One step closer …

The last few weeks have been a real struggle, I completed a great 22 mile run followed by another really hard 22 mile run. This really threw me, had I peaked too soon? My legs felt so heavy, my shorter faster runs in the week were becoming very slow and last weekend I even missed my longer weekend run because I just couldn’t do it, it was freezing, we were away in Burnham-on-sea and the ‘love’ wasn’t there.

Once again I consulted Ellie who said that you will have weeks where the legs feel like they have given up, my diet had been really poor over my weekend away so Tuesday I picked myself up ran another slow short run and focused on eating well and fueling properly ahead of my last long run.

I even felt so ill and exhausted I took some time off from my usual aerobics classes Wednesday night …something I hardly ever do, I usually just plod through it!

After today’s unplanned 24 miles (I set out for 23 miles) I think it paid off to listen to body over the last week.

I ran the 12 miles ‘out’ at 1 minute slower than my current target marathon pace (8.35 mins/mile) and then on the ‘turn around’ as I call it increased the pace, I felt strong and over the last 12 miles recorded some really fast miles, from 7.19 min/miles to 8.35. Whatever it is I have done over the last week (oh yes rested) has work and the thought tonight is I am so glad to have got this last long run in the bag. I am so looking forward to the shorter, faster runs ahead and will be focusing on early nights, good nutrition and a very relaxed build up to the day!

My sub 4 hour dream is more a reality than it has ever been and I really can’t thank Ellie Barnes of Barnes Fitness enough! Although I am not sure I will ever be strong enough to attempt the recommended ‘ice bath’ but that’s just me being a wimp!