So, I didn't enter the Brighton Half Marathon that happened today. As previously mentioned, I have run it twice, in appalling conditions both times, and wanted the option this time not to do it if it was nasty again. ANd it turned out to be the nicest day of the year so far. Typical. Like it or not, however, I absolutely had to do a minimum of 13 miles today to get back on track with the programme. I've missed the last 2 long runs and the last one I did was 10 miles, 3 weeks ago.
But I was very optimistic about today, after yesterday's session went really rather gorgeously. Today's run was a bonanza of shattered illusions, crushed hopes, pain and childish tears. I absolutely hated it. I ran West along the coast today, to avoid getting caught up in any of the madness that can accompany the official, organised events. The pavements out that way, I have to say, are in appalling condition. In some areas, they're missing altogether, which is when being six foot wide and wearing a pink Diabetes UK top comes in handy.
Anyway. I never at any stage reached the blissful state of floatiness that made yesterday's run such a pleasure and a success. It felt ploddy from the start and got worse from there. Mile 9...GOD how I hated mile 9. Once I passed 10 miles, my previous furthest distance, I got a bit of a lift for mile 11, but miles 12 and 13 were unmitigated vileness. Knee lift non-existent, knees and quads a mess, calves spasming and, yes, tears streaming. Also, big toes on both feet were agonisingly painful and numb AT THE SAME TIME from about 7 miles in. Sounds impossible, but I swear it's true. Almost 3 hours later, they still hurt and sensation is just returning. Does anyone know what I mean and can you tell me what's going on?
The only thing I am really proud of today is that I completed the fucking thing. 12 minutes slower than the last time I did this distance, and 20 minutes slower than my PB.
Tomorrow there's supposed to be an interval run. I can't really see this happening. It's another 5-run week, but one of the sessions is a '50 minute Fartlek of your choice' and, given my opinion of Fartleks and the interval session to start the week, my choice is likely to be sitting down drinking coffee.
I have learned 3 valuable lessons today, if we're going to try to find a positive.
1. Long runs on an empty stomach DO NOT WORK.
Simple solution here. I watched a programme earlier in the week about how milk aids muscle recovery more than these sports drinks thingies. So I will make sure at the very least on the morning of these Sunday slogs, to have a smoothie of milk, bananas and some Options hot chocolate powder.
2. On a gorgeous sunny day (another positive!!!) 500 mls of fluid is not enough to get you round.
Ditto on the simplicity. I will pour my sports drinks into one of my 750 ml bottles and take that.
3. I really hate long runs.
There could be a teensy tiny issue here. And, to be honest, I hate them a bit less now I've had a long soak in a Radox bath. But expect more Sunday whingery.
Updated Training Plan
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