Another decent week I hope

Monday 26th August

6.14 miles @ 9:04 pace

Easy paced run, some on grass around the pitches in Gormanston but there is only so many laps I can do so I headed in the direction of the beach and along the beach and back to the car. Not much else to report about this apart from general tiredness in body, mind and legs.

Tuesday 27th August - Session

We were unable to use the college grounds after the death of one of the college staff so this weeks session took place on the beach. After a warm up we kicked off with 20 seconds hard, 35 seconds recovery with the hard part going up by 20 seconds each time as far as 2 minutes and then back down. Managed to keep the hard bits at a good effort but wasn't really feeling the love for running on the beach. Finished off with a cool down to bring it up to 4.69 miles for the night. Not as much as normal, maybe no harm.

Thursday 29th August - Tempo Thursday

10.92 miles @ 8:16 pace

Tempo run this week was upped to 9 miles and was to be run at 5-10 secs quicker than marathon pace. Who knew 5-10 seconds could make such a difference? After a warm up of just under a mile with Stuart, Rosemary & Susan we set off into the wind from Gormanston heading towards Stamullen. Stuart set off into the distance at his pace and the rest of us all settled in around the same pace. As we turned past the school in Stamullen some nasty hills greeted us, especially at the pace we were running. I was digging in keeping effort consistent and Susan talked to us all the way up the hills (no bother to her). Bit of a recovery down into Julianstown about 1/2 way and our pace had evened out. The only thing I cared about was getting through the last 3/4 miles and keeping the pace consistent. The miles ticked off and Susan was chatting away to us. This really was easy for her. She pushed on a bit for the last couple of miles and eventually we made it back to the Huntsman and the 9 miles were done. This was difficult but not impossible. Pace for the 9 miles was 7:53 for me which I was happy with.

Finished off with about a mile slow cool down.

Saturday 31st August

6 miles @ 8:43 pace

First time running around Balbriggan for a while. First mile was a bit mssed up on the Garmin so the overall pace would have been slightly slower. Still found myself having to hold back a bit to keep to the required pace. A good sign.

Sunday 1st September - Long Run

15.5 miles @ 8:38 pace

It takes a certain amount of madness to get out for your long run at 6:30am on a Sunday morning, but if there is 4 of you does that mean we're all mad? We must be in some way.

This run followed the same route as last week as far as around 10/11 miles and then a different route back to Stamullen via Gormanston to add on a bit extra. There was plenty of chat as we ticked off the miles at the required pace with the pace even picking up towards the end. Started to feel very hungry towards the end of the run as with the early start there was no time for breakfast. Could feel my left foot at me a bit as well. This started off with a blister during tempo run last week on the sole of my foot and now I have a blood blister on the top of my big toe as well. Was quite painful after the run. Need to try and get them cleared up as soon as possible. Seems strage to only be happening on one foot?


Summary: With the session on Teusday being a bit shorter the mileage was slightly down on last week but still managed 43.25 miles and 6.25 hours training. The 3 sessions were done but missed out on an easy run. To be honest I have never run 6 days a week normally and I think I can only commit to 5 with other stuff so I am happy enough with that. Hopefully another solid week this week with Long run on Saturday before easing off a bit before the Athlone 1/2 next week.