Are those my feet?

eyrie

Brilliant going, well done! That's a massive PB and you finished so strongly, suggests you'll knock a bit more off that fairly comfortably too.

Mr. Guappa wrote: »

Of course my three year old wasn't overly impressed with a 5 minute improvement, as he innocently suggested that maybe I'll win the next race. Back down to earth pretty swiftly then!

Aw but look at his faith in you! Love this :P

Mr. Guappa

Thanks for all the kind words everyone, they are appreciated. I know this forum is generally a positive place, but if anyone has constructive criticisms at any stage, or feels I should do something differently, feel free to voice that opinion too!

Time for another update to the PB table:
5k | 23:18 | Feb '18
4 mile | 29:13 | Dec '18
10k | 48:29 | Mar '18
10 mile | 1:18:22 | Feb '19
HM | 1:54:00 | Aug '18
Marathon | 4:13:21 | Oct '18

This past week I've taken things handy, trying to allow a bit of recovery:

Mon 04/02: 30 mins very easy: 2.5 miles @ 11:42
A short recovery run on the treadmill

Tues 05/02: Rest

Weds 06/02: 60 mins very easy: 5.4 miles @ 10:56

Thurs 07/02: Brisk 30 mins walk

Fri 08/02: Brisk 20 mins walk + 30 mins very easy (2.6 miles @ 11:34)
Got in a short walk at lunchtime, then hopped on the treadmill for a bit later on. The treadmill always feels like more effort than the road, so I take the paces back a touch.

Sat 09/02: Rest

So just the 10.6 running miles for the week so far. I'll kick off the 5k/10k grads plan later this evening. The goal race for this block is the Annerville 10km in Clonmel in May, which is 13 weeks away, so I'm going to skip to week 2 of the 14-week plan. My 10km race PB is 48:29 from St. Patrick's Day last year, but my watch tells me I ran faster than that in Dungarvan last weekend (48:02). I had sub-45 in my head as a target for May, mainly just because it's a nice round number, but that is probably a bit optimistic. I'll be running the same Patrick's Day 10km race again this March, so I'll get a good indicator there of where I'm set for the target race in May. For what it's worth, and because I like tables, here's another one:

10km race PB | 48:29 | Mar '18
Fastest 10km | 48:02 | Feb '19
Tinman 10km prediction off recent 4 miler | 46:36 | Dec '18
Tinman 10km prediction off recent 10 miler | 47:10 | Feb '19


Anyway, lots of talk there about goal times for a race that is over three months away, so I suppose I'd better do a bit of training first!

Mr. Guappa

Sunday 10th Feb: 60 mins very easy (5.60 miles, 10:55/mi)
Done this one after work. It was a right miserable evening, but as often is the case it looked worse out the window. Really enjoyed this one actually.

Monday 11th Feb: 6 x 3 mins CV, 3 min recoveries
CV range: 7:30 - 7:20
Actual paces: 7:42, 7:26, 7:32, 7:30, 7:26, 7:22
I found this one pretty tough going. Took a while to find the right effort, and I was nicely tired at the end of each rep. After the third rep I slowed the recoveries way down, and found the last three reps a shade easier. Warmup and cooldown took me to 7.13 miles for the day.

Tuesday 12th Feb: 60 mins very easy (5.30 miles, 11:19/mi)
Received a strava compliment from ReeReeG on my very easy paces after this one. This was actually on the slow side of my very easy range, but I found I just settled at that pace and tipped along. I know some people struggle to slow down, but I really don't find it a problem, for whatever reason.

Wednesday 13th Feb: Rest

Thursday 14th Feb: 60 mins very easy (5.41 miles, 11:05/mi)
Don't remember anything in particular about this one. No strava compliments on my pacing either :pac:

Friday 15th Feb: 5 x 5 mins threshold, 2 min recoveries
Threshold range: 7:51 - 7:40
Actual paces: 7:44, 7:48, 7:44, 7:50, 7:50
In contrast to the CV session earlier in the week, I found this one a relative breeze. Maybe it was the slightly slower pace compared to ~7:25 for CV, or maybe it was just a better day for me, but this was one I really enjoyed anyway. Possibly put too much effort into the last two reps which were into the breeze and on a slight incline, but I was very pleased with this session. Warmup and cooldown took me to 6.86 miles for the day.

Saturday 16th Feb: Rest
Had planned to do my long run here, but a late change of plans meant pushing it out a day.

Sunday 17th Feb: 1 hour 45 mins easy (10:07 miles, 10:25/mi)
A feed of pints the night before meant I was fairly apprehensive setting out for this one. I had plenty opt-out options built into the route if I felt the need, but luckily I managed to complete the whole run. Actually felt better as the run wore on.


I'm happy with that weeks work, and it was nice to be back properly after two down weeks. 40.3 miles for the (8-day) week. There is a local Operation Transformation 5k fun run on this Saturday, that i might take a pop at. I did the same one last year in 23:18, so interested to see how I'd fare now.

ReeReeG

Mr. Guappa wrote:

Thursday 14th Feb: 60 mins very easy (5.41 miles, 11:05/mi) Don't remember anything in particular about this one. No strava compliments on my pacing either

You can't be expecting compliments on every run

Nice week. Funny enough I'd the same feeling on my own threshold session this week that it felt a bit too easy...

eyrie

Great week A! Very consistent with the threshold splits - I enjoyed that one myself. Will be keen to see how the 5k goes for you! It's always nice when you can compare against the exact same race.

Kellygirl

Good luck on Saturday. Hope it goes well.

Mr. Guappa

18th - 24th Feb: 5k/10k grads plan, week 3

Monday: Rest

Tuesday: 60 mins very easy (5.62 miles, 11:13/mi)
Slightly hillier route than I've been using for these for most of the winter, so paces were a fraction slower as a result.

Wednesday: 8 x 1 min hills, 2-3 min recoveries
I was really looking forward to this one, as I tend to with any session. Yeah, they can be tough, but I like the opportunity to push myself. Anyway, I'd found a nice quite hill with the desired 6% gradient, and as it turned was recently resurfaced. Before setting out, I had a quick re-read of Swashbuckler's advice in the grads thread:

Fast enough where you are challenged but focus on form and posture and lifting those knees and powering up the hill. Enough effort that you'll manage all 8. Pick a point that you reach at the end of the first one and that's your target for the remaining 7. Forget about paces for this one. It should be tough but not so tough that your form goes out the window. But not so easy that you'd manage two or three more. A fine balance!

