Training Log Archive: Thraws

Just as Lu predicted, all the pain of a marathon, without the atmosphere or sense of achievement. Nice little low-key event though, and the perfect primer for 28 April. My back felt alright, so to compensate I worried about pains in my knees. They were fine, but left hip felt very strange for the final 6 mile lap. Started at pretty comfortable 7.30 mile pace, but now think this is going to be too quick on the day. Trouble is, slower doesn’t feel easier. Was slowed by hills here and there, but didn’t really drop off pace until half way round first short lap. Got overtaken a lot after this but I just worked at grinding it out. Shorter stride length helped (1.22 compared to 1.44 at CC, cadence almost the same). At mile 20 I suddenly felt light headed and faint, and legs briefly turned to jelly. Just like the finishers on the tv. Thought I might be walking but thankfully it passed. If nothing else I am under no illusions about the size of the challenge in four weeks time. And there’s not much I can do about it now.

C • Positivity 2

For the record, post-race rehydration involved four cups of orange squash, cup of sweet instant coffee, 0.5 litres water, pt of HSB, glass of tomato juice, 0.5 litres chocolate milk (yum!) and a bottle of Hobgoblin. Didn't drink anything, even water, during the race. Didn't want/need to. Gonna need sports drink and a gel for the marathon though.

C • Note 1

Hour spent checking the north-east quadrant of the Chichester map for the November classic sprint event.

Following hospital appointment.

Had a proper warm up and got active HR down from a wheezy 150 (jog to letter box) to 110. That was crucial. Went through first lap in 4.15 as planned, but got rather caught in traffic on second. On the other hand, going slower than I wanted felt like a rest ahead of the big effort. Went through in 8.40, up on schedule, found some road and started to wind it up. Was delighted to get to 3 inside 13, and overtook a few more in the last lap. Lap splits 4.15, 4.23, 4.22, 4.20. Cadence 174 spm; stride length 1.44m. Really pleased with the time and the regular pace but sorta glad that's it for this year. On to the Cranleigh 21 and the marathon. The bigger picture.