Pre Christmas jollities were pretty different to previous years. There was no hangovers for starters - which was actually quite enjoyable. Although pressure to indulge was there, it felt good to decline because I was training for the London Marathon. I am an all or nothing type person, so felt I had to keep this up to stay on track!
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| My Christmas card from Whizz-Kidz - made by some lovely children :) |
Training went well over the festive period. Without the stresses and time consuming nature of work, it was lovely to be able to get up and run. I got a lot of new running gear, which helped keep the motivation high! I even went out for my 7 miles early on Christmas morning, and then ate my body weight in food for the rest of the day.
I continued the training plan of two tempo runs of at least 10k during the week, a long run at the weekend to build up to marathon distance, at least two sessions of core/gym work, and then some easy runs if I felt good.
My long runs have been going well - although of course they are getting harder physically and mentally as they get longer. Especially as I am training during the week too, my legs don't ever feel especially fresh - and I've been suffering with a few niggles. A constant pain in my hip/bottom seems to have sorted itself out through a bit of rest, foam rolling and some more strengthening work - I have added weight lifting and squats to my routine. I'm still battling with really tight, crampy and core calves and ankles when I start my long runs - so bad that I have to stop many time and stretch them out. I'm going to try and invest some more time in stretching and foam rolling this area and hope that does the trick.
I have got up to 21 miles in training now - which I am delighted with. I'm not doing this distance week on week for my long run, as I'm conscious I don't want to get injured!
One thing I really need to do is sort out my nutrition and preparation for these runs. At the moment I haven't cracked the pre run routine of breakfast, warm up etc - and frequently suffer from a funny tummy from eating too much and too late the night before, lack of energy in the latter stages of the run, or cramps which I have mentioned. I'm trying to look at my diet in general; more whole foods, healthy foods, a greater volume of food during the day and not overindulging in the evening. Trying to hydrate with more water during the day too. But all in all, with time to iron out a few issues, I'm really hoping that I can run a good for age time at London. That would be the dream.
In other news - my old faithful running trainers have finally nearly given up on me! This is sad as they are sooo comfortable now, and have taken me round many miles. I ordered some beautiful new Asics in the sales, which are a more neutral, light style. Apart from giving me heel blisters the first time I wore them, I am happy to break them in and give them a go. They certainly feel lighter on the feet, which is nice for tired legs.
At the beginning of January, I popped along to a local running club which I found on Facebook. Rebel Runners Medway have recently got affiliated club status, and meet twice a week for main team runs, plus park runs on Saturdays and ad hoc runs on other days. I am so so glad I posted in the Facebook group. Everyone is so lovely and supportive, there are runners of all abilities, and so much advice and encouragement. I have been along to a couple of team runs which consist of half an hour out and back along a specified route (which includes a lovely long hill). I have met several people who are also marathon training, and it has opened my eyes to new routes and running with people. I absolutely love the atmosphere and hope to do many more runs and races with this wonderful club.
My fundraising is ticking along - and I am constantly chasing events, potential leads for sponsorship, and trying to come up with some new ideas. I must say there have been times when I have felt overwhelmed with the fundraising and training task ahead of me, but I need to stay positive and believe I will get there in both aspects! I am now over £500 - which I am pleased with. A long way to do - but I am determined and I hope that people will continue to be kind and generous.
My fundraising is ticking along - and I am constantly chasing events, potential leads for sponsorship, and trying to come up with some new ideas. I must say there have been times when I have felt overwhelmed with the fundraising and training task ahead of me, but I need to stay positive and believe I will get there in both aspects! I am now over £500 - which I am pleased with. A long way to do - but I am determined and I hope that people will continue to be kind and generous.
Now I'm off to look at some races to get more experience for the marathon - watch this space!
