London Marathon Training
Week 16, Day 1
So, finally, it’s here. London Marathon week. It’s been a long time coming, and these last couple of weeks have been tortuous. Tapering might be easy on the body, but it’s definitely not easy on the mind.
I hadn’t run for a week before tonight. Life was busy, my head told me to rest and I imagined all sorts of niggles and twinges. Then, the longer it went without going out, I began to convince myself my legs would freak on the day, or that I would forget how to run. All silly nonsense, of course, but also very real at times.
As usual I went out tonight not really knowing what I’d do. I didn’t even know if I could cope with anything more than 20 minutes! Yes, I was lacking in confidence *that* much.
In the end I decided upon 5k, my go-to-distance when I’m doubting myself or wanting to prove something to myself. And, tonight, it served exactly that purpose once more.
I normally don’t do well after a break from running but, tonight, the rest seemed to work a treat. I took it easy, I felt fresh, my legs felt good, my trainers felt bouncy.
Mentally I settled into the run quite quickly, that was perhaps the most pleasing aspect to it. I wasn’t pushing for speed or any particular time. Indeed, I was able to slow it down if I felt I was going too fast. Part of the reason for going out tonight was to practice regulating my speed and I’m happy to report it went well.
I’ve exorcised some of my demons ahead of Sunday, hopefully tonight will keep them at bay.
So, that’s me done and dusted, ready for London. I might go out for a very gentle 20 minutes before I leave on Friday just as a little top-up, but if I don’t I’m not going to worry about it. I’ve done all I can now.
If you’ve enjoyed following my progress so far could I be so bold as to ask you if you’d consider making a donation to my chosen London Marathon charity this year – Asthma UK? No amount is too small, and all donations are received with such heartfelt thanks. My fundraising page can be found here. Thank-you so much.
London Marathon Training (249 miles – 49 runs)
Week 1 – 12.2 miles (4 runs; average 3.1 miles per run)
Week 2 – 9.3 miles (2 runs; average 4.7 miles per run)
Week 3 – 17.7 miles (4 runs; average 4.4 miles per run)
Week 4 – 18.8 miles (4 runs; average 4.7 miles per run)
Week 5 – 14.9 miles (4 runs; average 3.7 miles per run)
Week 6 – 18.7 miles (4 runs; average 4.7 miles per run)
Week 7 – 20.3 miles (4 runs; average 5.1 miles per run)
Week 8 – 23.7 miles (4 runs; average 5.9 miles per run)
Week 9 – 18 miles (3 runs; average 6 miles per run)
Week 10 – 21.9 miles (3 runs; average 7.3 miles per run)
Week 11 – 24.6 miles (4 runs; average 6.2 miles per run)
Week 12 – 3.1 miles (1 run; average 3.1 miles per run)
Week 13 – 28.2 miles (3 runs; average 9.4 miles per run)
Week 14 – 11.7 miles (3 runs; average 3.9 miles per run)
Week 15 – 2.4 miles (1 run; average 2.4 miles per run)
Week 16 – 3.1 miles (1 run; average 3.1 miles per run)
HUFF, PUFF AND SHUFFLE 