Training Log Archive: Thumper

Hmmm. How to write that one up? Talking to a few people at the race yesterday I got the sense that I come across as a bit of a crank on here- but it is essentially my dear diary and helps me reflect and close the door on good and bad performances..so I think I'll just continue to be honest old me.

First things first, I don't really want to reel off excuses, but I'll give myself the credit of saying that a few things were stacked against me. I came down with a cold/sinusitis-ey/chesty thingy on Tuesday, felt rotten thurs/Friday but a bit better for a good sleep come race day.

My knee has been a nightmare and hasn't been 100% for a while and I missed much of the key DOMS inducing races and sessions which were to be key to this going well.

But, I felt well enough on the day to give it a crack (albeit dosed up on paracetamol).

I set off comfortably in the second pack. Really pleased with how I felt and who was around me. I felt a bit thirsty and warm, so was pleased with my decision to carry water. Just before we started the climb proper up Pen-Y-Ghent I took a sip, put the drink back in my race vest and it immediately flew out onto the floor.

"Don't panic! Still LOADS of running left to do", I turned round and ran to get it then settled in at the same pace.

I felt good climbing PYG never needing to walk despite others doing so and I felt well within myself.

I dibbed in at the top surrounded by people I wanted to be around.

I descended alongside Rob Jebb which was fab as he took miles better lines and we caught a few, he pulled away from me a little as I didn't quite trust my shoes/myself on some sections, but I was really pleased with how it went. I ran well within myself here too. Ian Holmes just passed me towards the bottom which again was pleasing to get the opportunity to observe a master.

We then hit a little steep incline on the beginning of the commute to Ribblehead and I got a nasty shock- my right quad spasmed and became very tight. Not ideal. From this point on I found any slight descent really uncomfortable, as I couldn't bend my right knee to load my quads (so was descending straight legged)- sub optimal to occur at mile 5 and by mile 10 my knee injury flared (it was absolutely brilliant to that point). The quads felt like they were going to tear when I loaded them, basically it felt like IOMS (immediate onset muscle soreness).

I had so many problems going on at once that I genuinely questioned if this was just a pre-race anxiety dream (it wasn't- that came last night and included Rob little in a purple suede suit, descending a flight of steps at pace to join a queue for a Free-Masons club??!!)

I took heart from the fact that I was running the same pace as Rob Jebb and wondered whether this was just what racing the three peaks felt like. I didn't expect to have any issues by this point.

I dibbed in at Ribblehead and got a real buzz from the assembled crowds and hearing my name called out on the tannoy. Quick pick up of gels from Hatti and a little kiss with Sophie and cracked on to Whernside- I was looking forward to the respite of running uphill.

"Jebby" (as though we're mates) took a brilliant line over the stream and we hit the first sense of incline. The legs said no. Out of the tussocks popped Winskill "here, put these in your pockets" and handed me a bag so big of wine gums that I almost toppled over when I put them in my pack!

"Be tough, be tough, be tough" was my mantra going up Whernside but I couldn't physically do anything, I couldn't run at all despite several attempts to initiate a run.
One by one the field came by, including a majestic looking Victoria Wilkinson, "no shame in being beaten by her" I thought as she came up alongside me and straight through like a knife through butter.

At this point I was really trying to rationalise whether I could really even get round at easy run pace. I summited Whernside and turned left and struggled to even muster a jog. I started shivering and for the first time started to feel a bit unwell.

I got jogging and as soon as I hit a downward gradient my knee was absolutely killing. I had to run with fully straightened legs and when it became steep I just couldn't get down. I caught my foot under a rock and almost sumo-slammed down the steep face of Whernside..and that's when I realised I wasn't going to finish.

I sat down and put some layers on and got off the hill. Dibbed in, retired and got a lift back with Gary Priestley.

Obviously I had various goals for this race; some lofty "A"-dream targets- but mainly I just wanted to get round. So I feel pretty blue about dropping out. Only I know how i l felt out there, but to be honest I'm quite pleased with myself for pushing through a pretty dark place. To have put myself on another hill I would have been quite the pillock.

I've had lots of post-race advice kindly offered since. But to be honest I think the problems I encountered were quite freak issues, probably stemming from fighting a relatively mild sinus infection (but enough to make me feel pretty crap) and the residual niggles from my knee injury (and missed key sessions/races).

It still hurts though- missing out on a big goal and the psychology of a DNF. Worse still I carbo-loaded heavily and feel like a freight train now!

Hey-ho. Time to set some new goals.

There were some stunning and inspiring performances out there and I was pleased to see my pick for the win deliver the goods in fine style.

For future reference I don't think I would taper for a race such as this so easily in the final week- I think regular impact is a good thing for the legs.

I would really like another crack at this brilliant race, so I think it will be my spring target again next year-although I was tempted by London.

C • Sorry to hear that pal. A f... 1

Standard pre- race Shakeout. Gorgeous morning.

I feel really rough. I shan't moan as it won't change anything :(

Right Achilles a bit niggly too. Still excited about tomorrow, I just hope I can enjoy it whatever happens, been looking forward to this for ages!

C • Good luck 2

Planned rest day.

No maranoia about this one, I actually feel properly under the weather today. Bunged up, glandy and hoarse throat.

I've always been a big believer that you can't take any minor niggles/ even being a bit off colour into a marathon. Pretty bloody frustrating getting this far.

Least I've got two more sleeps to try and fight it a bit.

Little plod around Linacre.

Woke up with a head cold, thick headed and legs feeling heavy (after a 10 hour kip). Frustrating, but not much I can do about it.

Enjoyed the run, ran with the race vest after making a few tweaks to it, should have left it, it doesn't fit as good now!!

Right achilles a bit sore and both calves a bit tight. Knee good until the last mile.

Also, feeling fat from not running much!

I can see why some people don't like to taper, but I find without a taper I run even worse on the day, so I've got to lump it!!

10 st 9
Woke up with a random Achilles soreness, which is class.

#Maranoia

Also put my garmin through the wash

#twat

Taper session of 3 x mile/60s at marathon pace effort.

God I hate tapers. Plagued today by a post rest day achilles niggle which came from no where and a scratchy throat. Hate the paranoia that comes with backing off!

Lovely evening post rain for a run, wasn't sure whether to swerve it or not with the achilles.

Felt good during the session, apart form mile 2 which was in a hail storm. Pace was a bit slower than Id hoped considering pre berlin I was holding back at 5.15s. But re-assuring in a way that I wasn't far off the pace of fridays session when i was wearing the racing vest, so it obviously can't affect performance too much.

Bizarrely both my calves were in bits afterwards?! Dunno why. Did it in Roclites but shouldn't be a factor considering I've done 22 milers in them. Tempted to panic buy a new pair for the race..!

As I said…I hate the paranoia!

5.41
5.28
5.34

Knee was well behave though which was a big plus

Planned rest day.

Knee feeling a bit odd and sore.

10st 8.

For the last few years London has always got the inspirational juices flowing, but this year was better than ever with some amazing performances. Really enjoyed seeing them come in on my lunch break yesterday!

IW. Bit tired getting up but worth it to get a longer pre work route done in gorgeous spring, fresh sunshine.

Frustratingly my knee was really sore. It is what it is, I've got minimal running to do this week now so can focus on trying to stretch/heat/ice as much as possible but can't help feeling that it will be in vein.

Just got to try and enjoy next weekend as much as poss.

Perfect morning for a marathon- can't wait to see the results