Training Log Archive: Indiana Jones

Carnferg easy run with Ginie. Still stiff on the hard packed ground but felt good on the softer trails.

Tired and sore but not as bad as after other marathons. Went on the bike to join Ginie on her long run. Could still feel the tightness on my right side from where the stitch was.

Olympic trials. Not the best run but pleasantly surprised with the time given everything. 6th place and 30s slower than the PB.

First half was running midway between two pace groups with Matt Clowes. Wanted to join the group in front for more shelter on the windy bits but they pulled away really quickly right from the start and it felt too fast. The wind was a pain for half the lap, especially as most of the tight corners were in to the wind. It was more tiring than it needed to be although the long straight with the wind behind gave some recovery.

Matt pulled away around 25km although I was still running reasonably well there. After that the stitch kicked in and got steadily worse. It was probably from drinking too much energy drink in a short time. With the 3.3km laps I planned to have maurten every 2nd lap then a mouthful of water between. I accidentally picked up maurten two laps in a row and knew I didn't have enough spare to throw it away so I tried to drink some. I was coughing up foam for two laps and slowed down with the stitch then suddenly needed to be sick at 31km. I couldn't run at the same time so stopped a few seconds and got rid of more foam.

For a few minutes my legs were like jelly, the stitch was still there so I planned to stop at the end of the lap. After seeing Ginie and realising it sounded pathetic I started the next lap and things just clicked soon after. For a few km I was moving really well and made up three places quickly. That continued until 38km then it felt harder but the finish was within reach. Wasn't far behind some good runners in the end despite all the issues and I couldn't believe the time was still in the 2.15s. At one point I wondered if there were any runners still behind me, felt like as soon as I caught someone they dropped out! Not sure if that's because the wind and corners, unrealistic expectations or whatever.

Bit gutted to miss the Commonwealth QT by under 15 seconds but I'm not sure I want to spend more time doing road running seriously. I still feel a faster time is possible but I'd rather do something different and hilly. Glad to see the training worked despite not being especially impressive.

Easy run along the Thames with some strides towards the end. Feeling quite good. Wore the race shoes (adios pro) which took a few minutes to get used to but then were good.

Easy Crathes loop with Ginie. Legs a bit stiff but getting better throughout.

Easy loop on the lower Scolty trails. All good.

Road loop to warm up, 5 x 450m business road straights (60s jog), different loop to cool down. Nice warm sunshine and little wind. Legs moving well.

Easy shake out