Nice gentle warm-up trot over as I tried to remember all of the above. Set off on the first one at with what felt like the appropriate effort and noted my mark which was two posts from the end of a fence. I just tried to keep the pace at what felt like the same for each subsequent rep, and finished with a couple of yards of my target on each one. Tried to concentrate on form and lifting the knees as much as possible. At the time I felt like I'd pitched the effort just right, or maybe slightly under, and as I headed back on my cooldown the legs were pretty sore, so I was happy the effort was about right. Subsequent comments in eyrie's log had me second guessing whether I went too easy altogether, my lungs weren't "on fire", but my legs were still feeling the effects 3 days later so I'm happy enough that I made a decent fist of this.

Hill splits were: 7:26; 7:50, 8:08, 7:58, 7:32, 7:31, 8:04: 7:44. I didn't look at the watch at all during each rep, and effort felt a lot more even than reflected in those splits. Warmup and cooldown took me to 6.22 miles for the day.

Thursday: 60 mins very easy (5.30 miles, 11:20/mi)
With a 5k earmarked for Saturday, I had intended adding 20 minutes onto this to keep my mileage up for the week, but my legs were tender and tired from the previous days efforts, so once I was a mile in, I knew that adding extra was not a goer. Contemplated knocking a further 20 mins off, and maybe should have done, but in the end settled for the planned hour. This was not fun, at all.

Friday: Rest

Saturday: 30 mins tempo
I was all set for the 5k on Saturday morning, even had my gear on, but a last minute hitch meant shelving that plan. Was probably a blessing in disguise actually, as legs were still a bit tender. I was planning to see how I felt after a warm-up before deciding whether to do the 5k at race pace, or tempo. Kids birthday party took up the afternoon, and it was early evening before I had the opportunity to head out. Legs were feeling much better by then, and I enjoyed this one. Second mile was a bit too fast, but a nice workout otherwise.

Tempo paces were (8:03-8:15) 8:04, 7:55, 8:10, 8:13.
Warmp-up and cooldown took me to 6.49 miles for the day.

Sunday: 1 hour 45 mins easy (10:23 miles, 10:16/mi)
This was a proper slog. I think a number of factors combined to make this my toughest run since the height of DCM training, and even then, I don't remember any of those been this much of a chore. A couple of poor night's sleep in succession, poor food intake with the party yesterday, and my own failure to eat enough before the run today, and a tough week on the legs all played their part. Legs felt heavy for the first 3 miles, so I stopped for a quick stretch which helped matters on that front. Energy levels started feeling low a short while later, so I tucked into the energy gel I had luckily remembered to bring. This kept me going for a while, but the last half hour was tough sledding. Got there in the end anyway, although I felt like calling it quits a few times.

So 33.9 miles for the week. A mixed bag of a week really. I enjoyed the two sessions, and got a timely reminder about eating well in preparation for runs. Seeing as I missed the 5k this week, I might venture over to parkrun next week, we'll see. Looking forward to a days rest tomorrow.

Mr. Guappa

25th Feb - 3rd Mar Feb: 5k/10k grads plan, week 4

Monday:
Brisk 30 mins walk at lunchtime to wake up the legs

Tuesday: 60 mins very easy (5.53 miles, 10:52/mi)
Done this one after work and as with a few of last weeks runs it felt like more effort than it should. I wasn't sure if the long day at work was to blame, or still some affects of the previous week's hill session. I had picked up a pair of compression socks in the bargain bin at Elvery's and this was their second outing. I must do some reading on the benefits as I've no idea what they do, other than make me feel that I look ridiculous.

Wednesday: 6 x 2 min AP, 3 min recoveries
AP range: 7:11 - 7:02
Paces: 7:24, 7:08, 7:12, 7:12, 7:15, 7:10
I found this one tough enough going, but got better as it went. I never quite hit the desired paces. As the session progressed I remembered to focus on form and each time I did the effort felt much easier. The more ragged I ran, the more effort I was feeling. The last rep was my best, with effort feeling controlled and form staying decent. Including w/u and c/d I covered 6.15 miles. Once again though, I felt that I was not appropriately fresh before this run, and I identified a need to get back to going to bed earlier, something which has definitely slipped since DCM.

Thursday: 60 mins very easy (5.53 miles, 10:52/mi)
My last run of February and this was a much more pleasant effort off the back of a decent nights sleep. 119 miles for the month, which is a solid enough number considering I had a slow start to the month mileage wise due to Dungarvan recovery. Feel like I'm adding solid weeks together, and building steadily but appropriately.

Month|2016|2017|2018|2019
January|21|5|51|131
February|19||51|119
March|27||62
April|3||55
May|1|18|74
June|2|38|96
July||33|129
August||49|137
September|1|25|179
October|4|42|131
November|6|40|34
December||51|84
Total (mi)|83|301|1083


Friday:
No running, but I did dive back into a yoga/bodyweight training DVD I had used a handful of times during DCM training. Will hopefully incorporate that into the weekly schedule from now on.

Saturday: Clonmel Parkrun
Having missed out on a local 5km last weekend I decided to give parkrun a good rattle this weekend to see where I'm at. I hadn't been to the parkrun much in the past 18 months, so PB stood at a soft 23:26 from Nov '17. I didn't really have a goal in mind, moreso just to run it hard and see where it took me, but felt that low 22's might be doable. I arrived later than planned so warmup had to be curtailed to a 5 minute jog.

The race is 2.5 laps of Clonmel racecourse, with a long hill to be negotiated twice. I typically start conservative and pick up the pace on the final lap, but this time I went out at a decent clip on the initial downhill section, and tried to keep a decent pace on the first pass of the hill. I had a pair of runners 5-10 yards ahead of me at this stage and I just maintained that gap all the way up the hill. We rounded onto the back straight where normally you'd get some respite after the hill, but not today. There was a very strong wind blowing straight into our faces which really made this section just as tough as the hill. The two guys were still 5-10 yards ahead of me as we rounded the top bend and onto the downhill section. I put the boot down here and passed both, then passed by another runner on the bottom straight. As I hit the hill for the second time I had no one near me, the runner ahead was too far way to be a target. The legs really felt heavy now as I trudged up the hill. Onto the back straight and the wind was as strong as ever. No runners near me, but there was walkers to negotiate. I just got through here as best as I could, knowing that the downhill would offer respite, eventually. Gradually picked up the pace once I reached the downhill and when I heard footsteps in the background in the last 100m or so I was able to kick again and maintain my position.

