Grey skies give way to......

03 - 09 July

Mon: missed track training as we went to the bog.

Tues: morning walk 4.2km. Nipped out for an evening run around the sports centre before the late night grocery shop. 5.1km 30:33 mins

Weds: Track training. Had us doing the trail circuit for a change of scenery. 6 km 38 mins.

Thurs: Bit of time to myself that evening so decided on a long walk with the Scamanda podcast. But by the time I got the far side of the housing estate it started to rain and even though I had a coat and hat on, it was no good - I turned back and was soaked to the bone and 1 mile walked.

Fri: Few errands to run in town and decided to get an easy run along the river while I was there. They were going a lot of work in the park so I turned and went out the opposite direction along the river. 5km 32 mins.

Sat: rest day. Was time keeper at parkrun. Went out for a walk that evening.

Sun: Decided to do the following weekend's long run 18km as I might not be available then. A few said they would do 10 miles so I arrived a little earlier and did 2km myself. Got soaked and when I got back to meet the others I could have been very easily persuaded to call it quits. But the rain eased after a couple of miles and the sun came out! Stashed my damp running jacket along the route to collect after - the joys of summer running in Ireland! Enjoyed the run and the company. Legs did feel a little tired and a little achy for the last few km. But this has been my longest run since March.

17 - 23 July

Mon: morning workout. Track training in the evening - a pacing session which I find good for practicing my pacing by feel rather than relying on the watch. 6km 38mins

Tues: morning and evening walk.

Weds: morning workout. Track training - a speed session of 90sec on/off. A do-able session, jogged my recoveries rather than walking them to get a bit of distance in. 6km 38mins

Thurs: rest day, up to my eyes in work.

Fri: I don't work Friday afternoons and as it was promised wet in the afternoon I swapped my run and my workout. So out for a short 3km run that morning. Home from work in the afternoon and did my workout. Just as I was finishing a friend messaged to see if I fancied an easy run which I jumped at! However we were too busy chatting and blowing off steam that we ended up running 5km in 29mins.

Sat: rest day. Was time keeper at parkrun.

Sun: the long run and a milestone 21km in the plan - half the distance, the tune of Bon Jovi in my head "Oh we're half way there, oooh-oh, livin' on a prayer!!" A really nice group gathered for the run and good mix of abilities. Started out nice and slow, glad to be in a singlet as it was humid out. As the miles went on, the group stretched out and people were pairing off. Myself and another girl got into a good stride and had to try and pull back the pace a few times. The miles flew by - took first gel at 9km and next one at 16km. Few hills on the route to test us a bit. I felt comfortable enough throughout the run, at the end I could have kept going which I'll take as a good sign. Half marathon distance ran in 2:18 which I'm pleasantly surprised with - my pb is 2:08 and we walked while taking on gels.

I will say my body does feel a bit tired after that week. I've been nursing a blister on my right instep but a compeed plaster and bandaging up my foot - it's grand on my runs. Also my right quad has been a bit niggley since Fri, more so when I'm going down the stairs but was fine when running. But overall I'm happy with how my training is going and enjoying the Novice thread here.

31 July - 06 Aug

Mon: track session of 800s. Tough but good. Last rep coach said to do 1 x 400m and managed to give it a good push. 5.75km in 41mins incl rest periods

Tues: online workout

Weds: track session 3 x 10mins. Jeez they were long 10 mins. The gloss of training with the more advanced group is wearing off and I'm starting to feel out of my depth. 8.35km 55mins incl rest

Thurs: online workout

Fri: Was away for the night so went for a 5km around the hotel grounds for a bit of exploring and change of scenery. Did an online workout when I got home as I'd an hour free.

Sat: rest day. Was run director at parkrun so got a bit of a walk doing course check. Also went out for another walk that evening to stretch out the legs ahead of the 10 mile race the next day.

