Confirmed

It's been a good couple of days training. Yesterday I decided to start doing my intervals with running recoveries instead of walking. I figured that because all of my long runs will incorporate walking breaks from now on, then all other running sessions must be done without walking. Call it a confidence booster, but I already feel better by doing this. The intervals were not quite as fast as I would do a normal Monday or Wednesday run (jogging recoveries were 12mm and the intervals were done at a 9.12mm pace) however I managed very comfortably (maybe a little bit too comfortable if I'm honest). But it was a good start. Next week I shall make the intervals a little bit faster and keep on trying to improve/go faster as time goes by. Funny, but my quads felt really achy afterwards which surprised me. I also did my rebounder session and managed both the 10 minute warm up and cool downs without wanting to pass out!

This morning, because I had a physio appointment booked for tonight, I did my squat session at 7am. I felt rather smug for the rest of the day because half of my training had already been done. This afternoon I did the same trail run that I did last Wednesday. This week was much better, averaging a 9.52mm overall. Considering only a week ago I had to have a couple of walk breaks, this is great. I started the run at a slower pace which always makes a huge difference. I always find the runs I start off easier are the ones I enjoy more and feel better during, being faster overall by the end. It just goes to show how important good pacing is!

My Gymbos came yesterday, so I will be using that on Saturday on my long run. I'm planning on going around 12 miles/2 hours (ish) and Graeme has decided to come with me. This week we will be trying a 5:1 ratio. I didn't really like the 3:1, but I may feel the same about a 5:1! For me, I believe I would prefer a longer walk break, and so if it doesn't feel right this weekend then I am going to try a 10:2 the following week. It's all experimental at the moment, but I have plenty of time to get it right. And speaking of having plenty of time, I got my email today from Bangalore telling me that the payment has now been received and my place in the ultra is confirmed. I immediately went out and bought some small white boards and cork boards and will be placing them around my gym with pictures and motivational stuff attached to them. I have never been able to find a mantra that works for me... (maybe because I have in the past stolen other runners mantras. I have accidentally come across one of my own which I have been using since Monday. As the going feels tough (and when thinking about how 3:1 run/walk didn't work well for me) I happened to think to myself that 'The longer I run, the stronger I become'...low and behold, a personal mantra is born. Over the last 3 days I have used this when feeling the urge to walk/hyperventilate/die and it seems to work. I also believe it to be quite meaningful and true... so, that's MY mantra sorted... and I didn't have to nick it from anyone else either. :-)