 19th July - Tourist Run in Bundoran

Distance: 6.5 km. Time: 46 mins.
Splits: 6.41, 6.55, 7.00, 7.11, 7.18, 7.20, 7.07.

Sunday 22nd July - SSE South Dublin 10km

Distance: 10 km. Time: 1 hour 12.01 mins.
Splits: 6.31, 6.28, 6.38, 6.47, 6.43, 7.33, 7.32, 8.26, 7.29, 7.32.

Was really looking forward to this run and had hoped to finish in under 65 minutes. The first five kms went great, felt strong. My breathing was an issue from then on, struggled to breath properly and had to walk/run the next 5 km. The air was very muggy so I am blaming that. My legs felt fine and no niggles so I am happy about that.

I was very disappointed with my finish time but it's more miles in the legs and I have to focus on the main event in October.

Looking forward to ticking off the runs on the plan this week. 10 miles next Saturday will be interesting.

juke

gypsylee wrote: »

I was very disappointed with my finish time but it's more miles in the legs and I have to focus on the main event in October.

Good positive attitude, given difficult conditions and your road to full recovery!

gypsylee

Another week of marathon training done. I am enjoying following the plan and ticking off each run as it is done.

Tuesday 24th July

Distance: 5km. Time: 34.57 mins.
Splits: 6.58, 6.50, 6.57, 7.03, 6.56,

Wednesday 25th July

Distance: 8 km. Time: 55.16 mins.
Splits: 6.44, 7.02, 7.03, 6.51, 6.51, 6.40, 6.50, 6.38.

Thursday 26th July

Distance: 5.4 km. Time: 38.31 mins.
Splits: 6.47, 7.01, 7.17, 7.06, 7.09.

I don't often run three days in a row so I was happy with how comfortable the run on Thursday felt. Happy with the pace as I aim to run 7 min per km on these mid week runs.

Saturday 28th July

Distance: 16 km. Time: 2 hr 6 mins.
Splits: 7.27, 7.55, 8.09, 8.05, 7.52, 8.13, 7.52, 7.46, 7.58, 8.08, 7.29, 7.42, 7.43, 7.47, 7.46, 7.49.

The LSR. My longest run since the half marathon last August. Plan was a 8 min per km. Not quite on pace but not too far off. The weather was perfect for this, it was damp and a wee bit cooler. Really enjoyed it and I managed to run it all without stopping.

Overall I am happy with the running last week as I stuck to the plan and enjoyed each run. A wee bit achy yesterday despite doing the exercises and foam rolling. Nothing to worry about though and to be expected I suppose as the mileage increased.

Monday 30th July

Week 6 begins. Distance: 5 km. Time: 35.12 mins.
Splits: 6.55, 6.49, 7.10, 6.52, 7.13.

Pace was as per plan with an average of 7 min per km. I probably should have slowed down a bit more for this one after Saturday's long run but only thought of it when I had finished!

Pilates class this evening. Looking forward to stretching out as my back and shoulders feel a bit tight.

ariana`

Well done that's a great week, solid training. I mentioned it on the novice thread but an espom salts bath is great after a tough run to help with recovery. But it's not unusual when you're running distances you haven't run before or haven't run recently, i had a few aches myself yesterday after my long run on Sat.

Sunny Dayz

Well done, a great week for you. You won't feel them slipping by...

Baby75

gypsylee Well done, another great week completed and I agree on the espom salt bath make sure you put enough in and drink plenty of water as well. I always have a pint glass with me

gypsylee

I can't believe how quick the weeks are flying by.

Wednesday 1st August

Distance: 8 km. Time: 54 mins.
Splits: 6.48, 6.24, 6.53, 6.43, 6.56, 6.58, 6.40, 6.56.

Took a different route this morning and ended up lost. 3 miles from my home, in a town I have lived in all my life. My sense of direction is terrible and I ended up down a wee country dirt track. Had to ring my sister to rescue me after 6 kilometres. I got to 8 km getting even more lost in the process!

Thursday 2nd August

Distance: 5 km. Time 33.51 mins.
Splits: 6.28, 6.44, 6.45, 6.57, 6.43.

It was so hot in the evening for this one. Had decided I would stop at 4 km for a breather before tackling a bit of a hill which I hate running up. However I managed to keep going and made it home without stopping. It's all a mental battle isn't it?

Saturday 4th August

Distance: 11.4 km. Time: 1 hr 27 mins.
Splits: 7.04, 7.17, 7.47, 7.38, 7.39, 7.57, 7.46, 8.03, 7.59, 7.54, 7.45 7.18 (0.4).

The LSR. Step back week. Another hot morning but enjoyable. Pace is too quick though, finding it hard to run at 8 minute pace. Will have to try harder to slow down.

Monday 6th August

Distance: 5 km. Time: 32.27
Splits: 6.35, 6.31, 6.28, 6.34, 6.13.