Sun: Kilbeggan 10 mile - 1:38

Feels strange - it was a race but I didn't race it and I feel I have to justify that to everyone! There was such a good crowd locally to me doing it so was looking forward to it. Time flew by when we landed, chatting, that I couldn't believe when it was already time to start. Started out fine, trying to keep the pace back and let others go on. A friend of a friend was running her first 10 mile so we said we would run it with her. So I was checking in with the pace every so often - it seems to be staying about 6:00-6:10 min/km. Another 1 or 2 people latched onto us and next thing I knew I was pacing a little group! Not gonna lie - it gave me a little boost of confidence and a sense of responsibility to manage their pace, keep them going, update on distance. A hilly route and it was getting quite warm out. Water station at 10km where I slowed down to a walk - I'd to refill my water bottle and take a gel - I haven't mastered taking a gel running yet and I was trying out a different one (it worked out fine). Caught back up to my little bunch again. Over the next couple of kms the group was spreading out and the girl I was with was struggling a bit. At 8 miles she told me to head on, that she needed the last few kms herself. So I picked up a little, didn't feel like tearing off. Last mile starts with an tough uphill and I endeavoured to run up the whole way and once I got over that I picked up the pace bit by bit to finish up strong with a push. Happy with that run.

Distance for the week 35.25km

14 - 20 Aug

Mon: Club training. Trail running for a change. managed 3 loops (approx 1.5km each). Plus warm up and cool down 6.5km in 40mins. Felt tough going.

Tues: rest

Weds: track training with the club. Was back with my original group and I found it enjoyable. Session was 6 x 4mins with 2min recovery. Was to be at 10 mile pace but found as I got into the session that I was going more 10km pace or slightly faster. Probably should have eased up the pace but it was manageable and enjoyable. Did another 2km after the session to get the distance up to 5 miles. 8.1km 56:22 including recoveries.

Thurs: rest from running - badly needed. Did an online workout.

Fri: Rest again. Had hoped to do a workout but had to work late.

Sat: Long run 28km. Was running with a friend who was just getting over a sickness so I was very mindful of her running. Even though we'd 28km on the plan, I said to her if she wanted to do a shorter run that was no problem. Kept checking in with her along the run and how she was feeling - she was doing great. The miles just flew by - the first 10km of the route I'd never run before so it was nice to have a change of scenery. The second part of the run, a 10 mile loop I had done before and knew it was could be tough enough but really happy with how the run went. Have found the last few weeks that once I go over 21km I'm struggling. But it didn't feel as bad this week, partly because I was conscious of my running buddy and how she was doing (she was brilliant btw). She was really helpful and supportive in those last few miles, she's done 10+ marathons and I ended the run feeling capable of doing more if I really had to.

Sun: Went for a walk to stretch out the hips and legs, nice afternoon out. Did an online workout after.

Distance for the week 42.5km

29 Aug - 03 Sept

Mon: 2 mile morning walk. Track training that evening. Interesting session of 400s and take your own recovery as needed. It's nice when you feel like you are in charge of your own session and one like this you don't feel as aware of how ahead/behind you are of the rest of the field, you are just concentrating on your own session. As few 200s after that, same instructions. Warm up, drills, session, cool down 6.2km in 53mins.

Tues: online workout

Weds: Missed track session

Thurs: rest. Walk

Fri: Walk and online workout. A bit more walking this week than usual. A lot on my mind at the moment and walking helps calm me down a bit and doesn't require as much effort as running.

Sat: Expected to volunteer at parkrun but they had a full rota so I decided to walk as I wasn't dressed to run. Got a lovely brisk walk around in 45mins.

Sun: Long run - the big one 32km/20 miles. I hadn't been dreading it as much after a good 28km 2 weeks ago. But this week was not good prep - was up the walls and out the door with a lot of things going on so I knew when I got up that morning that I hadn't fuelled correctly during the week, hadn't been drinking enough water, sleep was poor, stress levels high. - I was afraid this was going to be a very long torturous run. First few km and the legs were already tired. We then met with a few others who were doing a shorter distance and I think I settled down a bit then. A few new back roads to explore which I enjoy. The kms did fly by, the group was relaxed, supportive, we were all in the same boat. Took a gel around 10km, 20km and 27km. Did feel the last 5km tough and it had me thinking how would we go another 10km after this!

