Boy, what a weekend for long distance running! My morning started off with a latte Coffee, toast & honey and a large glass of water. I put on my clothes which I had placed on the radiator the night before so they were nice and toasty and warmfor the morning (and Im pleased to say they were). To then step out into the cold was a bit of a shock to the system... but once I turned to corner into the Sports Club and saw all the other freezing cold squirrrels, I stopped feeling so sorry for myself. There must have been about 12 of us!. Paul made us all stand in the field and he took a little picture of us all which will be a great one for the gallery.
The pace started well with Richard and Mark leading out. The sun beamed down on us pretty much from the start so we had all warmed up somewhat as early as mile 2 probably! We all caught up on eachothers news and then after about 10 miles we must have all found our zones as the chatting had reduced to the odd comment about what a perfect day it was for an 18 miler. We stopped around every 5 miles to re-group and take our various drinks, gels and undress yet another layer. I wore my new under armour cold gear for the first time and I have to say it is amazing. My only complaint is that when I got back home I noticed white specs all over the front of it. This was the salt from my sweat that had dried out and because the top is black it stood out. On the plus side, at least it had dried which is what its supposed to do, so it obviously does exactly what is says on the tin!. I should think so for £35 a pop!
The route thought up by Ian took us from the club, up around Wallington, Ashwell, Bygrave and then back to Letchworth. It was a great route so thanks to Ian for that.
Richard and Mark were quite a way ahead of the rest of us but I managed to catch up with them a couple of times. Richard did an average 7:15/mile which is great. Mine was slightly slower but I didnt stop my watch when we regrouped so I dont know my average page, DOH!
The last few miles were the toughest, but even then I wasnt in any pain, just a bit drained.. Mark and Richard both went on to do 20 miles.
I forced myself to stretch for about 10 mins after, concentrating on the hamstrings which in the past have give me quite a lot of pain at this point in marathon training. Not this time however!!
What was lovely was feeling that Sunday was not all over after the run. NOT feeling like all I was good for was flopping on the sofa for the rest of the weekend. My legs didnt hurt and I didnt feel tired at all! Its SO encouraging to feel like that after an 18 mile run. So, feeling even more enthusiastic about the weeks ahead I started to plan when I would do my 23 miler. In 2006 I did 23 miles 5 weeks before marathon day. I would like to do as close a time to my 2006 time of 3:04 so I dont want to train that differently if I can avoid it. I soon realised however that 5 weeks before the marathon is the day after I return from skiing AND is the date of the XC Vets XC that we are hosting.. so it cant be 9th March. Cant be 16th March as I am doing Oakley 20. So, it will have to be 23rd March, 3 weeks before London.. Im GONNA DO 23 miles 3 weeks before London. Am I mad? well we all the know the answer to that one... but yes, I have no other choice. I have a route that Martyn has kindly sent me so all Ill have to do is get around. If Im feeling as positive about my running on 23rd March as I do today, it will be no sweat... it wont be quick, but it will be no sweat (thanks to my under armour top)!.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
Hey Lissa,
23 3 weeks before London? could be a bit close, have you thought about adding a few extra on after you have finished at oakley?
Lindsay
x
Post a Comment