Week 13 

40 miles 

Just a few weeks to go and feeling strong on the long run; welcoming the Spring! Strangely failing to run 'slowly' enough on the long runs, hope I'm not over-training … 

Monday 16th March 

5.89m @ 9 p/m 
53 mins
BVH - easy recovery run 

Despite of the pre-occupation of the Englishman to complain about the weather, this is actually a scarce running event - a complete drenching! Extremely wet evening but an enjoyable run, a recovery from yesterday's half marathon catching up with some of the guys. They say there's no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing. I guess it's true! Man of the Moon route

Surprised not be hurting today. 90 minute half marathon is quick, for me, so would have expected some  more aches and pains, but thankfully not to be! Think the base fitness is coming through now. Having started training in early December, it's been quite a long programme thanks to Mr Pfitzinger …


Wed 18th March 

10 miles @ 8.22 p/m 
1hr 23 mins 

Enjoyable long run home, staying light on the canals and through Canon Hill. Fully lost in latest Marathon Talk and oblivious to the world (and miles) drifting by. Adding the Uni takes away the need to run through Industrial east City Centre, which is a good thing. No BVH tomorrow for me, Daniel's Parents Evening - first in Five Ways, so should be interesting.


Friday 20th March 

Gym - speed work 
6 x 800m @ 9 mph or 6.40 p/m 
6 miles overall 

Training on a Friday evening is always tough to see through, usually finding a last minute excuse, but after missing club night and going on Rugby Tour tomorrow, I felt I couldn't afford to miss this one. I'm keen to add at least one speed session per week all the way through the training so settled on 6, 800 metre repeats with 400 m recoveries. Powered through by the Prodigy, great music for hardcore treadmill work, I enjoyed this, although having a treadmill that broke down a couple of times was a pain!

Sunday 22nd March 

18 miles @ 8.06 p/m 
2hrs 25 mins 
Canals 

Scotney Boys came back from our rugby tour of Lincoln and Newark at about 3pm this afternoon, after having stopped off with Neil and James at KFC, for full on Zinger meals and Oreo cookie crushems. Probably not the best fuel for a long run, but it didn't seem to do any harm! It was a gorgeous afternoon, so after a quick coffee, it was time to head out the door for a bit of a child-free time and the long run, complete with shades for the first time in a  long while! 17 miles were on the schedule but after last week's half marathon, I thought I'd step it up to 18 and see how it goes.

I'm having real trouble running 'slowly' enough. An odd affliction but in running to how I feel (and still consciously trying to go slowly) I seem to be hovering just over the 8 minute per mile pace, which is pretty much marathon pace, and perhaps not healthy for training. Dropped down on the Harborne Walk way and on to the canal, before taking in 4  lies on the canal towards Tipton and curiously being stopped by a lad in Smethwick asking if I would take his photo! In Smethwick! Anyhow, felt strong and then headed back into town, over to the Uni and home, the legs holding up well for the full 18 miles at a content pace. I guess it does bode well, perhaps the midweek longish run is making a difference?

4 weeks to go ….