Finished in a very pleasing 21:45, with splits of 7:24, 6:51, 7:16 and 5:39 for the last bit. I reckon that there's another nice chunk to come off that on a better day, and if I had someone around me for the latter part of the race too.
Course is short by my watch, I worked out that my actual 5km time would be 22:15 or thereabouts.

Sunday: 70 mins easy (6.83 miles, 10:17/mi)
Got absolutely soaked but I really enjoyed this run. Legs felt tired after yesterdays efforts, but in a good way.

I've made a big effort to get in more sleep over the last few days, and I'm already seeing the benefits in my running. Felt a lot better on my runs later in the week than I had done over the previous week.

Mr. Guappa

4th Mar - 10th Mar: 5k/10k grads plan, week 5

Monday:
Rest

Tuesday: 60 mins very easy (5.55 miles, 11:00/mi)
A tired effort around a hillier loop than normal. Must work this loop into my routine more often, and probably will as the evenings lengthen. Tiredness was due to being on night shifts early in the week.

Wednesday: 8 x 1 min hills, 2-3 min recoveries
Paces: 7:26, 7:10, 7:17, 7:15, 7:23, 7:56, 7:33, 7:40
Back to the same hill as a fortnight ago for these. Not as even an effort as the time previous, the first three reps felt too fast, the next two about right and the final three a bit slow. Still, it was there or thereabouts and I kept my mind on maintaining form and lifting the knees. Had to walk the first minute or so of each recovery, and lungs were definitely feeling it this time. Curtailed warm up and cool down to 10 mins each due to time constraints, so just the 4.51 miles for the session. Arms and elbows were sore all evening after, so I guess I was swinging them like a lunatic.

Thursday: 60 mins very easy (5.55 miles, 10:49/mi)
A nice run. Legs felt fine after the hill session, unlike the previous time. Got a scare when I trod on a stone and feared I rolled my ankle, but it was fine thankfully.

Friday:
No running, but I did the yoga DVD for the second week running. Felt it in the upper body muscles after last week's, but seem less affected by this week's.

Saturday: 15 mins tempo, 4 mins recovery, 10 mins threshold
Tempo (8:15-8:03), actual 8:13, 8:04
Threshold (7:51-7:40), actual 7:47, 7:42
This was a nice session. Legs felt good. 6.31 miles for the day with warm up and cool down. I find I really like these paces and the longer reps.

Sunday: 1 hour 45 mins easy (9.73 miles, 10:48/mi)
It was wet and wild outside so I stayed indoors and did this one on the treadmill. I feared a disaster as I haven't overly enjoyed the treadmill so far, and this would be my longest run on it, by some distance. But as it turns out, it was grand. I wouldn't say I enjoyed it, but it was tolerable. Kept the paces back a touch as I always feel the treadmill is more effort. If nothing else, learned that the treadmill is definitely a viable option for when circumstances require it.

Local 10km coming up on Sunday, which will be a great barometer of what I can hope for in my target 10km come May. I'd love to crack 45 mins in May, but fear that's a touch ambitious, but it's a good two months away yet. Hoping to beat 46:30 at the weekend anyway. Well done to all those who raced today, lots of great running from these parts.

ReeReeG

Not a hope of me staying on a treadmill that long, fair play!

I dunno, I think your sub 45 could be closer than you're letting yourself think?

Mr. Guappa

ReeReeG wrote: »

Not a hope of me staying on a treadmill that long, fair play!

I dunno, I think your sub 45 could be closer than you're letting yourself think?

Yeah, possible that your right. I did wonder if I was selling myself short with my targets, and when I really gave the parkrun a good go last week I was surprised with how fast I went. We'll see after Sunday I guess, going to give it a proper rattle anyway.

Huzzah!

Mr. Guappa wrote: »

Saturday: 15 mins tempo, 4 mins recovery, 10 mins threshold
Tempo (8:15-8:03), actual 8:13, 8:04
Threshold (7:51-7:40), actual 7:47, 7:42
This was a nice session. Legs felt good. 6.31 miles for the day with warm up and cool down. I find I really like these paces and the longer reps.

I love the longer reps, too, but I found changing up a gear tough enough in that session.

Some really nice training going on here. I think that 10k target will be toast in no time.

Mr. Guappa

Huzzah! wrote: »

I love the longer reps, too, but I found changing up a gear tough enough in that session.

It can be tough, no doubt, but I'm loving the challenge. Some days it works out better than others. Well done on your 5/4/3/2/1 session last week, you nailed it. I'm looking forward to that one later in this plan.

Some really nice training going on here. I think that 10k target will be toast in no time.

I'm happy it's worked out that I've two 10k's in close proximity, calendar wise. Should help to "get my eye in" at the distance, so to speak.

Mr. Guappa

11th Mar - 17th Mar: 5k/10k grads plan, week 6

Monday:
No running - brisk 30 min walk at lunchtime.

Tuesday: 60 mins very easy (5.4 miles, 10:56/mi)
The weather was horrible for this, right in the worst of Storm Gareth. Lashing rain and strong winds do not make ideal running conditions. Debated calling it a night on more than one occasion, and probably should have, but ended up doing the full hour. There was another few runners out as well, so I didn't feel like a complete nutcase.

Wednesday: 6 x 1 min VO2 max, 2 min recoveries
Range: 6:53- 6:45
Actual: 7:04, 6:53, 6:55, 7:01, 6:37, 6:54
I swapped out the prescribed session for this pre-race sharpener. Didn't nail the paces, but I was thereabouts for the most part, and effort felt right. Conditions were still far from ideal, but much improved from the night before. This is my third time doing this session I think, and it's one I really enjoy. Short and sweet. Warmup and cooldown took me to 4.8 miles for the evening.

Thursday:
Rest

Friday: 60 mins very easy (5.42 miles, 10:49/mi)
Legs felt dead for this, for whatever reason.

Saturday: 3 miles easy, with 4 "strides"
Legs still a bit dead on this one, and the strides were not exactly purposeful, more like pathetic little spurts. Still, gave the legs a bit of a loosening out I'm sure.

Sunday: Ardfinnan 10km race - 46:29 chip time
Pretty much the time I thought I'd do, and a 2-minute PB, so I guess I should be happy, but I'm a bit nonplussed about it really. I didn't fall short, I didn't blow my target out of the water, I just did what I thought I'd do. Meh.