Pace should be 7 minute per km but just felt like testing the legs for this one. Happy with the pace and no niggles.
That was a once off, I will be good and slow from now on!

gypsylee

Week 7 of DCM training complete. I am really enjoying following the plan and plodding along at my slow pace. Great satisfaction ticking each run off the spreadsheet.

Wednesday 8th August

Distance: 19.2km. Time: 2 hour 32 min.
Splits: 7.12, 7.31, 8.01, 7.51, 7.59, 7.57, 8.01, 7.54, 7.56, 8.06, 8.07, 10.46(?), 7.46, 8.01, 8.01, 7.51, 7.56, 7.55.

Longest run ever. Splits should all be 8 so a bit off. Found this tough for the last three kilometres with a bit of stopping and starting but I know why. Went to the airport at 3 o'clock in the morning with my daughter, got back to bed at 5.30. Up at 8.30. Was a bit tired from the broken sleep, didn't start run until 10 and it was very warm by 12.30! Delighted to get the miles in the legs though. Felt tired after it but not exhausted so that's positive. Hopefully this week's LSR will go better.

Thursday 9th August

Distance: 5 km. Time: 35.26 mins.
Splits: 6.43, 6.54, 7.08, 6.55, 7.09.

Wasn't sure how this run would go after yesterday but legs felt fine and was happy with the pace.

Saturday 11th August

Distance: 10.1 km. Time: 1.09.
Splits: 6.46, 6.40, 6.50, 6.49, 6.42, 6.47, 6.55, 6.55, 6.56, 7.02.

A wee bit too quick as pace should be 7 all the way but it was one of those runs where everything felt good. Lovely cooler morning, nice quiet route and I really enjoyed this run. Reminded me why I started this running lark 2.5 years ago. A good run makes you forget the bad ones!

Monday 13th August

Distance: 5 km. Time: 33.48 mins.
Splits: 6.33, 6.33, 6.37, 6.58, 6.59.

Thought I was running a 7 minute pace but when I checked at 3 km it was too fast so slowed down for the last 2 km.
Still very warm out but a nice easy run.

So tomorrow I tackle another "longest run ever" - 14 miles (22.5 km). I woke during the night thinking about what route to take. Going to do maybe 16km to arrive back at my house for a short toilet stop and then do the last few km. Hopefully it won't seem as daunting then. Looking forward to it.

On Sunday I am doing the RSP 5 mile run in Malahide. Looking forward to it but going to run it as an easy run. I have only done one 5 mile run (Raheny in January) and my time was 50 mins. I will be happy with under 55 minutes on Sunday as I am "keeping the main thing the main thing".

gypsylee

The weeks are flying by. Half way through the marathon training plan already! Runs are getting longer, body is feeling tired, my mind is constantly consumed by running thoughts, more thought being given to what I am eating and drinking instead of mindless snacking, have lost 4.5 lbs since the plan started. Yes, I am really enjoying this marathon training lark!

Wednesday 15th August

Distance: 22.2 km. Time: 2 hours 59 mins.

Average split: 8.03 km. 14 miles!!!

Felt a bit apprehensive setting out for this one. It was very humid out which did not help. Felt good for most of it, sipped water from 5km and took some haribos and Tailwind at 10 km and sipped on water and Tailwind from then on. All grand until 17 km when I had to stop. My heart was pounding in my chest and I felt quite dizzy. Not a nice feeling at all. I was not far from home at that stage but I was determined to do the 14 miles. Struggled on with a walk run for the last few kms. I was grand once I finished the run and no issues since. I wonder was it a side effect of the Tailwind or just one of those things?

Delighted to get this run done, it was a mental battle and I won!

Friday 17th August

Distance: 5 km. Time: 33.58 mins.
Splits: 6.29, 6.44, 6.57, 6.45, 6.44.

Enjoyed this early morning run. Legs felt grand.

Saturday 18th August

Distance: 10 km. Time: 1 hour 15 mins.
Splits: 6.50, 6.46, 6.56, 6.55, 7.04, 8.46, 8.08, 7.58, 8.14, 7.57.

I made the mistake of leaving this run until the afternoon. It was very humid out. A run of two halves.
The first 5 km were grand, happy running along at a nice pace, turned around at 5 km to run home and hit a mental wall. Energy was just sapped from me and I struggled home. I was so tempted to phone for a lift but I decided that even if I walked home it was still miles in the legs. No more hot afternoon runs for me!

Monday 20th August

Went to Pilates this evening and walked the 3 miles after it with my daughter. It's been a while since I went for a walk instead of a run and I enjoyed this. My legs appreciated the slower pace too!

Distance: 4.6 km. Time: 47 mins.

Wednesday 22nd August

Distance: 24 km. Time: 3 hours 4 mins.
Average split: 7.39 km.

