Mileage is still on the up, but had a hard long run this week….
Into a standard regime of two ten mile runs in the week, long walk at the weekend, and at least 20 miles on the day I am not walking. Looking at the running plans, it does seem to suggest adding another shorter run in the week – but we’ll see..
So, its been two weeks since I wrote anything – time really does fly by, the first week I found the ten miles in the week pretty good, no real niggles, but the pace is dropping. Not really a bad thing, but I may just get into a rut of getting slower and slower. The ten miles include an extra loop of Redwick, which is beginning to get real boring, and a speed of around 9:40.
Had the intention of running a marathon on the Saturday, Sian went into Cardiff to watch the rugby, so I was to run around a bit and finish at the station to pick up the car. So first section was just over 14 miles, then should have been a “simple” 12 miles to make the full distance. Unfortunately I cracked, and by the time I was supposed to get around Redwick one last time, I was already out of water, and my legs were suffering. So instead I just plodded down to the car, and thankfully found a bottle of water in it which probably saved my life! So 24.5 miles, I just couldn’t motivate myself to do the last mile and a half..
Next day we took the train to Bath, and walked the cycle route back to Bristol, around 16.5 miles. I was suffering a bit, the balls of my feet started aching again after a bout 10 miles, so I had to try and walk on the edge of the track, but it was hard going. The route is also pretty brain numbing, it would be easy to cycle along, but walking where you can only see a ribbon of tarmac ahead is not the best. Anyway that week was around 61 miles, so no wonder I was pooped.
Next week was a couple of 10’ers again, then we did a 10 mile hike from Abergavenny to Gilwern, which was quite nice – cycle route out, found a pub for a swifty, then back along the canal. Not too shabby.
On Sunday it was out for the big one again, it got very hot in the later stages, I even got my bottle refilled in Redwick, and ran out two miles later – so I decided to again cut the run short of marathon distance. Also found that the Joe Rogan pod casts I have been listening to really did me in on the long run, so I will be running without earphones for a while – as a bit of a break.. Really didn’t feel too great that afternoon, and suffered into the next week.
It is now time to start to think about fueling, both with what I can carry and also with what to drink. I think on the longer runs I am now loosing salts and stuff, so need to ensure I look at what things might be good for a long day.
Miles: 61, 52
Beers: trying to have less, but around 12 a week
April distance: 267K (not sure if that includes walks, don’t think so)