I was actually happy with how the race itself went, which is somewhat of a contradiction. The first half was hilly so I took it reasonably handy up until halfway, then upped the pace on the flatter second half. Paces for the first 3 miles were 7:34, 7:41, 7:57 with that third mile being one long drag. Ran most of the second half on my own with no one anywhere near me, with the last 1.5 miles into a decent breeze. The closing splits came in at 7:19, 7:02, 7:15 and 6:25 for the final 0.27 miles.

I ran the same course (in reverse) in 58:xx in 2016, skipped 2017, then 48:29 last year and 46:29 now this year. I'm very pleased with my progress over that period, but yeah. I'm not sure why I'm not more pleased with my performance in this race, I know I should be, and apologies for the moaning!!

In other news, I felt a tightness in my left hamstring right at the start of the race. Contemplated pulling to the side there and then, and I probably should have but I said I'd give it a mile and see how I was then. It was a bit better after a mile, and two miles in I'd pretty much forgotten about it. There was still something there, but it had faded and wasn't impeding me. The adrenaline had kicked in I guess. Got to the finish and had the tea and the chats and didn't give the hamstring a second thought until my cooldown. It was sore, very very sore. I could barely walk on it later that day, and I was still lame on Monday. A steady diet of RICE has it feeling a lot better over the past 12 hours, but still not 100%. If the improvement continues I might try an easy run on Friday, but I won't be risking further damage if it's not right. I've the physio booked for Monday week (01/04) as that was the only time that suited us both. This week would have been mainly recovery runs anyway, so I'm not losing out on too much and hopefully I can jump back into the plan without too much missed time, but I won't force it.

ReeReeG

Congrats on the PB! Maybe the concern for the hamstring is holding back the PB joy... hope it's nothing serious. You're (as usual) being very sensible with rest etc.

On the pre-race session, I was just gonna do the session in the plan this week before a 10k on Sunday. But you've given me food for thought with your approach.

Huzzah!

Youch on the hammy. I did something similar in a race a few years back and could barely walk for the rest of the day but it resolved itself very quickly. Hopefully it's the same for you.

Well done on the race. That's some really nice improvements you've made. It's great to have the same race as a benchmark.

eyrie

It's amazing to be able to chart that kind of progress, it's a massive improvement to have made in a few years, and a big PB compared to last year too. I've had that nonplussed feeling about races too and I know what you mean by it. At the same time, performing to what our fitness/training/whatever suggests we should achieve is exactly what ideally happens when things work well, so it's worth enjoying it when it does work out like that! Or do you feel like you could have done more? If so there's always next time

Hope the hamstring is nothing lasting.

Mr. Guappa

ReeReeG wrote: »

Congrats on the PB! Maybe the concern for the hamstring is holding back the PB joy... hope it's nothing serious. You're (as usual) being very sensible with rest etc.

On the pre-race session, I was just gonna do the session in the plan this week before a 10k on Sunday. But you've given me food for thought with your approach.

I won't be wheeling out that session before every race, but this was my main mid-plan race so decided it was worth the adjustment. Probably doesn't make too much difference in the grand scheme of things, but I like the confidence boost it gives me. Others will prefer the security of staying on plan I'm sure.

Huzzah! wrote: »

Youch on the hammy. I did something similar in a race a few years back and could barely walk for the rest of the day but it resolved itself very quickly. Hopefully it's the same for you.

Well done on the race. That's some really nice improvements you've made. It's great to have the same race as a benchmark.

Hamstring feels almost 100% now today. I'll probably give it one more day then try a few easy miles on Friday, hopefully.

eyrie wrote: »

It's amazing to be able to chart that kind of progress, it's a massive improvement to have made in a few years, and a big PB compared to last year too. I've had that nonplussed feeling about races too and I know what you mean by it. At the same time, performing to what our fitness/training/whatever suggests we should achieve is exactly what ideally happens when things work well, so it's worth enjoying it when it does work out like that! Or do you feel like you could have done more? If so there's always next time

Hope the hamstring is nothing lasting.

Now that the hamstring fog is clearing I'm a bit happier about the race. Also, I've remembered that heading into the final 3k I thought that 36:00 would be achievable, so maybe that's why I was initially disappointed. I'd worked out my paces based on an even 10k, but it was more like 10.1 on my watch, plus the last few km was into the wind. Another pacing lesson learned there.

Huzzah!

Mr. Guappa wrote: »

I won't be wheeling out that session before every race, but this was my main mid-plan race so decided it was worth the adjustment. Probably doesn't make too much difference in the grand scheme of things, but I like the confidence boost it gives me. Others will prefer the security of staying on plan I'm sure.


Hamstring feels almost 100% now today. I'll probably give it one more day then try a few easy miles on Friday, hopefully.


Now that the hamstring fog is clearing I'm a bit happier about the race. Also, I've remembered that heading into the final 3k I thought that 36:00 would be achievable, so maybe that's why I was initially disappointed. I'd worked out my paces based on an even 10k, but it was more like 10.1 on my watch, plus the last few km was into the wind. Another pacing lesson learned there.

Don't get me wrong, you're doing well'n'all but it might be a while before you run 36 for a 10k

Mr. Guappa

Huzzah! wrote: »

Don't get me wrong, you're doing well'n'all but it might be a while before you run 36 for a 10k

Ha, nicely spotted!! #longtermgoals

ariana`

Nice PB! Well done, great to see the progression over time too, i love revisiting certain races for that reason

ReeReeG

Mr. Guappa wrote: »

I won't be wheeling out that session before every race, but this was my main mid-plan race so decided it was worth the adjustment. Probably doesn't make too much difference in the grand scheme of things, but I like the confidence boost it gives me. Others will prefer the security of staying on plan I'm sure.

Well the plan for me had 2 mins Vo2 reps last night and were NOT a confidence booster, should have went with 1 min!

Kellygirl

Congrats on the pb. Hopefully the hamstring will stay 100% now and let you back to your training.

Mr. Guappa

18th - 24th March

Monday - Thursday
Rest, rest, rest and more rest. There's nothing like a bit of an injury scare to make you appreciate running. Felt the envy anytime I saw someone out and about. The injury progressed all week, to the point where everything felt normal by Thursday and I felt comfortable chancing a few miles on Friday.

Friday: 40 mins very easy, 3.67 miles @ 11:00
Enjoyed this. I didn't feel anything untoward during the run, although there was a little soreness later that evening.

