It's been a while hasn't it? Mid June to be precise. I had kind of given up on the blog but a few people have mentioned it to me recently so I decided to start posting again.
The summer months didn't go to well and all the time it seemed like 1 step forward 2 steps back. I was training away for the marathon, but finding the training a lot harder than previously. I had my first ever DNF in the Dublin Marathon where it was remarked that I looked terrible before the race. I pulled in after 8 miles or so with no energy. Around this time I was also dropping off the pace in our weekly tempo runs, unable to hold a pace after a couple of miles that should be no problem normally. To cut a long story short I had a blood test and it came back with low Iron, common enough for runners and fitting the symptoms I was having. I also discovered my immune system was pretty low so have been on a course of Iron and a B complex Vitamin for the last while building back up.
Once the closing date for Marathon entries came and went I took some advice on board and went back to basics, building up a base again by just running easy and shorter to begin with. I started running 6 days a week, which I have never really done before, but just 35 mins a day to begin with and a longer run of 45 minutes.
The body seemed to be able to handle this as there wasn't too much stress being put on it to recover from. At the end of the 2nd week I did a Parkrun in Malahide just to get an idea where I was. I finished in 21:43 which is around 30 seconds off my best time on that course. Not bad all things considered. The initial cycle consisted of 5 weeks where I ran 6 days a week, with the longer run increasing by 5 mins a week and one of the midweek runs getting longer as well and incorporating a few strides.
Again I took some guidance on what to do next and step things up a bit again. I'm now working off a 10 day cycle which includes 3 sessions with 2 easy days between the sessions and then a rest day after 9 days. I completed the first cycle ok with the sessions being a long run, a short interval session (18x30 seconds) and a short tempo run (15 mins). I'm starting to feel strong again and recovering properly between sessions again.
All of this is aimed towards getting ready to tackle Marathon training full on in the New Year. Yes we are London bound again and this time it's all about getting to the start line first and foremost. The mind is willing and I'm trying to do things right so the body will be as well.
It was strange watching the marathon this year for the first time rather than running it, but being positioned about 500 metres from the finish gave me a new found respect for the event when you say how people were finishing the race. It was great to see see so many friends and clubmates in action and special mention must go to my training buddies Rosemary & Susan showing that hard work and dedication to training gets you the results you deserve. They have certainly put it up to me for London but at the same time shown me what is possible.
Anyway that's enough rambling for the moment. I'll catch up again in a few weeks.