Distance for the week 38.4km

04 - 10 Sept

Mon: Track training. Was tempted to miss this one or go easy after the 20 mile the previous day but we had a guest coach and I was looking forward to his session. 3 x 9 mins - 6 mins at half marathon pace and 3 mins at 5k pace. I was so tempted not to do the last set, didn't think I had it in me but I did, great encouragement on the track this evening. Warm up, cool down etc 7km in 47mins.

Tues: Out for a walk as I would be in the car all day, legs needed a good stretch out.

Weds: Track training with a pyramid session - feels like ages since I did one of these! Mins 0f 2, 4, 6, 8 and back down again. Legs felt a bit tired but glad to get the session done. 7.6km 51 mins incl warm up and cool down.

Thurs: rest day

Fri: Glorious weather for this time of year. Out for an early morning walk.

Sat: parkrun - yes I actually ran! I haven't run at parkrun in ages. I clashes with my marathon training long runs and as the runs have been getting longer, I've been trying to rest on Sat so I've been volunteering a lot more. The local one wasn't short on helpers again this week so I arrived dressed to run! It was a very warm one and I was glad of the tree cover. Took it handy enough, chatting to a clubmate as we went around. Time 32:12

Sun: Well! The plan said rest weekend and what did I do - ran both days over the weekend! As a few of the local runners are following different plans there were still quite a few doing their long run, and a few like me running even though it was supposed to be rest. I said I would join them and do anything between 10km and 10 miles. Ended up doing 12.5km which was quite enough for me. We set off early due to the heat and it was nice to do a shorter run for a change and to be finished early, and also to run as far as I wanted, not to have a particular distance hanging over me. I did find it tough going with the heat and the pace was quicker than usual as we were with some faster runners. 12.6km 1hr 20mins. av pace 6:22/km Home workout done later in the day while dinner was in the oven, found it really tough going.

Distance for the week 32.25km

Edit to add: I'm over the 1,000km mark already for this year!

18 - 24 Sept

Mon: Club training. Interesting training session: 2 laps at 10k pace, 1 lap at 5k pace and half a lap fast. Break and then we did it again. I don't know where my head was at for the second round - my paces seemed to be more half and then 10k respectively. Few sets of strides and a cool down. 8km in 56 mins incl warm up and rest periods.

Tues: rest day

Weds: Track again. Attending both sessions each week is really helping with the marathon training, there's less thinking about it, just rock up to the track and do as you're told!! A good olde pyramid tonight, these are good for managing your pacing. My running buddy wasn't there and with the half marathon coming up at the weekend, I made sure to stick to the prescribed paces of each interval. I did open it up for the last 2min interval to blow off a bit of steam! 8.3km in 54mins incl warm up.

Thurs: rest day

Fri: workout

Sat: rest day. Was run director at parkrun.

Sun: Athlone half marathon! 21.2km in 2:09. Training plan had us down for 28km this weekend. So I decided 7km beforehand and then do the half marathon. A clubmate had suggested to do the first half the race at marathon pace (mp I'm thinking 6:25/km) and the second half at half marathon pace (hmp about 6:00/km). Interested - I said I'd give it a go. The 7km was a lovely warm up. Kept the pace at mp, and by the time we got within 750m of the race hq we were meeting plenty of others out warming up. Quick change of top, toilet break, took a gel and over to race start for photos, chats and hugs! Great turn out for the race and a good start. Once we got to the greenway after 2km settled down into MP. Kept this nice and steady until about the 8km mark. Time for another gel and were meeting people coming back the way then. Looking now at my strava my pace went to about halfway between MP and HMP, around 6:10/6:15/km until the turning point. Back the way then and up to HMP. It felt great to have been able to pick up the pace, putting out of my head that I'd 7km done beforehand. Ticking off each person ahead one by one. A little bit strange to be passing others struggling while I felt good. Tried to give a few words of encouragement to people as we passed. It did feel like a bit of a drag heading back the way. My kms were just under 6:00/km, some were closer to 5:50/km. Back to the exit to the greenway and any little climb felt like an effort. The final stretch was about 1.75 laps of the track which I really enjoyed. Plenty of cheering and support. Finished a few minutes before the rain. Was really happy with how I ran this. I couldn't believe that I had run 28km at those paces and felt good. And apparently it was my 3rd fastest half marathon. The race has made me wonder if 2:05 or closer to 2 would be possible for a half marathon? Lookit - for now I need to focus on the marathon next month and how that's going to go.....