Saturday
Rest

Sunday: 80 mins easy, 7.80 miles @ 10:16
This was bliss. Hamstring felt fine throughout, although there's a touch of soreness again this evening.

I'll be keeping the mileage in check and everything easy again this week. I get the feeling that the hamstring would flare up again if I tried upping the pace, so definitely wary of that. Physio appointment is Monday week, so I may try a few strides next weekend to see if there's a reaction and have a fuller picture going in.

Some great results from these parts over the past couple of weekends. Well done to all. Seeing those performances really whets the appetite for the months ahead. Speaking of which, clocks go forward next weekend. Halelujiah!!

aloooof

Hoping the hamstring injury is minor enough and you can shake it off pretty quickly, A.

Mr. Guappa

25th - 31st March

Monday
Rest

Tuesday: 40 mins very easy (3.71 miles @ 10:59)
Short window after work to squeeze in a few miles. Nothing special, just a nice gentle evening trot as darkness fell.

Wednesday
Rest

Thursday: 60 mins easy (6.01 miles @ 10:10)
This was a lovely run on a beautiful evening. I ran around the grass pitches at UL, and there was plenty more runners doing the same thing. Nice to run on dry grass for a change!

Friday: 60 mins very easy, with 4 × strides thrown in (6.01 miles @ 10:30)
A beautiful morning this time around my usual local loop. Tossed in a few strides to gauge the hamstring a few days ahead of the physio appointment. No issues to report.

Saturday: 40 mins very easy, 3.69 miles @ 11:07
A late evening run after a long day at work. I didn't have too much enthusiasm for this one, but got it done.

Sunday: 1 hour 45 mins easy (10:16 miles @10:20)
This was a really enjoyable early morning effort. Legs felt a bit heavy at times, and felt a bit of tightness in the hamstring around 8 miles in, which disappeared after a few minutes.

Just shy of 30 miles for the week, all at an easy or very easy pace, and 112 miles for March. That's 20 or so miles short of what I'd have liked, but that couldn't be helped. Had the physio appointment today and she identified a bit of a weakness in my left leg, so I've been assigned some glute stretching and strengthening exercises. I can keep running, but no speed stuff for another 2-3 weeks. I'm happy enough with that diagnosis as it could have been a lot worse. Still, all going well, that's the Annerville 10km in May knocked back from goal race to non-target race. I'll look for something towards the end of June and train towards that I think.

Mr. Guappa

1st April - 7th April

One thing I neglected to mention about last weeks physio visit was that she used some dry needling on my leg. What a weird sensation that is! Anyway, nothing too exciting this week, all easy/very easy:

Monday
Rest, and the aforementioned physio appointment.

Tuesday: 70 mins very easy (6.58 miles @ 10:51)
This was a recce of the Annerville 10km course. It's not as flat as I had thought. No monster hills or anything, but enough drags to keep you honest and the last couple of miles are on a flat straight stretch, but always seems to be into the wind anytime I run it. Legs felt a little tired, but nothing major.

Wednesday: 60 mins very easy (5.47 miles @ 10:59)
Started off this one in a light drizzle, which gave way to sun, followed by a hailstone shower before the sun returned for a finish. It's no fun running while being battered by hailstones.

Thursday: 80 mins easy (7.76 miles @ 10:19)
With sessions off the table for the minute, I decided to add a midweek "medium" run. This was enjoyable, easy pace felt like a treat after the very easy stuff earlier in the week.

Friday:
Rest

Saturday: 60 mins very easy (5.70 miles @ 10:54)
I'm working nights these few days and this was one of those runs that was more effort than it should have been due to being on nights.

Sunday: 60 mins very easy (5.55 miles @ 10:59)
Had planned a long run for this afternoon, but I had a good sleep instead. Popped out for a very easy hour and pushed the long run back to tomorrow, hopefully.

31 miles for the week, which I'm happy with. I've been keeping up the prescribed stretching and strengthening exercises and I'm optimistic the hamstring is getting there. Certainly no issues with it this week. I've enjoyed the freedom of being off-plan and just easy running over the last while.
It's just allowed me a little mental break I think. That said, I am looking forward to getting stuck into a session again before too long, hopefully.

ReeReeG

Nice and sensible week! Hope you get back session-ing soon.

Mr. Guappa

ReeReeG wrote: »

Nice and sensible week! Hope you get back session-ing soon.

Thanks! I was going to throw in this big local hill one of the days, but then skyblue mentioned somewhere that hamstrings do all the work when climbing hills so I thought it best to leave it. Another 10 or so days of easy stuff and then hopefully back to normal.

Mr. Guappa

8th April - 14th April

Monday: 2 hours easy (11.63 miles @ 10:20)
This was my long run which got pushed back from last week. Headed out late in the evening, and don't remember much about it other than racing the light to get off the unlit bypass and into town before darkness closed in.

Tuesday: 60 mins very easy (5.53 miles @ 10:51)
Another one that I've little memory of!

Wednesday:
Rest

Thursday: 74 mins very easy (6.89 miles @ 10:47)
This one I remember. A lovely afternoon and a really enjoyable run. Added a bit onto my usual hour to try and keep the mileage up while I'm on this easy/very easy diet.

Friday: 60 mins very easy (5.56 miles @ 10:47)
Yeah, I dunno. Very easy hour #431. I did note that my very easy pace has come down a bit recently, probably due to the absence of sessions.

Saturday: 75 mins easy (7.28 miles @ 10:18)
I had no firm plan setting out for this one, which is never a good idea. Anything up to 2 hours was in my mind, but the weather was nasty enough out and I just wasn't feeling it today. Considered calling it a day numerous times and eventually bargained with myself for a 75 minute compromise. Happened upon a race in progress at one stage. They were doing one mile loops where I sometimes run. A bit of strava snooping later and it turns out it was a 24 hour race! This one! I'm still in awe. It struck me as such a soul destroying loop to do on repeat for 24 hours! Later a dog off his lead ran into me like I was a coursing hare he was trying to turn. I gesticulated at his owner who was across the other side of a pitch, and decided this just wasn't meant to be an enjoyable days running.

Sunday:
Rest

36.9 miles for the week, which is my highest mileage week since January. I'm hopeful enough that I'm not going backwards during this easy-only phase, but I'm dying to get back session-ing again. Physio on Thursday, so hopefully get the all clear then, and I might try something a bit pacier beforehand to see where I stand.

Edit: Almost forgot, well done to all running the GIR today, some savage performances from these parts.

Huzzah!

