Week 11- Marathon training - claiming a sub 4 hour marathon.

[suzybenj]

I am very much heads down at the moment with training. I am sticking to it but feel like I have gone off the boil (it has been suggested I have peaked to soon - ha!)

This week I had a very nervous Tuesday - literally gave me nightmares. A colleague and I were to run on a treadmill at work to complete- a Marathon between us-- each to complete a half marathon in 4 mile relays. I was so nervous - because he is a much faster runner than me and I was really worried about making a twonk of myself. So to combat nerves - I elected to run first- cheered by some lovely work mates. I was so wound up i actually did manage to run faster for each stint and it became a great workout. Between us we completed in 3 hours 50 min Marathon- amaze balls. So i didn't let myself down or make a prize idiot of myself. And proved I can run faster with the right motivation

Work ridiculously busy - so curtailed much of any other activity this week.

Managed a 45 min spin session yesterday- masochistically hard!!!

Today - My long run day - I was tired after a tough week at work. I also had a very late night waiting up for my 16 year old to return from a party.....I wasn't at my best this morning, grumpy and just not in the mood. Despite the near perfect running conditions- warm with a cooling breeze, the sun shining and all should have been well with the world. And it was- I just didn't feel like running. But I also know if I don't run I will feel like I have failed. My compromise was an hour in the gym and an hours running. Did the Gym- treadmill and cross trainer. And then could not be bothered with run and drove home. By the time I got home (not long) - convinced myself that I had to do something or it was all a waste of time and I would spend the weekend berating myself. Ran a good 4/5 miles - quite enjoyed it- in fact quite looking fwd to the days post April when I can just go out for a 4/5/6 mile run. not enough running really - but still out doing something for 2 hours.

So what have l Iearnt this week- actually I can run faster if I put my mind to it- just need the right incentives. That sub 30 min 5k, 60 min 10k and possibly a sub 2 hour HM -could be on the agenda. (We shall see!). On the long front I am struggling a bit - not with the thought of running - but to be honest I do get a bit bored and it is a bit lonely. But as I and others keep telling me - if a Marathon was easy we would all be doing it all the time....so maybe I need to take that into account.

Current pre-occupations - how to fuel on long runs - settling down into SIS energy bars and isotonic gels - which are gentler on the stomach - and sweeties. Music what will be the perfect play list

.....and get this I will (amongst 1000s) of others be running in the footsteps and the same race as Mo Farah- how completely fantastic is that.

Thanks for reading - Happy running

[iwillbefit Graduate]

I feel a bit of a fraud replying to you! We'll done for where you've got to and the treadmill race with your workmate - what an achievement. You mentioned your music playlist. Have you tried listening to any speech.programmes? My favourite is desert island discs (huge podcast library on radio 4). Not for everyone I know but thought I'd mention it! All the best as you work toward your goal - maybe then you can join your. 16 year old late night partying!!

[suzybenj Graduate in reply to iwillbefit]

I wondered about desert island discs - I do enjoy them- I will check them out. Thank you.

[ju-ju- Graduate]

Well done Marathon Queen.. Sounds like you are getting there...you may prefer ear plugs if there are plenty of crowds , on the music front I bought Running Trax 2014 by the ministry of sound especially for Bath and it has some good running beats!!!

[suzybenj Graduate in reply to ju-ju-]

Thanks JJ- V hungover this morn - too much compensatory wine last night. Off to Rugby touch line now with my sunnies on - lovely

[gypsydepp Graduate]

Suzy.....I think you're a hero!

I managed my first 5k of 2014 yesterday, I graduated 2 years ago, but was injured last autumn.

It was really hard, I just can't imagine doing what you do.

Legend x

[suzybenj Graduate in reply to gypsydepp]

Thank you so much. This running is an up and down thing- i feel pleased with progress so far - but have also and my periods of no running or exercise- just pleased where I am now

[Jennyh543]

Amazing progress! I'm in awe

If I was running the London Marathon one tune I'd have on my iPod is the London Marathon theme tune they play on the BBC. I think it's called The Trap. It makes me all emotional when I hear it even though I've never run 26 miles.

[suzybenj Graduate in reply to Jennyh543]

The Trap -I' m on it - thank you

[carole01 Graduate]

Oh my gosh! Cannot imagine running that long!!!! Hoping to reach my 7k mark today and will think of you for motivation! Good luck with the marathon I am sure your family must be very proud!

[misswobble Graduate]

It seems very hard work this marathon lark so hats off to you for going for it. I understand how long and lonely those practice runs must be - mile after mile, day after day but I suppose that's the stuff that makes us what we are. You'll be a stronger person for it - not just physically but in your mindset too. Just think when you've finished your quest and you pass the marathon finish line, and can say "I'm a marathon runner", just imagine that! What a sensation. It sets you apart from the rest of us mere mortals. Keep going and stay strong. We're right behind you. LOL

[suzybenj Graduate in reply to misswobble]

Thank you - you are very kind- I knew it would be hard - but I have been surprised at the different range of challenges- which in a sense is half the battle - conquering the demons

[notbad Graduate]

Congrats on that relay that sounds really hard work - especially with everyone watching, must have been nerve wracking. Best wishes for next weeks training.

[suzybenj Graduate in reply to notbad]

Thanks for your support not bad. I was totally nervous in the week- but feel pleased with the outcome. Off to Spain end of the week - which is where I started C25k last year in April. running shoes packed

[misswobble Graduate]

A change is as good as a rest they say and I bet a change of scenery will give a fillip to your training. I suspect running there won't even feel like training!

Have a lovely time

[suzybenj Graduate in reply to misswobble]

- you are right - the scenery is amazing and so restful to the mind. the only thing I have to contend with is running faster fleeing dogs

[misswobble Graduate]

Hmmm dogs! I run on the trails (when I can get on them - flooded at the moment!) and loose dogs can be a problem as they always want to run with you and are so fussy. I've not had any nasty ones that want to bite me, thankfully! I do get jumped up at very often and my clean running pants end up covered in paw marks. Maybe I smell of tripe! LOL

[aliboo70]

Wow sounds like a hectic schedule! I think you're doing a fantastic job, i have to admire you for your dedication in getting through each week! Keep up the great work. I've just been reading the "Running like a girl " book, so understand a little more of the high and lows of doing a marathon.................

[suzybenj Graduate in reply to aliboo70]

Thanks aliboo- busy planning my runs this week - and where I can fit them in