Distance for the week 44.5km, same as last week.

02 - 08 Oct

Mon: Track training. Felt like a nice session, not to difficult or fast. 5 x 4mins with 3 off. My 4min intervals on reflection were fast but they didn't feel too bad, it's a nice feeling! Warm up, cool down and rest intervals total 7km 48mins

Tues: Feeling tired to got 2 short walks in.

Weds: Track training, I was early so got 2km warm up. Normally I like pyramid sessions, it's good for practicing pacing and making sure you have bit left in the tank to the latter faster intervals. But it felt like a long, fast session with 2 x 8 min intervals at the peak of the session. With the warm up, cool down and rest intervals I covered 10.5km in 1hr8 mins, longer than usual for me for a weekday session. At least I was planning to rest from running for the remainder of the week.

Thurs: Workout

Fri: 5km walk

Sat: Volunteer at parkrun.

Sun: Tarmonbarry 3/4 marathon 3:29:45

My first time to run a 3/4 marathon event. Was nervous about this - this was the last big long run before the marathon, my dress rehearsal. How I felt before during and after this would determine my mindset going into the marathon. Myself and the girls car pooled which was great for the early morning start and pre race chats. We parked up early, got our tshirts and numbers and went for a 2.5km easy run. A lovely village to run around and a nice morning for it. It was good not to be rushing about and we were very much ready to go at 9:30 sharp. Started off easy, and so did everyone else around us which was brilliant - it's so easy at the start for everyone to fly off and you get brought along with the crowd. Lots of groups of people running and sticking together which made it a little difficult to overtake on the narrow country roads, I ended up getting boxed in for a km. But it was great, the atmosphere was so relaxed, a lot of checking watches, words of "bring the pace back", "slow down" etc, everyone was very conscious of the fact that this was not race day. Encountered the first proper hill around 18km, it just kept going and going, a km long! We got a welcome repreve on the main road downhill, lovely breeze. Turned off this road, back onto country roads and around a sharp right hander and the road rose and rose before us! A few youngsters with a table of ice cold water was very much appreciated and great encouragement from them - credit to them. We each put the head down, said nothing and made our own way up the hill, one foot infront of the other, arms pumping, passing people out and we regrouped when we got to the top. Good feeling. Another fuel station packed with water, jellies, bread, coke. Grabbed a cup of coke and I think I drank too much too quickly - mental note to only take 1 mouthful going forward. Stomach settled after a minute or 2. We were now over the half marathon stage. We carried on putting one foot infront of the other, going in and out of chats, the crowds around us had thinned out. Just ticking off the mile markers even though I run in kms. Not gonna lie around 16 miles I was nearly getting fed up of running. But kept going and our group was slowly and gradually starting to separate a bit. I think we all knew we got this to be fair. Was very happy to see the fuel station just before 18 miles, I was almost out of water. Lovely eager teens at it helping me refill my water and I paused to have a mouthful of coke and grab a few jellybabies. This was it now, on the home straight, only a few kms to go. Just tried to wile away the miles as quick as I could, it was great when there was a mile to go, then a km to go. Then I was on the outskirts of the village, few locals and finishers out to support and I felt the pace picking up, looking at the watch I should just hit on 3:30 for the finish which is exactly what I wanted. Around the last corner, finish line in sight I gave the only real push of the whole race - but more of a 'pace pick up' rather than an 'empty the tank' if you know what I mean. It was great to look back and see that I could pick up the pace after running 31.5kms (plus another2.5km beforehand). Was grateful of a cuppa and homemade scone after the race. Stood outside, few stretches while chatting fellow clubmates who had run the half. Felt ok after, bit achy and stiff. But happy with how it went and countdown is now on for DCM2023!!!

Distance for the week 51.75km

Thanks a mil. Well done to you in the half. To be fair, the extra bit of route we had didn't have any hills, just narrow country bog roads. So, provided we went out easy, we weren't spent before the hills.

