Running Training - Race Stimulation

Race Stimulation 11th January to 7th February

Trying to fit in running training, looking after my wife Clare and baby bump, little dog Chewie whilst also starting a new job has been a little difficult.  Not using all this as an excuse to why I have not been out running, because I have.  The one thing that had to give was the blog, there was no time to be sat blogging away about runs I had done whilst fitting in the important jobs.

But with only a couple of weeks to go till the inevitable I thought I would try to catch up as much as possible

Weekend distances have increased to inconceivable lengths.  Going out for 18.5 miles and more has done two things.  The first on this list is the positive, it has given be great stamina and some interesting runs over newer routes.  Going out for 3 hours plus pounding the pavements with one goal in mind is something I never thought I could do.  The weather has not helped too much along the way, but it has only made me stronger.  The second is purely mental.  As soon as I reach the 14 mile mark I begin to ache like no ache I have had before, the pain increases along with the distance.  I know this is down to the Bolton terrain being unkind and hilly at every junction, but as I have just mentioned, the weather has been grueling and the time out on my own for 3 to 4 hours continuing to push myself is immensely difficult.  This time has really made me realise how valuable a run buddy is.

I have changed the plan a little to a 5k during the week, a 10k nearer the end of the week and then 20-30k on a Sunday.  The 5k being a job, 10k a sprint and 20K+ about endurance.  This seems to be working for me

The second part of the phase takes me into tapering and race day which is where I am catching up with blogging. Today is the 4th February and baby is still holding on to the warmth and refusing to join our family for the moment.  On 7th February I will be hosting the first (and only) Pondo Nearly Marathon.  Running a 1.5 mile loop continuously for four hours.  Not concerned with pace or distance, I am purely running for 4 hours with the help of friends.  I will be doing a separate post to this once complete.

For a full Marathon report on how all this training paid off, please read here: