Week 28. Runs = 2. Total = 17 Miles

Got my number! Yeah!

Just a 10 miler this week & some interval work again. Everything feels right. Thank God.


Went to see the Marathon group before their training run. Here are some pictures...

The nice thing about the Marathon training is that you get to meet lots of nice people. Some of them are special.... like Sarah who has been so encouraging & supportive right the way through. Every encounter with her has been so positive. She is so gracious too & makes you feel so important. She is part of the team that organises the Marathon & they are BUSY!

Then you get someone like Steve..... totally dedicated to help people train & always has time for you. Steve joined the training runs in spite of an ankle injury!! I have learnt so much from these two. Oh BTW they are great runners too.

Sarah & Steve

These are the rest of the ambassadors. They devote so much of their time helping organise the training runs & running with us.

The Ambassadors

Also, me with Dave & Jonathan.... Great guys.

So.... two weeks to go!

Week 27. Runs = 3. Total = 30.5 Miles

So its "ramping down" period. Having run my longest last week it was a "mere" 15 miles this week!! However I ran it at a faster pace than I normally do. 9:18 miles per minute. I was fine with this pace.

My interval training sessions have helped.  I do 4,  one mile intervals with a half mile rest in-between. I have been running these 1 miles at 7:40 pace. The intention is to do all 4 intervals at the same speed and I have been able to achieve it. So thats good.

Have been using the "foam roller". It was recommended to me by the gym instructor & a physiotherapist. Apparently this really massages the muscles & makes the muscles supple. Here are some pictures of the various exercises.

Week 26. Runs = 4. Total = 41 Miles

I always wanted to  do a 22 mile run & did it today in 3:45. The furthest I have ever run! I could not have left it any later as there are only 27 days left before the marathon! So now I have the stamina (i've done a 19 mile & a 20 mile in addition to this) so need to concentrate on being able to run 10 minutes miles to reach my target of 4:30. Time will tell.

I ran the Brighton Marathon training group's route a day earlier as it was a very interesting one.  I was surprised to see Sarah (Brighton Marathon organisation) & Steve (Marathon trainer) checking out the route in the bicycles! Here is the route I ran.

I promised to write a bit about Carbo loading. Well running anaerobically using glycogen is the most efficient way of using energy. So before a run & after a run its important to carboload. Select food that have a high Glycogen index to benefit more.

I also bought a pair of "Skins" they are supposed to help reduce the build up of lactic acid in your body by reducing the vibration on the muscles. I felt great running in them although they cost the earth to buy!!

Week 25. Runs = 1. Total = 20.06 Miles.

I ran another "my longest run ever" today. 20 miles! Thats 3:38 minutes of non stop running!

Since my Flu I have been going to the gym to do some interval training. So no road running before my long run.

Today's 20 mile route

Some TLC after the run ;)

I have been looking at how the body uses energy to fuel my body. I have learnt why its better for the body to use Glycogen reserves as opposed to fat. I have learnt how to run the long practice runs and why people hit the wall. More next week.....