Did you run it? Aww scones were fab, little bit of flaked almond on the top. That with a cuppa was perfect for after.

It was a well organised event and marshalls along the route were so supportive. Love the tshirt, it will be great for running in the winter.

16 - 22 Oct

Mon: Track training. Was early and got about 3km warm up with some of the girls from the earlier session as they were doing their cool down. A good meaty session of 2min intervals which for me is around 1 lap of track. Good paces for these, a lot of 4:xx min/km splits which is great to see! Total run 9km in the hour with recoveries.

Tues: Rest

Weds: Didn't go to training, wasn't going to risk it with the weather. I was climbing the walls a bit so when there was a break in the rain, I went out for a little walk.

Thurs: Met with a friend for an early morning run to make up for skipping the track session. I know the work is done but I don't want to be skipping runs in the last couple of weeks. 5 miles up and down the town where there are street lights and sure footing, not leaving anything to chance!

Fri: Had some spare time on Fri eve waiting for himself so I went for a 5km walk with a change of scenery.

Sat: A bit off plan but I ran a parkrun. Tullamore were celebrating their 100 event and when our local parkrun had a full roster of volunteers at 9:30pm on Fri night we decided we would tip over that far for their event. I was warned - wrap up and go slow! It was kinda hard to hold back but I made sure my husband was well ahead of me! It's kinda mad that the pace it was an effort to keep slow enough was, in the past, the pace that was often 5km race pace for me! 5km in 32:25. Plus 1.5km warm up in 11mins. Coat and hat put on straight away at the finish. When I got home and still had my sports clothes on I did an online workout. Good core work and kept the weights light.

Sun: The last weekend group run. 10km on the plan. Quiet roads and then onto the greenway - defo the best and safest option as we all more or less stuck together and it was all chat. A stop on the bridge just after 5km for a photo op and back the way. Ended up at 11km in 1:08. Tea and nibbles at the end. It was a bit mad to think that same time next week I'd be running a marathon. 😁

Distance for the week 34.5km

It's been a quiet few weeks running-wise.

30 Oct- 05 Nov

Decided to take this week off after the marathon. By Weds I was feeling less sore. Work panic with a deadline starting to set in. Had a family thing at the weekend so no pressure to pack my runners. I didn't avail of the guaranteed entry for next year's marathon - I just couldn't think about another one when my body was so sore. By the end of the week I was coming around to the idea and decided to enter the lottery.

06 - 12 Nov

Really up to my eyes in work. I'd have liked to have started getting out for little runs but work. Managed to get out for parkrun - felt like I was climbing the walls at that stage! First km or 2 felt long and tough going. But by half way I was getting into it and finished 29:27. Also I had watched the NYC marathon and decided to enter the lottery for the half which is on next March. I know I won't get drawn but at least until the end of the month I can dream!

13 - 19 Nov

Work work work. Fairly tired by the end of week but over the worst of it now work-wise. Out for parkrun again Sat morn. Volunteered for pre-event course check so 2km warm up done. Parkrun done in 30:01 - the ground was soft and mucky in spots and I had to watch my footing - new trail runners should be arriving this week. After parkrun myself and himself went for a little run - 2.5km. Then out on Sun morn with a few girls for a tentative "first run" for us. We probably should have done 5 miles instead of 10km, it didn't feel the easiest. But good to get back out there again and back into the swing of things.

04 - 10 Dec

Mon night track session cancelled due to weather. Out for a short walk instead and did a workout at home. Another short walk on Tues. Track training got the go-ahead on Weds and we had a guest coach join us, always nice to have and changes things up a bit. A Pyramid session, which I normally enjoy, but just found there to be a fast crowd on the track that night and felt like I couldn't find another gear up. Rest days on Thurs and Fri due to an evening out and then getting the hair done so missed my new little Fri after work run. Sat morn went to a workout class before parkrun. But by the time I got to parkrun and changed I wasn't really in the humour for running and volunteered instead, I probably really should have ran! Sunday morn I hmm'd and haw'd over getting out for a run but ended up chilling in bed for a lazy morning. It's a little hard to find the motivation at this time of year and also my legs still feel tired, they should feel well rested and recovered at this stage.

