Marathon injuries

Everything you need to know.

The Big Reveal.

As you read this I will hopefully be two miles in the sky on my way to Barcelona, I chose to post this comment today because it will mean that I won’t be able to hear wall of laughter engulfing the Bristol Running Community.

In April 2012 I will be running the London Marathon. 

Stop laughing it’s mean.

I actually can’t believe it.  Not in a “I can’t believe how inspirational I am, cometh and listen to my glory”.  I can’t believe it because it is a massive challenge, the farthest I will run, let alone walk.  I’m doing it for a charity that is very close to my heart (or should I say lungs?), Asthma UK.  I’ve had Asthma all my life, my worst memory of the condition?  Not being able to go on the bouncy castle for fear of an attack when I was a child.  Deep I know.

So, here we go.  The next step in the running adventure.

The Long Run

No, not The Eagles album, but at last, it’s here, Belfast Marathon. I’m going to try and keep this short as I’ve been doing less chat and more action lately, and along with plenty of shorter bursts the last few weeks have all been about that long run in the hope of completing my next 26.2 miles in one piece.

In between that I’ve been cross training - leafleting and canvassing for the local elections next week, now that’s enough politics already, but do excercise your right to vote folks! 

I’ve spent the last few weekends doing 3 hour runs, the same long run I last blogged give or take a road, trouble was I kept catching the hottest days of the week, it didn’t help but means I’m prepared for the worst, which is terrible dehydration and thirst, mileage wise I’ve struggled to get past 15 miles in that time due to the heat, however I consoled myself last weekend by knocking the same run out in 2 hours 25 on a cooler earlier start, so feel I’m on my way back. Weight wise I’ve gone from 14st 5lb to 13st 4lb since starting my blogging, had quite a strict diet and have only drunk on 3 social occasions in that time, abstention has been refreshing in itself, especially in the mornings. 

As stated, this Monday in Belfast will be all about getting round, I’m using that steadying tactic of starting at the back, starting slow, keeping it that way, and trying to find a groove that will carry me the distance in the best possible shape. I’m going to run it for a first time without a watch, I’m not bothered about time, that’s a bonus, this one’s all about finishing, regular readers know I’ve had to pick my running off the floor for this Marathon, but I think I’m back in the ring for another fling, excuse lines like that, but it just must be the runners high coming back to me!

Whatever happens now, and despite this prep not being ideal, I’ve got one eye on Edinburgh Marathon in 3 weeks time, and feel it’s all coming together nicely for that one…   

Forgive me for a lack of technical running detail, as there is so much to say but so little time - I’ve got a bag to pack and a flight to catch, but thanks to those who’ve listened and encouraged me after my tales of woe, there is now plenty to look forward to, and once again, I heart running ;-)

Growing up in Public

BRR is a virtual well of information lately, so I’m just going to post an organic piece on my running itself, I’m looking to tap into my own well of inspiration..

Since the struggle I had in a recent race I’ve tried to pick up the pieces and get my training together, I’ve mixed up a variety of runs, intervals on the treadmill, some further off road undulating trail stuff, over and hour or two per session, and then last night ran from work at Filton to the Downs Water Tower, 4 miles in 40 mins fyi, so clearly not breaking any records at the moment! Not that I ever have..

I was glad to have a group to meet there, as that spurred me on, and I then did some further 3 miles in company, and felt I’d had a good midweek session.

However, as stated before, too long off has caught up with me, 43 years old, at 5 foot seven I’m currently lugging some 14 stone, a good stone heavier than last October’s two marathons, and it feels like it. I’ve started this blog while on the comeback trail, and hope you will bear with me, I really hope to prove to be worthy to write here..

This weekend I will put in at least a 10 miler, then following that have three halfs (Hogweed, FOD Trails, Taunton) on consecutive weekends, all local and indexed by Mike. Unfortunately for me they start harder in order, but I can only hope by that third easier one I have got my mojo back. I know from past experience the suffering I am experiencing now will pay off later, and it’s certainly what I’m reminding myself of!

Into April then, and I have to put in a couple of two and a half to three hour runs before tapering for my first Marathon of two in May. It’s going to be my tightest turnaround yet, however, I have been here before, and will spread the load accordingly, I’ve only got injured by overtraining before so have an idea how to space it.

To some extent, taking note of all sorts of people running daily marathons made me realise we don’t have to be too precious at our level if we are careful, and hope the method in my madness pays off.

Where I want to be in the second half of the year is at least a stone lighter, and approaching old pb’s that weren’t achieved that long ago to be too unrealistic, 10k’s at 46 mins, halfs at 1hr41, and Marathons at 3hr51, and it’s the Marathon PB I really think I can bring down. As you can all see, I’ve been a plodder all my life, but that’s where I’m from and where I’m at..

The next few months of blogging will either prove to be my rehabilitation as a runner, or my requiem! I’m following you, are you following me?!       

NYC: Haile retires, Claire Hallisey 18th

I thought he would never stop but, after dropping out of the NYC Marathon at around half way, the world’s greatest distance runner has called it quits.  I can’t believe it. 

Track and Field Videos on Flotrack

Bristol & West AC’s Claire Halllisey ran a great debut marathon, running 2:36 for 18th place. You can read more on the Bristol & West website.