It is official. I am now training for a marathon – 3 years ago, I would have laughed if you told me I would run a marathon. It’s amazing what 3 years can do. I am now incredibly excited for this challenge and I want to put my all into it so I can get the best possible result. At the moment, by half marathon PB was 2 hours 12, so I’m hoping to run the marathon in 4 ½ – 5 hours but honestly, I’ll be happy just finishing it!
This week’s plan was a 30 Minute easy run, a 40 minute steady run, a 60 minute steady run and a split run of 10 minutes easy, 15 minutes steady and another 10 minutes easy.
My actual training this week looked like this:
- Monday: Steady run: 4.31 miles (47 minutes)
- Tuesday: Easy run: 2.21 miles (23 minutes)
- Wednesday: Gym session PM
- Thursday: Gym session AM, Steady run: 3.81 miles (41 minutes)
- Friday: Gym session AM
Monday’s run was my 60 minute steady run. For a steady run, my pace should be around 10:30 minute miles. Although it was cold, the pavements weren’t particularly icy which meant I could run my usual route which was nice. I ended up running for 47 minutes and in all honesty, I should have ran for the extra 13 minutes but I was starting to get cold and I just wanted to go home. My pace was slightly over what I wanted but overall I was happy, it felt comfortable and I didn’t feel the need to stop at any point.
Tuesday was my 30 minute easy run. Again, I didn’t quite run for the full 30 minutes, I was 7 minutes under. Although this doesn’t sound like a lot, 7 minutes is just over half a mile more so it will all add up. I need to make sure I stay out for slightly longer than I need to, rather than cut the run short. I ran at a 10:12 pace which is good for me – my marathon aim pace is 10:15 so I know I can do it. It’s just being able to do it for 26 miles instead of two!
Thursday was my 40 minute steady run and this time I stayed out for the full 40 minutes – I even stayed out a minute longer This run was a struggle! It was so cold and all the roads and pavements had iced over; I managed to find a loop that was relatively safe but as time went on, the temperature kept dropping and I decided to head home. Despite these conditions, I managed to keep around a 10:53 minute pace which isn’t too bad!
My gym sessions were a combination of HIIT workouts and strength training with weights. On Friday I focused on strengthening my legs and hit a PB with 275KG on the leg press! I wanted to do another run at the weekend but I was really suffering with ‘my time’so I decided to rest instead. Overall I did 3 runs and 3 gym workouts and that felt good. I had two rest days so I now feel fully recovered and ready for this week!
This week I’ve got the following runs scheduled:
- Monday: 40 minute steady run
- Tuesday: 10 minutes easy, 20 minutes steady, 10 minutes easy
- Wednesday: 1 hour & 10 minutes long run
- Thursday: 10 minutes easy, 5 x (2 minutes Interval, 2 minutes Easy), 10 minutes steady
What are your plans for this week?
When’s your next race?
L x