On the plus side - I won an award with my local athletics club. Was quite surprised. I know in my heart I put in a lot of hard work this year, I really put the head down and focused on the marathon training, I just hadn't realised that other people noticed and it is nice to get some recognition for it.

Time to get this log back up and running (har-har) again!!

11 - 17 Dec

Felt a little out of depth the previous week at training so I decided to go to the earlier running group and it was lovely and relaxed. I felt more at ease and gave me a bit of a confidence boost. Monday evening's session was mix of 200s and 400s. Covered 7km with warm ups and cool downs plus I was early and did 3km before hand. Weds was a 5 x 5 mins set, covered 6.4km incl warm up and cool down. I had a great running week overall, was off work on Tues so got out for a rare daylight run and did 5k. Out again on Fri after work for another 5km before it got dark. Was away for Sat night so myself and himself went for a run before breakfast on Sun morn, battling again the Atlantic winds but richly rewarded with hotel breakfast. Otherwise I got 3 workouts done, 2 online and one in studio.

18 - 24 Dec

The week leading into Christmas was always going to be a bit hit or miss. Training training was more games for finishing up, fun relays etc. Think I covered about 4km. Finished up work on Thurs afternoon. Out for a run on Fri in daylight, did 3 x 1km at 5min/km - wanted to see if I could get a bit of speed work and push myself, also a target pace for an upcoming race. Covered 7.5km including warm up, cool down and recoveries. Long run on Sun with a big group meet up and cuppa after. 11km in 1:12, nice to break out over the 10km barrier. 1 workout done this week and a bit of walking.

25 - 31 Dec

Tried to grab a run when I got a bit of free time, difficult to do when the week was spent with either side of the family. St Stephen's day got 2 runs in. Local charity 5km, flat on the greenway but hadn't packed the right running wear. Ran in 26:44 which I was quite pleased with. Then over to the local GAA for the GOAL mile. I even switched my watch over to measure in miles as I wanted to give it a good shot. But I accidently pressed the lap button at some stage and messed it up. Stopped where I thought I had a mile run and turns out I was just short. Ah well. Thurs saw a race local to my inlaws - 3km where they start you off in intervals, slower go first then faster until the speedys start off last. Was really hoping for 15 mins (hence my test of 5 min/km). First km was good 4:49, 2nd km felt tough 5:14, last km 4:57 was trying not to blow up early but by the end of it I finished strong and felt I should have pushed sooner. Finished in 15:04 but my watched measured 3.02km so that 0.02 was actually my extra 4 sec. Race wasn't chip timed. It was tough, challenging but great. Missed parkrun on the Sat, weather wasn't good but got out in the afternoon for a waterside run, 7km. Out for a short snappy 3km run on Sun morn to round out the year at 1,450km. Had aimed for 1,610 km (1,000 miles) but happy enough with that distance.

8 - 14 Jan

Mon: track was too slippy for training but the astroturf pitch was free so that made a boring change of scenery. Reducing intervals from 10 mins down to 2 mins. Trying to stay warm in between intervals. It was good just to be moving and catch up with a few. 7.3km in 50 mins incl warm up and intervals.

Tues: walk in the morning. Figured that my trail runners are good for walking in this weather, I like crisp cool weather for walking, not so much for running. Workout in the evening.

Weds: walk in the morning. Track was safe to run on in the evening. A good auld pyramid session. Still feeling a little rusty after the Christmas break but good to try and hone in on paces again. 8.2km in 52 mins incl warm up and cool down. I'm going to try and hit 5 mile / 8km in my track training sessions.

Thurs: Morning walk. Evening workout.

Fri: Evening run. Decided to do this over in the big town as I wanted to do my grocery shopping after so a change of scenery and route for my run. Trying to keep my Friday runs easy enough. 5km 31:59

Sat: Early morning in-person circuits class. Good workout. Usually I'm over to parkrun after and I had fully planned to. But a suggestion to go for coffee after with a few girls from the class was too good an opportunity to pass up. Parkrun will be there next week.

