So..... running

[BBx]

Tapering is HARD.

Not running is HARD.

The last week and a half has been really emotional the Marathon itself is an emotive thing and I keep getting moments when I want to burst into tears.

I have smashed my sponsorship - to which I am infinitely grateful to everyone for supporting me.

I guess at the moment because you can't run, your mind is saying... well the last time you ran a distance was ages ago and if you don't keep it up you won't be able to do it.

I know my mind is wrong though.... maybe I will just focus on the carb loading and hydration

<3 carb loading.

Can't believe its here. Praying for no rain.

BB x

[Jonny69]

Cool and no rain will be awesome. I know exactly how you feel. When you're in a regime and you have to cut it for a week it feels really odd and you get itchy feet - itching to do ANYTHING!!!

[LeperousDust]

You'll do great Mei, I've really seen your massive enthusiasm and effort over the thread. So if you're half of what I think you're capable of on the day, then you'll storm it

[Jonny69]

It was the work 5k yesterday. I managed a 20:44 which is 40 seconds quicker than my pb at Crystal Palace, but came a shameful 11th

We've got some pretty fast runners here!

I'm used to running on hills. Running on the flat is actually quite difficult. I was demolished after 4k

[jmc41]

Congrats Jonny, that's a darn good time! 6:38 miles or something, I can only do about 1 of those!!

[jmc41]

The Olympic Marathon events start and finish in The Mall. There is a men’s event and a women’s event.

Athletes complete a first loop of 2.2 miles, which takes them to the River Thames, south to the Houses of Parliament, and back up to The Mall past Buckingham Palace. After this they run back to the river, and this time head east, towards the City of London and beyond to the Tower of London, in an eight-mile loop that is repeated three times before crossing the finishing line.

And if that wasn't depressing enough, it's also August 12th! Probably be pouring with rain and 30C. I doubt we'll see anyone breaking the 2h mark for this one.

[Jonny69]

That thrice 8 mile loop is going to be punishing for them. They are going to need some focus to beat that one psychologically!

[Jonny69]

I smashed my pb at Crystal Palace by 25 seconds this morning with a 20:59. Whoop! Got my 20 at last Now, how am I going to get that 19...

[jmc41]

Speedwork Jonny, short painful sessions I imagine! You've gotta be pushing towards the 6:30 mark so I'd venture some 1:30 400m repeats with a 1:30 jog inbetween would help, and some longer runs (6-8 miles). What's your weekly training like?

Two runs for me today. Had rather a large breakfast with the grandparents then tried to go out for a run 4.5h later; thinking that would be enough time. It wasn't, ended up doing 2.5 miles instead of 8.

So had a drink, ate lunch and went out again at 8:20pm for another 6.25miles, much better, even managed race pace for the last 1.25 miles Seem to have lost so much fitness since Reading with the holiday too.

[Jonny69]

Originally Posted by jmc41

Speedwork Jonny, short painful sessions I imagine! You've gotta be pushing towards the 6:30 mark so I'd venture some 1:30 400m repeats with a 1:30 jog inbetween would help, and some longer runs (6-8 miles). What's your weekly training like?

Que?

I think I know what you mean, I have been meaning to try interval training to get used to running faster. My analysis is I often have a bit of a Colin Chapman finish, that is, I cross the line at pretty much the same pace as the rest of the race and I don't have anything left for a sprint finish. I need to get my endurance up so I can complete the 5k, because certain muscles are fatigued by the end. With more endurance I will be able to press on for more of the race. I think a change in running technique might be beneficial too, to make the most of my stride, as I've honed my technique to be efficient rather than fast. I've noticed I'm not springing off my calfs as much as I used to.

So my weekly 'training' is my daily commute by bike, 4 miles (6km) each way. I try and run home on a Wednesday and I do the Parkrun 5k on a Saturday, which I have been running to and from (2.5k each way). Last year I was running 13.5k loops of Bushy park after work once a week, but I was doing more distance running last year than speedwork. That said, I think the added distance will be beneficial to the shorter distances because the muscles won't fatigue as early.