Mr. Guappa wrote: »

36.9 miles for the week, which is my highest mileage week since January. I'm hopeful enough that I'm not going backwards during this easy-only phase

I've a feeling you'll come back even stronger. Good luck with the physio.

Kellygirl

Huzzah! wrote: »

I've a feeling you'll come back even stronger. Good luck with the physio.

Agreed. I’d say you are building up a nice little base there and will be ready to build on that nicely.

Mr. Guappa

15th April - 21st April

Monday: 40 mins very easy (3.54 miles @ 11:22)
Hopped on the treadmill for a late night effort. Felt a lot longer than 40 minutes.

Tuesday: 60 mins easy (5.85 miles @ 10:17)
There's a local hill that I'd been avoiding for the past year. I'd used the bottom section for my hill sessions earlier this year, but haven't ventured further since my one and only foray over the top last February, an attempt which really took it out of me. Decided on the spur of the moment that this would be the day for a revisit, and it was great! A tough slog no doubt, but certainly nothing to fear, and a section that I'll look to add to my long runs on an occasional basis from now on. The weather was smashing for this, and pace was a touch on the fast side considering the conditions, and that I'd a big hill in the middle. Effort didn't feel excessive though.

Wednesday: 60 mins very easy, with 4 strides thrown in (6.00 miles @ 10:26)
I hadn't intended on doing the strides, but when I got onto the straight section of this route I decided that the hamstring need a bit of a test, so went with it. All felt good. Pace again just a touch on the fast side.

Thursday: Rest
My physio appointment was scheduled for today, but a change of work plans meant I had to cancel. The physio had said originally that she expected the hamstring to be right by now, and to cancel the appointment if everything felt fine. Apart from some tiredness it has felt fine for the past while, so I'm happy enough to return to some sessions, while of course keeping an eye on it.

Friday: 30 mins tempo (6.55 miles @ 9:05, including w/u & c/d)
Range: 8:03-8:15
Actual: 8:13, 8:12, 8:03, 8:12
Another smashing day and it was great to be back knocking out this type of effort. The route was pretty hilly, so effort was more varied than the paces might suggest. I really enjoyed this one. Struggled to reign the pace back in sufficiently on the cool down.

Saturday: 1 hour 45 mins easy (10:38 miles @ 10:09)
Another run in fabulous weather, and once again I was a touch too fast. Effort felt fine for the most part again though, bar maybe the last mile or so. Legs felt appropriately tired following the previous days effort, and indeed a solid weeks effort.

Sunday: 60 mins very easy (5.63 miles @ 10:50)
In keeping with the weeks trend, this run was again a touch faster than my typical pace for very easy. Hilly route and warm day but effort felt ok.

37.9 miles for the week, which makes for a very solid couple of weeks. Nice to get some stuff in this week too. Hamstring feels fine so I'm just going to motor on and keep a watchful eye on it. I'm not sure of a reason for my slightly faster efforts this week, could be the lack of session has the legs fresher, or just a general uptick in fitness/speed. Everything is still more or less within the correct ranges anyway, just at the faster end of the range. I'll see how this week goes on that front.

I've spotted a couple of 10km races towards the end of June, so I'm looking at one of those as a target race for the moment. Need to work things out a bit first, but I'll probably jump back into the grads 5k/10k plan at week 6, which would take me up to either of those June races. I'm considering a parkrun at the weekend to gauge where I'm at, but I'll make a call on that later in the week.

Mr. Guappa

22nd April - 28th April

Monday:
Rest

Tuesday: 60 mins very easy (5.77 miles @ 10:56)
Back to my standard very easy pace following last weeks issues with being a tad too pacy.

Wednesday: 5 x 5 min CV, with 4 min recoveries
CV Range: 7:30 - 7:20
Actual Paces: 7:33, 7:33, 7:25, 7:29, 7:33
Screwed up the programming of the watch which meant I had to manually lap the final 4 reps, adding more mental effort to a session which took a strong effort anyway. The weather had turned cooler for this which suited me fine. A chunkier than normal warm-up and cool-down gave me 8.82 miles for the day. First proper session in a while, and I was happy enough with it.

Thursday:
Rest

Friday: 3 x 8 min threshold, with 3 min recoveries
Threshold range: 7:51 - 7:40
Actual paces: 7:49, 7:49, 7:49
Switched the planned Friday and Saturday runs as there were Friday pints to be had. This felt a lot more comfortable than the CV effort earlier in the week, and was a run I really enjoyed. First 2 reps were nice and evenly paced, third was a bit more up and down due to drags and pedestrians. 7.35 miles for the day.

Saturday:
"Rest"
60 mins very easy was the plan, but the previous evening's drinking had taken it's toll and I was confined to the couch for the day.

Sunday: 90 mins easy (8.79 miles @ 10:14)
Happy enough to get back in the runners for this one. Loads of runners out and about, no doubt inspired by London this morning. Chucked my name on the ballot for next year for the craic.

30.7 miles for the week, so something of a step-back week in the end, but with 2 sessions thrown in it's another good week in my book. Hamstring has been fine lately, although the back of my heel has been sore for the last few days. I read that this could be due to an increase in hill work, and I've done hillier routes over the past couple of weeks alright, so I reverted to flatter plains towards the end of this week. Another thing to keep an eye on. Didn't get in the parkrun that I mentioned last week, so the 10km race in a couple of weeks will be harder to judge, which might be a good thing for me actually.

Mr. Guappa

29th April - 5th May

Monday: 60 mins very easy (5.46 miles @ 11:00)
A late evening run after work around the grass pitches at UL. All felt good, and I had a very interesting PM in my Boards inbox when I got back!

Tuesday:
No running - felt like crap and had to leave work at 11 as I felt unwell. It kind of came out of nowhere, although it seems to have gone around the office.

Wednesday:
No running - took the day off work (really not like me). Not feeling a whole lot better than yesterday. Lots of sleep.

Thursday:
No running - on the mend now and feeling fine, but decided to leave the running for another day in case there was anything lingering.

Friday: 75 mins very easy (6.84 miles @ 11:00)
Decided I was up to some very easy miles. Felt fine and good to be back out on the roads again!

Saturday: 30 mins tempo
Tempo range: 8:15 - 8:03
Actual paces: 8:09, 8:10, 8:13, 8:02
This got easier as it went on. The first 10-15 mins at tempo felt like more work than I thought they should, but by the end I was much more comfortable. I really like tempo pace. 7.77 miles for the day with w/u and c/d.