Sun: Supposed to get out for 7 mile run. But honestly couldn't bring myself to go out in the cold on my own for it, especially since we discovered late on Sat night that the heating wasn't working properly and spend Sun morn fixing it. Went out for a walk instead to get some air.

22 - 28 Jan

Mon: Was up to my eyes in work so decided to go to the earlier track session so I could get home earlier and log back into work for a few hours. Nice to run with that gang for a change. Session was 3 x 9 mins with pick up for the last 2 mins of each set. Felt pretty happy with the running here. Covered 6km in the session. Afterwards I did 1km cool down with a friend who as her warm up for the later session.

Tues: Complete rest. busy with work.

Weds: Track session. 5 x 5mins. I did find myself fairly tired for the 3th rep but found a little extra in the tank for the last few. Covered 6.5km.

Thurs: Morning walk. No workout in the evening, inlaws visiting

Fri: Did an online workout, really enjoyed it. Went for an easy run after with himself, 4km with him and the last km myself.

Sat: Studio circuits class. Love how I really push myself in these classes. Volunteered at parkrun after. Had an hour to myself after so went for a 4km walk.

Sun: RACE : Charlie Curran 5 mile - 43:45 - PB!!

Splits: 5:25, 5:30, 5:20, 5:17, 5:24, 5:33, 5:38, 5:16, 5:3(0.1)

We usually do Raheny 5 mile but decided to head to Carlow for a change of scenery. For me this was the first test for my half marathon training. Arrived good and early, toilet visit and then I toddled off for warm up/ clock some miles. Did 3km at about 7min/km pace. It had me lovely and warmed up and able to decide on racewear (singlet). Another toilet visit and off to the start line. Positioned myself beside the 45min pacers - my plan was to start with them for the first km or 2 and then push on but keep them behind me. I think they were going slightly quicker on the way out because they were hot on my heels for the first few km and I started to worry that I wouldn't be able to push on, I wouldn't pb, what if I didn't get sub-45?!! But somehow I settled into the run. Couldn't believe when we started meeting people coming back that way already. Was grateful for the water station at I think 3km. At the turning point I realised that someone I knew of was maybe 5 runners ahead of me so made her my target. I think I started to lose the 45min pacers from then on. Passed my target after a km. Found myself starting to struggle a bit for the 6th and 7th km, legs felt tired and was starting to regret 3km warm up and circuits the day before. Please don't let the pacers and the people I've passed out catch up on me. Tried to look around for a distraction - a nice house, some animals, anything but it was a fairly non-descript route. Found myself a little panicked and took a very short walking break just before 7km. Got my breathing calmed down and set off again. Soon I could see the outskirts of town and knew we were nearly there. I think I relaxed a bit then and quite enjoyed my last km and passed by a few people. Tried to push on for the finish but not sure there was anything left. I looked absolutely goosed in my finish line photo 😂 . Checked my watch and couldn't believe that not only was I under 45 but I was sub 44!. Official time 43:45 - just over one minute pb for the 5 mile distance - surprised and delighted. Tea and sandwiches after. Went for a 1km cool down shuffle while himself relaxed in the sauna! A well organised race but felt like I really had to work hard for it.

05 - 11 Feb

Mon: Bank hol so no track training. Went for a morning recovery run before getting ready to leaving the inlaws. Legs felt tired enough and luckily the gates to the soccer pith were open so I did loops of the concrete around the pitch. 4.5km 32mins. When I got home later that day I went out for a walk to stretch out the legs.

Tues: Evening to myself so what better way to spend it than a home workout followed by a 5km walk. Could have been worse - I could have done housework!

Weds: Back to the track for a speed session. 90sec repeats. A nice session to push out the pace a bit and fire up the legs and lungs. Covered 7km including warm up, cool down and rest intervals.

Thurs: Workout in the fitness studio. A short walk after as it felt like I'd no air all day.

Fri: Was heading away for the weekend and knew I was going to be missing my long run. I was up bright dark and early and had hoped to get 10km done before work but it was a struggle to get as far as 8km, the body was tired after the workout the previous night. There was hardly a sinner out and the roads were quiet, it felt rather lonely.

