Portugal, I do like an explore...

Well just got back from a fortnight away in Portugal, I brought the weather back for you, and one of the first activities is to upload the Garmin and then look over them stats, being a bit of a geek.

Well I'm very pleased with my stats and also have a deeper respect for you people who have to run up hills.

In 14 days, I ran eight times, covering 72k and a total elevation gain of 715 metres, just to put that elevation gain in perspective, my normal runs here in the flats of the Fylde may have an elevation gain of around 10 meters.

That said I did love running them hills and at the marina running up three of four flights of stairs fast.

What next, back to the flats of St Annes on the Sea and a run tomorrow.

Also read a few books on Marathon training whilst away and will be drawing up the plan for the next few months training this week.

Enjoy your runs

[Aftabs Graduate]

Sounds great Phil. The flat runs should be a breeze now!

[Hidden in reply to Aftabs]

Cheers, I must say today's run on the flat was lovely.

[rockchick69 Graduate]

Welcome back I love running hills, the steeper the better, although there aren't many where I live. Every time we go somewhere different I take my running kit so I can do a hill. Let me know what marathon books you read, I'll begin the HM training soon, but I love reading running books.....nerd! Enjoy your planning

[Hidden in reply to rockchick69]

I'll dig them book titles and post later

[Hidden in reply to rockchick69]

Hi Rockchick, I've read four books, three purchased secondhand off eBay 2.99 each inc. delivery, and one from a work colleague. I thought they were all ok, but I liked two imparticular.

Marathon Training for Dummies - it's ok.

Hal Higdon - Marathon The Ultimate Training and Racing Guide - it's interesting and I got a couple of pointers from it, but I preferred the following.

Graeme Hilditch - The Marathon and Half Marathon, A Training Guide - liked this, easy to read, the inclusion of pictures and especially the section on stretching which is already helping me with a niggle in my adductor and the training plans make sense.

John Bingham & Jenny Hadfield - Marathon Running for Mortals - liked the style of the writing, one of the authors is just like us C25kers that struggles hasn't always been a runner etc. also it has plans for HM as well and will be useful for some as it also has plans for people who want to run/walk the marathon.

Hope that gives you some food for thought.

[rockchick69 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

This is great information Phil....thanks. I will be getting on Amazon and ordering directly. Love all the books there are to choose from, but advice from someone who has read them is always good

[Jefna Graduate]

Sounds brilliant Phil! I think the different routes and terrain suited you by the sounds of it!

Good luck with the training plan!

[Hidden in reply to Jefna]

Thanks, I really had a few great runs

[Malcy Graduate]

Looking forward to seeing your runs on Garmin. Hills are tough to start with but b now you probably have found that they get easier

[Hidden in reply to Malcy]

They are all there now on Garmin. I loved the hills, different but the fitness gained over the last 16 months definitely helped.

[Miso_14 Graduate]

I dread hills and try to avoid them as much as I can, does not help living in Wales! Sounds like you had fun, impressive time too Welcome back.

[Hidden in reply to Miso_14]

Cheers, go embrace them hills had a great time.

[ju-ju- Graduate]

great blog, and a great holiday too?? How exciting to be planning the marathon......good luck and well done!!

[Hidden in reply to ju-ju-]

Thanks, just need to get the plan up in the wall now eek

[SBG356 Graduate]

Wow Phil! To get that many runs in during your hols is real dedication! You will need another holiday to recover.... I am learning to enjoy (enjoy??!) hills and try and go faster up them as I find that easier....the worst is when it comes at the beginning of a run though and then I take it slow. Hope you enjoyed your flat run today.

[Hidden in reply to SBG356]

I very rarely find running a chore, so I loved getting out for a few runs on holiday, even with the hills, but you're right I did enjoy today's flat run.

[TJFlute]

I know a little about the hills in Portugal as a friend of mine ran from Lisbon to London: 50 marathons in 50 days. Maybe something for you to consider for the future

[Hidden in reply to TJFlute]

Glad you added the wink to let me know you kidding!