So, I've finally managed to start the Hanson marathon method.
Last week I clocked up 40 miles for the first time in about 9 months. I came through with no niggles or issues. To be fair it's only the second week of the plan so it shouldn't be too difficult (I missed the first due to a spasm in my back remember!).
Anyway, on the Tuesday I was supposed to run a speed session (12 x 400m fast) but didn't feel up for it. I considered whether I was biting off more than I could chew. So, I decided that I'd follow the training plan for the rest of the week (whilst adding in an extra session to make up for the missed speed session) and see how I felt. If it was too much then I'd choose a less strenuous plan.
By the weekend I was more conditioned to the rigours of the schedule and felt like I could follow it. So today I ran another speed session (8 x 600m fast) and came through tired but successful. This gives me confidence that I'll be able to complete the training and be ready for the marathon in October. Speed sessions are always hard and it takes a while for me to enjoy them but normally by the end of the training plan I look forward to them more than any other session. Maybe I'm a masochist! I do find they test you more than any other type of session, even tempo sessions are easier. Although, I have a tempo session on Thursday so I may be eating my words by then!
Tuesday 17 June 2014
Friday 6 June 2014
Back, back, back. Ow.
I ran the BUPA 10k a couple of weeks ago now. It was a hot day and I met up with my wife's family members who were also running. Good organisation, plenty of toilets and a decent wave system of releasing the runners.
I was in one of the front waves and set off at a decent pace. My plan was to go off at 45 minute pace or a bit faster and then see how it goes. This went well until about 4km when my lack of training and fitness started to tell. I slowed slightly which helped because the weather started to heat up even more.
Due to the doubling back nature of the course, at about 7km I started to see my wife's family members coming the other way. Managed to get a high five in as we crossed paths.
Finally managed to get over the line in 47:01 which is not too bad given the amount of training I'd done and the conditions. I went back to the 200m to go line and started cheering in fellow runners. After everyone had crossed we all went to the Strand and had a few beers. And by a few I mean loads. Can't really remember getting home but do remember having a great time.
This week the Hanson method marathon training was due to start on Thursday. I say due to because I didn't manage to start at all. I was on a business trip to the Netherlands so took my running gear and had planned out a 6 mile route around the area near the hotel.
I woke up on Wednesday, went for a shower and went for breakfast in the hotel. As I walked down the corridor my back spasmed and by the time I go to the breakfast room I was doubled over. I couldn't stand straight and my back was killing me. I went into work and managed to earn the nickname "Robocop" because of the way I was walking.
Anyway, I woke up on Thursday and although my back was better (70% of the previous pain) there was no way I could run. Walking was still a bit tricky. I flew back to London that day and woke up this morning again with pain (about 40%). So no running again. Maybe tomorrow but I am thinking of writing off this week to let my back completely recover and then start from scratch on Monday. Not the best start to a marathon training schedule but better that than to run and make things worse. I seem to be saying that a lot these days!!
Let's see how it goes. Hopefully by the next time I write I've started marathon training.
I was in one of the front waves and set off at a decent pace. My plan was to go off at 45 minute pace or a bit faster and then see how it goes. This went well until about 4km when my lack of training and fitness started to tell. I slowed slightly which helped because the weather started to heat up even more.
Due to the doubling back nature of the course, at about 7km I started to see my wife's family members coming the other way. Managed to get a high five in as we crossed paths.
Finally managed to get over the line in 47:01 which is not too bad given the amount of training I'd done and the conditions. I went back to the 200m to go line and started cheering in fellow runners. After everyone had crossed we all went to the Strand and had a few beers. And by a few I mean loads. Can't really remember getting home but do remember having a great time.
This week the Hanson method marathon training was due to start on Thursday. I say due to because I didn't manage to start at all. I was on a business trip to the Netherlands so took my running gear and had planned out a 6 mile route around the area near the hotel.
I woke up on Wednesday, went for a shower and went for breakfast in the hotel. As I walked down the corridor my back spasmed and by the time I go to the breakfast room I was doubled over. I couldn't stand straight and my back was killing me. I went into work and managed to earn the nickname "Robocop" because of the way I was walking.
Anyway, I woke up on Thursday and although my back was better (70% of the previous pain) there was no way I could run. Walking was still a bit tricky. I flew back to London that day and woke up this morning again with pain (about 40%). So no running again. Maybe tomorrow but I am thinking of writing off this week to let my back completely recover and then start from scratch on Monday. Not the best start to a marathon training schedule but better that than to run and make things worse. I seem to be saying that a lot these days!!
Let's see how it goes. Hopefully by the next time I write I've started marathon training.
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