My race pack arrived on Monday. The route actually includes part of my regular runs, around Otterspool Promenade and Sefton Park, so I'm quite excited to be doing it with 8,000 other runners.
My training hasn't exactly gone to plan. Firstly, I started a new job in the new year which exhausted me for about 3 weeks. While I tried to fit in runs at the weekend, I wasn't upping my mileage as I should have because I already felt exhausted after everyday and didn't want to wipe myself out. Then, the snow arrived. I put off my running for a few days until it started to melt a bit.
It didn't go too well though as I ended up hurting my ankle. Running in half melted/frozen snow is not good. Training for a spring race over winter has been the hardest thing really. The dark and cold do not really make you excited about going for a run after work. Layering is difficult - wear too much and you end up sweaty once you get warmed up, wear too little and you'll be freezing while warming up. Your lips and hands end up chapped from the cold (wearing running gloves again leaves you sweaty, or at least it does me). However, some days the cold really makes you run faster compared to hotter days in the summer when the sun seems like a burden on you.
February has been the month when my training has finally 'clicked'. I've been going out for runs three times a week and also visiting the gym once a week for some cross training/weight training.
Anyone else training for a Spring race? How's it going?
Yes! I'm doing the Edinburgh Half at the end of May and have also been struggling with the weather/illness/other stuff, so am glad I still have a bit more time to get my distances up. Had an anxiety dream last night that I took a wrong turn and ended up back at the start haha. This is my second Half and I just want not to stop like you - was so underprepared for my last one and it took me over three hours :\
ReplyDeleteGood luck for the half marathon! I really admire your dedication! My boyfriend is running is first half this weekend and the weather made his training really hard too! I'd love to do one myself one day but have never had the dedication to get to the point where I actually want to run.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to hear how you get on! xx
I'm doing my first ever 5k tomorrow. I've only managed 3.5k so far, so at least it'll be a new personal best. I'm so nervous though!
ReplyDeleteThank you for all your running posts over the time that I've been following you! I can definitely say that you inspired me to start running!
Wish me luck for tomorrow!
Amber xo
www.amberrosethomas.com
eeek I'm running the bath half marathon tomorrow! Its my first half as well and I'm also aiming to get below 2 and a half hours. I know how knackering the training is- I'm really looking forward to just running for fun again when its over!
ReplyDeletegood luck for 2 weeks time!
Congrats for keeping it up and best of luck on the day! I am doing a 'tough 5k' in April, which isn't hard for me on the distance front, but involves some serious hills which I'm not used to at all, so it should be interesting!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with you marathon! It's really inspiring and I hope that one day I can do a half marathon, too!
ReplyDeleteOh how exciting, good luck good luck good luck, and enjoy! Well done for getting your training done in the horrid weather. I really want to do a half this year, but so far my training has sucked because of snow and illness. I am supposed to be doing a 5 miler tomorrow but am so deaf and full of cold I doubt it, which sucks as I actually was fancying it!!
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You are such an inspiration, I wish I liked running!
ReplyDeleteMaria xxx
I wish I could run for a long period of time but i find it so boring! the fact that youre doing a half marathon is really inspiring and i wish you the best of luck!
ReplyDeletehttp://accioabigail.blogspot.com
Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI've never done a half marathon - I entered Reading a few years back and got injured. ;(
Managed a 10 mile race once, in 1 hour 30. That is probably the longest I could do!
Have fun. Natasha
I ran a half-marathon with my longest training run at 10 miles so it's entirely possible. Training is totally needed but some adrenaline will fire you on the day too, as will fuelling your body with good food beforehand! I also found resting running-wise for a week before the half-marathon really helped. All I did was shake it out 2 days before hand with a super-easy 2 mile run & I had my best time yet. Nothing remarkable but it helped surely! I'd love to do another half. GOOD LUCK TO YOU! I have no doubt you can do it.
ReplyDeleteIt's great that you have the bug again even after an injury. I love your running posts, as lazy as they make me feel! =) xx
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