Sat: away

Sun: away

19 - 25 Feb

Mon: Morning walk to stretch out the legs. Met a friend for a run before track, it ended up being a little fast than what should have been a pre-session warm up! 5.15km in 30 mins. A good track session which kept me on my toes - 600m run with 400 jog, 400m run with 200m jog, 200m run with 100m walk. Trying to remember which one you were on, getting the paces right. Completely distracted me from the fact that I'd run 5km beforehand!

Tues: Rest day.

Weds: Evening walk. Just feels like it had been raining no stop for days on end, everytime I went out the door it was raining and I was not in the humour for track training so met a friend for a walk - and of course it started raining! Got a workout done when I got home.

Thurs: Morning walk. Was at a running promo event in a sports shop that event and part of it was a group run. Because - surprise surprise - it was raining, we only ran 3km (19mins) instead of 5. After the event, one of the girls wanted to do another 2km to round up to 5km, so we did 3km to be sure (20 mins)! And it wasn't raining!

Fri: morning workout. Had planned an easy run in town after work but plans changed and the free hour was no longer available.

Sat: Had put myself down to marshal at parkrun. so I decided to go in a bit earlier and do a few laps of the nearby track to stretch out the legs. 3km 20 mins.

Sun: RACE : Turgesius 10 mile - 1:30:47 - PB!!

The next big milestone I'd set for myself in my half marathon training was a 10 miler. I'd never done this race before, reports from a few who had was that it was "hilly". My pb was standing at 1:34 so I wasn't sure if I'd manage to pb or if it would just be good training. Got there good and early, collected race number, visit toilet and back to the car to get ready, bite to eat and chat others. Another toilet visit and over to the start line trying to keep warm. Downhill start and had realised I'd never set my watch to display average pace which I find works best for me in a race, instead it was showing current pace. I wish I could give you a mile by mile account of the race but I honestly don't remember much of it! It was lovely very quiet rural roads, the odd house had someone outside supporting. Was certainly warmed up by 3km. Was running with a clubmate and we seemed to just be at what felt like a steady but working pace. I honestly didn't look at my watch much and the distances were flying by, plenty of times we were like oh I missed the mile marker or didn't hear the watch beep for that km. The route had hills, but they were ok hills, just up and downy hills, not those never ending gradual climbs that drain your legs. Also no long straight stretches of road where it feels like you're getting nowhere. Time to practice taking gels again - took one at 7km and another at 13km. At about 12km I pushed on a bit and held well for 2km but felt it tough to hang in there for the last 2km. The last bit was what people had talked about - a tough uphill climb but the reward was at the top - a right hand turn downhill for the finish. My running buddy was on my tail! Absolutely delighted with the finish time - ran mostly by feel rather than by the watch so it feels like a good reflective time.

So the next step is the half marathon on St Patrick's Day in New York. Bit nervous about it. My half pb time is 2:07 so I'm sure I'll beat that. The dream would be close to 2 hours but will be happy with anything under 2:05, I do want to take it all in as well, it's a once in a lifetime run.

25 Feb - 03 Mar

Mon: morning walk. missed track session

Tues: morning walk. online workout in the evening

Weds: morning walk. Again missed track session.

Thurs: Morning run. Found this tough physically and mentally with the passing of a relative this week. 5.25km 35mins.

Fri: rest day

Sat: online workout followed by 5km walk

Sun: The last big long run. Feels like no time ago since I started training and feels like I haven't many long runs done. But was advised to run the full 13 miles / 21 kms. Had a few others for company for this which was nice and I planned out the route, mostly country and greenway so quiet roads. I was dreading it that morning - having not got out for runs that week, I started to have serious doubts about my half marathon. I felt tired and weak. We got going anyway and it did feel like it took me 5 or 6km to settle in, the pace felt a little fast and I was panicking because it was easy-ish pace were were running (around 6 min/kms). But I relaxed eventually and the kms ticked by. Found the few hills I had plotted to be ok. Only took one gel around 12km, think I'll be on 2 or 3 on the day. The last mile myself and one other picked up the pace and it did leave me feeling good and strong at the end of the run. 21.1km 2hrs 13 mins.