Training Progress

The Monday after the Watford Half Marathon I treated myself to a rest day which was very much needed. I spent the day foam rolling, stretching and massaging my legs on the power plate.

On the Tuesday morning Melinda and I were back on it. We did a brick session at The Grove and I have to admit my legs did feel heavy but once we got into it we were definately back in the training zone. Doing a brick session with a training buddy makes such a massive difference.

On Wednesday we met at Sports Space in Hemel Hempsted for a easy 5km run followed by a swim session that Melinda had planned. I have really enjoyed the swim sessions lately but this week I don't think I was on top form - think my body was still a little tired.

I had planned to go on a bike ride with Melinda and Hilary on the Thursday but unfortunately I could only get my massage appointment for the same time as when they would be out riding so decided a massage would be far more beneficial. Well what an experience that was!! I have never been to an osteopath before!! I have never heard so may bones clicking in all my life. Sarah assessed me first then did some work on my back followed by some ultra sounds. Then the clicking started - OMG!!! I have to say I was rather nervous but what a difference I felt after the treatment. I would highly recommend her, she is absolutely brilliant!! I have a follow up session next week.

On Friday morning Melinda and I headed out for a run for an hour or so. We ran a different route which was good. It was a comfortable recovery run. Once we got back to The Grove we did some weights. We focused on our legs and core. I have not done a hardcore weights session for a while and by the end of the session I knew I was going to feel it the next day.

On Saturday I planned on doing an hour or an hour and a half on the bike because I hadnt managed to get out on the bike on Thursday. My buddy Sally joined me for half an hour but man my legs and arse were killing from my weights session on Friday. When Sally left I thought just  another 30 minutes but I wimped out and only managed 45 minutes in total. I was so sore!!! Then I decided to do a bit of upper body weights followed by the ab roller which I have not done in a very long time. (I was
definately going to feel this the next day!!!)

Sunday was a rest day for me and my arse and OMG core were killing.

Monday
Well this week I don't have my training buddy Melinda because she is walking up Kilimanjaro _ AMAZING!!! So after work I planned on doing a brick session on my own. It was hard because my body was still super achy. I only managed 30 minutes followed by 5 minute run. That was a poor effort I have to admit!!!

Tuesday morning I met my buddy Vikki for a run around Berkhamsted. Vikki is a really good runner so she pushed me the whole time. I was shattered after the run - thanks buddy

On Wednesday I was going to do a short run but I was tired so thought it was best to have a rest day.

On Thursday after work I went for an easy swim before I went for my follow up with Sarah (osteopath) She was really pleased with how my body had responded to last weeks treatment. I was pleased that there was far less clicking to be heard:-))
I am resting Friday and Saturday as I am planning on going to Brighton to do the half marathon on Sunday. It depends on the weather but hopefully it goes ahead.

Watford Half Marathon 2014

Watford Half Marathon 2014

Night before race day!

On Saturday evening I went out for a meal with my buddies to Pizza Express to carbo load . I enjoyed a goats cheese pizza which was really yummy:-) Pizza Express has become my lucky pre-race ritual however I was home nice and early and pretty much went straight to bed. Melinda on the other hand, had about 85 teenagers partying at her house until the early hours!!
Before I went to sleep, another important part of my ritual,  I laid my clothes out in position, ready for the morning. Yes I am a weirdo!!!

 

I woke early Sunday morning to have a cup of tea and most importantly my porridge in bed. We could not have asked for a better weather for race day. It was very chilly but the sun was out for us which makes such a difference.
Melinda and I met at the Grove and then headed over to Cassiobury Park together. We parked up and made our way to the start line. As we were walking Melinda said to me where is your timing chip?  Being a blonde I'd left it at home, so much for being organised ( I blame the chip not me, because the last few races I've competed in the chip has been on my number not on my shoelaces) There was no time to go back and get it so I had to start without and rely on Melinda's.
We started near the back as we were a little late getting to the start position but think I prefered that rather than arriving too early and hanging about in the cold.

The gun went and we were off. Melinda and I weaved our way around the other runners in the start but it was a little cramped for the first section of the course. Once we were out the park the runners dispersed slightly so it was much better.
Below is a picture of Melinda and I about 3 and a bit miles into the race and ready to take on the hill we were approaching.

Melinda and me running through the massive flooded area

After running through all this water my shoes were absolutely soaked and my legs were very cold but this was not too far from the finish so Melinda and I put our heads down and pushed towards the end.

Final Sprint

We were so happy to finish and both did a fantastic time of 1hour 46 minutes on a really tough course. Melinda did absolutely brilliantly #jobdone

Training buddies at the finish

I have to admit for the last 2 miles all I could think about was going to Nando's!!

My reward - Nandos:-))))

 

Final week before Watford Half Marathon 2014.......

Well Watford Half Marathon is tomorrow. Melinda and I have put the miles in so we are really hoping for a good result on Sunday but most importantly we want to enjoy it.
Last Friday we had a really good run with our cycling buddy Hilary.  Melinda had sore legs from the weights session she had done a couple of days before. I intially thought maybe she would struggle with her achy legs....but no she was strong as ever and our last long run before the race was complete.

Hilary and Melinda at the end of our run at the bridge @The Grove

Our time after our steady run

Really enjoyed our run - always enjoy running with buddies.

On Monday Melinda and I went for an easy run around Watford to get the legs ticking over. I have to admit running Monday after having a rest day is hard work but we managed to get around.

On Friday Melinda, Hilary and I went for an easy run around Little Gaddesden. I am glad we did because from my last run on Monday I was not feeling that confident about Sunday but since the Friday run went well I am raring to go!!!

This week has just been an easy training week because we want to be fresh at the start line on Sunday. Melinda and I are going for a time of 1:45. Hopefully we'll feeling good in the morning and we are able to smash it!! Bring it on I say.....