Sunday: 1 hour 45 mins easy
I had a long run planned for Sunday afternoon, but I woke feeling wrecked and grumpy (apparently!). Looking back on the week, I was probably still wrecked on Friday and Saturday from the midweek dose. Anyway, as advised by herself, I canned the long run and took an afternoon nap instead! Best decision I've made in a while as it turns out. Felt like a new man afterwards and got the long run on Monday instead. Sometimes the best run is no run.

So this week left April behind us, and with 142 miles it ranks as my second highest mileage month to date. Most of the miles were easy due to the hamstring injury, but as Huzzah! and Kellygirl noted, it should stand to me as a great base. For perspective, I'll resurrect my mileage table:

Month|2016|2017|2018|2019
January|21|5|51|131
February|19||51|119
March|27||62|112
April|3||55|142
May|1|18|74
June|2|38|96
July||33|129
August||49|137
September|1|25|179
October|4|42|131
November|6|40|34
December||51|84
Total (mi)|83|301|1083


For the week ahead, I've the 10km race in Clonmel on Sunday. This had been an "A-target" race for the first half of the year, but it's more of a "B-target" now. Given the recent lack of sessions I'm really not sure what to expect. Maybe a slight PB on 46:29, but not near my sub 45 goal for the year? I don't know. I'll give it a good rattle anyway, see what happens!

And then there is the small matter of this! First off, I'm truly honoured to have been asked, so thanks very much to ariana' for deeming me worthy! Very big shoes to fill! It's a testament to the great job that she, Kellygirl and skyblue46 did last year that I had so many willing and capable candidates to assist me, but I'm delighted that Huzzah! and ReeReeG agreed to come on board. With those two looking out for them, the 2019 novices will be in great hands. I won't lie, it's a daunting task, but having gained so much from this forum, I'm thrilled to be in a position to give something back. Excited, but nervous!

Kellygirl

You’ll be great - a brilliant mentor.

Hope the race goes really well next weekend.

ReeReeG

I really think you could surprise yourself on Sunday and get more than a slight PB. You've had your second highest mileage month, so the fitness isn't lost after the setback, maaaaybe some sharpness but I dunno. What's the course profile like??

yido1882

Best of luck with the Mentor role A, you'll do a great job.

Good luck with the 10k on Sunday, back yourself, you've a load of great training behind you with great endurance built up. Don't worry about the lack of sessions.
I would say, put yourself on pace for a PB for the first 3 or 4 kms and see how you're feeling then, you can always dial it back slightly if it's feeling too quick.

tbukela

Best of luck with the Mentored Novice thread, you will do a great job with it.

Similar to the others I think you will run a cracker in the 10K at the weekend, back yourself.

Qupamyav

good luck, wish you gain more

Wubble Wubble

Mr. Guappa wrote: »

29th April - 5th May

Monday: 60 mins very easy (5.46 miles @ 11:00)
A late evening run after work around the grass pitches at UL. All felt good, and I had a very interesting PM in my Boards inbox when I got back!

Tuesday:
No running - felt like crap and had to leave work at 11 as I felt unwell. It kind of came out of nowhere, although it seems to have gone around the office.

Wednesday:
No running - took the day off work (really not like me). Not feeling a whole lot better than yesterday. Lots of sleep.

Thursday:
No running - on the mend now and feeling fine, but decided to leave the running for another day in case there was anything lingering.

Friday: 75 mins very easy (6.84 miles @ 11:00)
Decided I was up to some very easy miles. Felt fine and good to be back out on the roads again!

Saturday: 30 mins tempo
Tempo range: 8:15 - 8:03
Actual paces: 8:09, 8:10, 8:13, 8:02
This got easier as it went on. The first 10-15 mins at tempo felt like more work than I thought they should, but by the end I was much more comfortable. I really like tempo pace. 7.77 miles for the day with w/u and c/d.

Sunday: 1 hour 45 mins easy
I had a long run planned for Sunday afternoon, but I woke feeling wrecked and grumpy (apparently!). Looking back on the week, I was probably still wrecked on Friday and Saturday from the midweek dose. Anyway, as advised by herself, I canned the long run and took an afternoon nap instead! Best decision I've made in a while as it turns out. Felt like a new man afterwards and got the long run on Monday instead. Sometimes the best run is no run.

So this week left April behind us, and with 142 miles it ranks as my second highest mileage month to date. Most of the miles were easy due to the hamstring injury, but as Huzzah! and Kellygirl noted, it should stand to me as a great base. For perspective, I'll resurrect my mileage table:

Month|2016|2017|2018|2019
January|21|5|51|131
February|19||51|119
March|27||62|112
April|3||55|142
May|1|18|74
June|2|38|96
July||33|129
August||49|137
September|1|25|179
October|4|42|131
November|6|40|34
December||51|84
Total (mi)|83|301|1083


For the week ahead, I've the 10km race in Clonmel on Sunday. This had been an "A-target" race for the first half of the year, but it's more of a "B-target" now. Given the recent lack of sessions I'm really not sure what to expect. Maybe a slight PB on 46:29, but not near my sub 45 goal for the year? I don't know. I'll give it a good rattle anyway, see what happens!

And then there is the small matter of this! First off, I'm truly honoured to have been asked, so thanks very much to ariana' for deeming me worthy! Very big shoes to fill! It's a testament to the great job that she, Kellygirl and skyblue46 did last year that I had so many willing and capable candidates to assist me, but I'm delighted that Huzzah! and ReeReeG agreed to come on board. With those two looking out for them, the 2019 novices will be in great hands. I won't lie, it's a daunting task, but having gained so much from this forum, I'm thrilled to be in a position to give something back. Excited, but nervous!

The very best of luck A. I'm sure you'll do a fine job.

Applegirl26

Best of luck with leading the novices A and good luck with the race!

ariana`

Mr. Guappa wrote: »

And then there is the small matter of this! First off, I'm truly honoured to have been asked, so thanks very much to ariana' for deeming me worthy! Very big shoes to fill! It's a testament to the great job that she, Kellygirl and skyblue46 did last year that I had so many willing and capable candidates to assist me, but I'm delighted that Huzzah! and ReeReeG agreed to come on board. With those two looking out for them, the 2019 novices will be in great hands. I won't lie, it's a daunting task, but having gained so much from this forum, I'm thrilled to be in a position to give something back. Excited, but nervous!

