This was my first week of proper marathon training. My aims were to:
This was a pretty big jump from the weeks prior, where my inconsistent running was bringing me in around 20 miles.
Despite the weather I managed to stick to the plan, 4 x 6mile runs, plus the long run, giving me 36 miles for week 1.
Long runs in previous weeks have been a slog, feeling heavy & grim hard work from the very start. In contrast, this week it was a cruise! I finished feeling as bouncy and fresh as when I began. I love that feeling. It feels like the beginnings of real fitness, though it may be too early to say.
I got the gym done on Monday evening, with a really nice hip workout especially. Hips are a weakness that cause back & other issues for me, and will be a focus for me.
The weather this week was brutally cold, especially on those 7am runs before the sun was up, easily in the minus numbers. Monday was particularly brutal, with heavy wind and rain.
Satisfied that I got them all done!
I had forgotten how much training can take from the rest of the day, without fueling properly. With that in mind, I need to make sure I fuel better right after a run. Porridge alone is not cutting it.
In the coming week, week 2 of the plan, I anticipate more cold & rain!
The goals are
I also want to experiment more with more complete post-run nutrition, with the successful outcome being better energy through the afternoon and evening.
Here we go again!