Getting into the swing of it

Since my last blog post I had a fabulous Monday as a rest day (I'm going to learn to treasure Mondays' from now on) and then I was back into the swing of the new training plan. I did strengthening (mainly squats) on Tuesday with some airborne running, rebounder and chin ups (which I'm completley useless at incidentally!), Wednesday I did fartleks (which I loved) and then did a 1 hour heavy weighted walk wearing what I thought was 18.5KG. The pack felt really uncomfortable and it wasn't until the next day I realised I hadn't taken the weight out of the back of my XL vest, so ended up carrying 20.5KG but more importantly, found it a pain because there was a big lump sticking in my back. As I have now done an hour like this, I've decided to do my heavy weighted walking next week wearing 20.5KG again (but more comfortable this time). I may as well try it, after all I don't want to go backwards!
Thursday I was out of the door at 5.30am and did 30 minutes rowing at the gym followed by a sauna, and at the end of the day did a dumbell upper body session. Friday saw me doing deadlift tonnage (where you add the tons up that you lift "partially"). I lifted 8.15 metric tons altogether and boy could I feel it as soon as I finished it. I actually failed the last set because I couldn't grip any more. I then finished off with plyometrics.

I had a great sleep last night and so felt quite refreshed for the XL run/walk today, but getting out there in the icy and windy conditions saw me a total knackered mess for the first 27 minutes. I even did a negative walk break at 26 minutes because I couldn't get up the steep hill I was so knackered. I pulled myself together after this however and managed the rest fairly comfortably. I can see how this new programme is going to toughen me up! When I got back home I even hoovered up (still in my running gear) before I went in the bath, so I must have been feeling quite fresh!

Aftewr my bath I saw a post from Likeys on Facebook about booking the Brecon Beacons 47 mile ultra for November 15th. So I entered it! Last year I wanted to do a race in November and couldn't find one that wasn't sold out, so now I'm entered into one for this year! It scares me a bit as it's all about self sufficiency, but it's billed as being good for first time ultra runners too, so that's what swayed it for me.

I'm still alcohol free and to be honest it's getting easier every day. Graeme had another bottle of wine last night and I thought it smelt awful. I think the better I'm feeling, the less I want any. I am also doing well with the hypnosis for running audio sessions and am currently 4 weeks in. This week is also about relaxing while running. I tried it today and found it really did make a big difference. I'm changing lots of things about my training and recovery at the moment so hopefully it will all come together in the end. :-)