I'm delighted you took it up. I have no doubt you and your well chosen sidekicks will do an absolutely super job! I hope you enjoy the experience of being involved from a different angle this year - it's very rewarding. It's very exciting to see the thread back up and running again, you're off to a great start already

Mr. Guappa

Kellygirl wrote: »

You’ll be great - a brilliant mentor.

Hope the race goes really well next weekend.

Cheers - time will tell on both counts I guess

ReeReeG wrote: »

I really think you could surprise yourself on Sunday and get more than a slight PB. You've had your second highest mileage month, so the fitness isn't lost after the setback, maaaaybe some sharpness but I dunno. What's the course profile like??

Course is not the worst, but gently undulating throughout, plenty long drags and a finishing mile plus that is always into a headwind anytime I run there. Had a look at last years results, 300 runners and plenty in and around the 45-46 mark, so hopefully that will help!

yido1882 wrote: »

Best of luck with the Mentor role A, you'll do a great job.

Good luck with the 10k on Sunday, back yourself, you've a load of great training behind you with great endurance built up. Don't worry about the lack of sessions.
I would say, put yourself on pace for a PB for the first 3 or 4 kms and see how you're feeling then, you can always dial it back slightly if it's feeling too quick.

Cheers A - Hopefully Spurs to the business in Amsterdam! My general approach is to take it handy to start and pick up the pace later, but my best 5k did come when I went out hard. I might just go out hard this time as I've no real expectations, so if I fall to pieces, well, what about it.

tbukela wrote: »

Best of luck with the Mentored Novice thread, you will do a great job with it.

Similar to the others I think you will run a cracker in the 10K at the weekend, back yourself.

Cheers for the double vote of confidence T!

Wubble Wubble wrote: »

The very best of luck A. I'm sure you'll do a fine job.

Thanks very much J!

Applegirl26 wrote: »

Best of luck with leading the novices A and good luck with the race!

Cheers L, looking forward to both challenges!

ariana` wrote: »

I'm delighted you took it up. I have no doubt you and your well chosen sidekicks will do an absolutely super job! I hope you enjoy the experience of being involved from a different angle this year - it's very rewarding. It's very exciting to see the thread back up and running again, you're off to a great start already

Thanks! The reports from Limerick and Belfast over the weekend really got my marathon juices flowing again, and now with the thread up it's after ratcheting up a whole other level. It's fun so far (one day!) seeing it from the other side this year, but ask me again in 6 months! :pac:

Huzzah!

Good luck in the 10k at the weekend. As other have said, back yourself. Enjoy!

ariana`

Best of luck A, you've got this!

Dealerz2.0

Good luck at the weekend

skyblue46

Best of luck today. It's a smashing day for a race.

Kellygirl

Good luck today A.

Mr. Guappa

6th May - 12th May

Monday: 1 hour 45 mins easy, 10.43 miles at 10:24/mile
As mentioned last week, this was pushed back from Sunday. Not ideal pushing the long run into the Monday of race week, but no biggie. Felt great heading out, and loved this run.

Tuesday: 40 mins very easy (3.64 miles @ 11:01)
Bit of a taper this week, so knocked the usual hour back to 40 mins.

Wednesday:
Rest

Thursday: 5 × 1 min @ VO2 max, 2 min recoveries
The popular pre-race sharpener makes a welcome return. Reduced it by a rep as I was a day later doing this than I'd ideally like. Hit and miss with the paces (6:53-6:45) but there or thereabouts for all of them. Felt the session achieved its purpose anyway. A nice confidence builder.

Friday: 45 mins very easy (4:09 miles @ 11:00)
A nice Friday evening trot.

Saturday: 20 mins very easy, plus a few strides (2.33 miles)
Hamstring was sore Saturday morning, so I was fearful of a reoccurrence of the injury from March. Felt tight all the way around this run, so kept the strides very, very conservative. Looks like the run loosened out whatever was up with the hamstring anyway, as it was fine afterwards, and all good the following morning too.

Sunday: Clonmel AC 10km race
I'd decided during the week that I was going to give this everything I had, which meant attacking that 45 minute mark. The advice of so many here to back myself convinced me to go for it. The plan was to take the first 3 miles at 7:20 pace, then up it towards 7:00 for the final 3.2 odd miles. I'd built a little time buffer into that, and if I was under serious pressure after 3 miles I'd let the 45 min target go until another day.

After a gentle 15 minute warm-up I was all set. Looking back, the weather was way too hot to be PB hunting, but I didn't care.

Miles 1-3: 7:16, 7:21, 7:22
Pace felt nice and sedate in the very early going, but the watch told me I was going just as I wanted. The effort levels soon increased, and I was soon working reasonably hard. When I thought of it I tried to concentrate on breathing, keeping the head up, and keeping the course as short as possible, without resorting to using footpaths. Pretty much right on target through 3 miles, and feeling not too bad, and quite determined, I pushed on with the sub 45 plan.

Miles 4-6.2: 7:17, 7:06, 7:06 6:38
I found myself a bit isolated during the 4th mile, effort had definitely increased, but time for that mile didn't reflect this. I considered bailing on the 45 minute target, but my calculations at the 6k marker let me know it was well within reach, if I could just lift it again. Lift it again? I was working so hard here, it was horrible! Knuckled down again anyway, and went through a phase of reeling in and passing target after target. I was breathing so heavy now and again briefly considered settling for 45:xx, but quickly got over that. The faster you go the sooner this will be over. 5th mile beeped at 7:06 and my calculations at 8k told me me I was still a fraction outside the the 45 minute mark. Just sustain this pace for the remainder and I'll get it. Easier said than done though. I'd managed to pull in behind a guy at this stage, and apologies to him for taking a tow for so long but I didn't have the strength to pull past him. My heart felt like it was going to explode, my legs felt weak as hell, but still the watch showed 7:0x. Remember thinking around here that I need to do more shorter races to get used to this pain. Even passing a 400m to go sign I didn't know if I'd make the finish, saw the last corner approaching and thought please let the finish be just around the corner. 44:40 on the clock as I rounded the corner, knew I had it then! Drove for the line and crossed in a chip time of 44:50.

I was too wrecked to enjoy it in the immediate aftermath. A photo of me at that last corner confirms my suspicion that I wringed every last second I could out of myself today - it's a ridiculously unflattering snap, I look demented! After a few chats and sandwiches I went for a cool down, and it was only then that the sense of satisfaction came over me. I'm thrilled with that result, goes to show what can be achieved with lots and lots of easy miles!