This was the 15 mile LSR on the plan. I decided to do three loops of 8 km as I thought this would help me mentally with such a long solo run. It lashed rain for most of it which was lovely and cool. A welcome feel after such dry muggy weather. After each 8 km I stopped at home, had a wee, a drink of O.R.S., a bit of banana and went again. I did this as I figured I will be taking a few short stops during the marathon. The loops really helped as I knew I was less than 5 km from home at any stage if I needed to stop.

I really enjoyed this run, felt a bit tired near the end but delighted to have got it done. Pace was a bit quicker than it should have been, only hit the 8 km pace a couple of times but it actually felt quite uncomfortable to run any slower. I will try and go slower on the next LSR.

I am beginning to think that I might actually manage to complete the marathon and that is a real good feeling!

Friday 24th August

Distance: 5 km. Time: 35.06 mins.
Splits: 6.55, 6.52, 7.00, 6.55, 6.53.

I was anxious as to how the legs would feel after Wednesday's run but they were grand. Weather was slightly cooler so that was welcome.

Next week the focus is on being ready for the Frank Duffy 10 Mile. This is a distance I have never raced before. I am going to pace myself conservatively and just complete the distance. Ideally I would love to finish in 110 minutes but 120 is probably more realistic. Looking forward to it.

skyblue46

Great weeks work there. The tough days will stand to you.

ariana`

gypsylee wrote: »

The weeks are flying by. Half way through the marathon training plan already! Runs are getting longer, body is feeling tired, my mind is constantly consumed by running thoughts, more thought being given to what I am eating and drinking instead of mindless snacking, have lost 4.5 lbs since the plan started. Yes, I am really enjoying this marathon training lark!

Wednesday 15th August

Distance: 22.2 km. Time: 2 hours 59 mins.

Average split: 8.03 km. 14 miles!!!

Felt a bit apprehensive setting out for this one. It was very humid out which did not help. Felt good for most of it, sipped water from 5km and took some haribos and Tailwind at 10 km and sipped on water and Tailwind from then on. All grand until 17 km when I had to stop. My heart was pounding in my chest and I felt quite dizzy. Not a nice feeling at all. I was not far from home at that stage but I was determined to do the 14 miles. Struggled on with a walk run for the last few kms. I was grand once I finished the run and no issues since. I wonder was it a side effect of the Tailwind or just one of those things?

Delighted to get this run done, it was a mental battle and I won!

Friday 17th August

Distance: 5 km. Time: 33.58 mins.
Splits: 6.29, 6.44, 6.57, 6.45, 6.44.

Enjoyed this early morning run. Legs felt grand.

Saturday 18th August

Distance: 10 km. Time: 1 hour 15 mins.
Splits: 6.50, 6.46, 6.56, 6.55, 7.04, 8.46, 8.08, 7.58, 8.14, 7.57.

I made the mistake of leaving this run until the afternoon. It was very humid out. A run of two halves.
The first 5 km were grand, happy running along at a nice pace, turned around at 5 km to run home and hit a mental wall. Energy was just sapped from me and I struggled home. I was so tempted to phone for a lift but I decided that even if I walked home it was still miles in the legs. No more hot afternoon runs for me!

Monday 20th August

Went to Pilates this evening and walked the 3 miles after it with my daughter. It's been a while since I went for a walk instead of a run and I enjoyed this. My legs appreciated the slower pace too!

Distance: 4.6 km. Time: 47 mins.

Wednesday 22nd August

Distance: 24 km. Time: 3 hours 4 mins.
Average split: 7.39 km.

This was the 15 mile LSR on the plan. I decided to do three loops of 8 km as I thought this would help me mentally with such a long solo run. It lashed rain for most of it which was lovely and cool. A welcome feel after such dry muggy weather. After each 8 km I stopped at home, had a wee, a drink of O.R.S., a bit of banana and went again. I did this as I figured I will be taking a few short stops during the marathon. The loops really helped as I knew I was less than 5 km from home at any stage if I needed to stop.

I really enjoyed this run, felt a bit tired near the end but delighted to have got it done. Pace was a bit quicker than it should have been, only hit the 8 km pace a couple of times but it actually felt quite uncomfortable to run any slower. I will try and go slower on the next LSR.

I am beginning to think that I might actually manage to complete the marathon and that is a real good feeling!

Friday 24th August

Distance: 5 km. Time: 35.06 mins.
Splits: 6.55, 6.52, 7.00, 6.55, 6.53.

I was anxious as to how the legs would feel after Wednesday's run but they were grand. Weather was slightly cooler so that was welcome.

Next week the focus is on being ready for the Frank Duffy 10 Mile. This is a distance I have never raced before. I am going to pace myself conservatively and just complete the distance. Ideally I would love to finish in 110 minutes but 120 is probably more realistic. Looking forward to it.

Well done on another good week, you're playing a blinder consistently getting the runs done! I love the positivity from your post.

Sunny Dayz

Well done, your training is coming along really well. You can do this.