Training Log Archive: UltraJaney

Icing on the Cake Trail Half Marathon

Not my finest hour! Was tired from the start - felt shattered on the first 3 miles which is all climbing. Picked up a bit later on but ended up walking almost all the hills and some inclines. Made a bit of time up on the descents.

Now, things got interesting when I took a bit of a detour which meant I ended up with 12.5 miles near the finish. Did several laps of a car park before running in on what I thought was 13.1 only to find I had done 14 miles!

It was very icy at the top - quite a few people slipped over though thankfully, not me which may be due to the mudclaws. But it was very slippery! Very cold as well but sunny so good views of Shropshire.

Positives: knees were fine and quads aren't trashed either.

A couple of niggles around my left ankle, underneath the ankle bone which quickly disappeared but my Achilles feel fine in spite of all the climbing.

I think the family bereavement and everything associated with that caught up with me. I had very little 'get up and go' (got a bit of a second wind later on) which tells me something.

Overall, I'm disappointed with today's performance as I hoped (and expected to do better).

Not your fault Gary, it's down to me :)

Regeneration Run

Took it easy as I only had 6 hours sleep the night before. Not great I know but had a fair amount of client work to do.

5 mile.

1 hour

Strength & Conditioning

This was a mixture of the exercises given to me by my physio to stretch my calves and Achilles plus mobility work (ankle/hip/back).

Took it easier than usual due to last week's stresses.

Regeneration Run - but again, by 'feel' as you suggested.

Felt strong during this run, similar to yesterday's run so pushed it a bit on sections. Energy levels were high.

This may be due to my diet as I have cut out sugar and other rubbish. No alcohol either.

It felt good plus it helped to clear my head.

Multi-terrain.

5 miles.

Best run so far since last week's stress (hospital visiting, bereavement and Achilles niggle).

I opted for a Steady Run so faster than my regeneration pace and easy runs.

Off-road in Bishopswood. Very muddy and wet - loved every bit of it!

6 miles in total. Felt strong and energetic.

Even better, my left ankle/Achilles was fine :)

Made this an easier session than usual. Did exercises given to me by my physio which are running-specific (bodyweight) followed by eccentric heel drops and calf raises.

Worked on ankle mobility too.

Regeneration Run (on the treadmill)

Set at 1% gradient.

Easy pace, went by feel.

4.34 miles.

Regeneration Run by feel which was probably more of a steady run. Felt like pushing it a bit more to ease any stress.

My left achilles is ok - keeping my fingers crossed!

4 miles.

30 minute run as part of a practical session within the Dr Jack Daniel's Running & Coaching Workshop.

I was offered a free, VIP place to report upon this workshop.

Jack Daniels held a training session of about 30 minutes, teaching us about cadence and breathing rhythm.

Left ankle/achilles was fine.