Week 13 of the Wales Coastal path Challenge and I thought I should take it easy as I knew I had my first ever Half Marathon to do at the end of the week.
Sunday I ran with Roath Park Runners and completed 10 miles, good prep for the half, and I felt we were definitely running faster. Checking the splits later in the day I was under 10min miles for at least 5 miles (normally for me 10.48). It felt great to know I could push myself faster and complete the run, so dropping my pace would mean I could do the half. Monday I went and got some 'running fuel'. up until now it's just been water and Haribo, but I thought as distance increases I may need some help. The helpful people at 'Run and Become' suggested Tailwind to add to my water. Other research included what to eat before and during the run, so now its a case of practicing. Had a good catch up with Kerrie #everyrunnercounts sharing training and fuelling, she is doing loads of hours training for the marathon on 4 October with a great training plan from Richie Rees. We talked about future plans and contingency for the marathon if lockdowns increase - its felt good to have some plans in place. By Saturday, I checked my weekly miles, and there were a few walking miles (these also count for WCP) and we were up to 46.75 this week - biggest week so far. Oops. Half Marathon Sunday (technically week 14) My first ever run over 10 miles. Was up early to make sure I did my warm up, made up my running fuel and arrived at the park before 8am. Had decided to start off with Roath Park Runners, and there was a nice number of socially distanced runners ready for the run. My pan was to do first 2 miles with them then join the Cardiff Half route. My sister, a marathon veteran, had agreed to run with me, we decided not to run too fast, and anyway whatever time I got would be a PB. The first 8 miles went well, including the 'flat/not flat' bit of Penarth road, and then we got to Cardiff Bay and had to wait for a boat to go through the lock.....so a jog around the car park was needed whilst we waited. At mile 9, we met Mrs Clarke with replacement snacks, although mainly fluids was all I needed. Around mile 11 things started to slow, but I was determined to keep plodding on. Just place one foot in front of the other, as I had been helpfully told. As we got back to the start point and made it to 13.1miles I felt fantastic. Challenge complete. Ok still more miles to go on WCP and a full marathon to do on the 4 October, but for today - done.
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Another week completed, thats now 12 in total and I'm officially at 445 miles so far (425 to go). It has been an interesting week as I am clocking up my WCP mileage whilst also training for the London Marathon (virtual). weekly mileage 44 miles.
I am finding my legs are feeling heavy so a bit more work on strengthening and foam roller maybe required. Also looking at fuelling - gel or not gel. Lots of great advice out there. What an amazing feeling!!!
Officially passed the Half Way point on the Wales Coastal Path Challenge - with todays ru I am now at 439.74 miles so I guess its downhill all the way now. I had my official Half Way James Bond Award - I think I have worked out the link, but it did take me a while. Starting back on the 15th June my goal was to do at least 16 miles a week, but aiming for 26 miles, I figured a marathon a week would be a great target. Looking over the weeks so far the least I have done is 27 and the most 43, with 39 already done this week with one more day to go so that will be me over 40 again this week....yeah go me. I celebrated with a photo by the lake and the lighthouse. This week also I have had the pleasure of meeting, virtually, with the 2020 Movember Ambassadors of which I am now an official one. What an inspiring group of MoBro's such great energy and support for each other. As is the way these days a WhatsApp group has been set up..my phone has never been so busy. I am looking for people to join my Mo Army - MoBro's and MoSista's - more info to follow. |
AuthorAfter 24 years of helping others to achieve their running goals - it is now my time. Archives
February 2022
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