Longest Run so far - 18K

[O505k]

I’ve continued with my HM training plan running 3 times a week but have had to scale back some of the mid week runs.

This week the plan called for 18k Run at a suggest average pace of 6’45”. The previous longest run was 16k which I ran on Good Friday and was utterly exhausted at the end of it. I normally run early before breakfast which I enjoy but this no longer seems sensible for the longer runs.

So yesterday I decided to multi task- shopping delivered while I had breakfast, washing machine loaded. Normal Saturday morning routine while I waited ‘a while’ before going for a run. Watched some black clouds coming and going to work out whether to take the sun glasses or rain jacket.

Headed out at 10:30, stash of Jelly babies in my pocket, small water bottle and sun glasses on my head. Spotify 135bpm selected to help set the pace. Much better weather for running than Good Friday, much cooler with some shade but enough sun to brighten the mood. My run takes me around Queen’s Park which was buzzing with kids playing football, other runners and families using the park. I decided to run around this area to take me to 12k; up and down the local roads, round and round the park. At 12k I took a short break to refill my water bottle and eat a handful of the Jelly babies. Then head back towards home for the final 6k.

Success 18k completed! (Felt better than 16k not sure whether that was having breakfast before hand, more suitable weather or the snack part way through). Onwards to HM distance.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

I also prefer running first thing, before breakfast. But for longer runs - anything over 10 miles, I always grab a bowl of porridge first and one cup of tea first, then wait an hour and a half before starting to run. It seems to be just enough to get me round, without feeling too heavy and full for the run. Anymore than one drink beforehand causes me a whole other set of issues Today looks like a great run for you - certainly smashed your pace target, and the distance is really close to HM now. Good luck

[O505k Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Thanks I was afraid I’d started off too quickly. The final 6K was at about 6’30”.

[SaskAlliecat Half Marathon]

It is probably a combination of all of the above. I always must eat before a run though and usually take Tailwind for runs 12k or longer. You're within a hair of your HM now and should be able to smash it! That is a great pace, too!

[O505k Half Marathon in reply to SaskAlliecat]

Thanks. Pretty pleased with progress as training has been consistent. About to fly to Hong Kong then onto India (for work) so the next 2 weeks won’t be quite so “easy”. Running kit packed but it will be on the treadmill.

[SaskAlliecat Half Marathon in reply to O505k]

That will definitely be much harder but just do what you can. The fact that you even packed your running kit is great.

[Whatsapp Half Marathon]

I run before breakfast and 18k long runs are the same too. You will have good runs and bad runs, but consistency is what your body really wants. When increasing distance its hard to do that, but a couple more weeks of 18k and it will quickly become normal.

[O505k Half Marathon in reply to Whatsapp]

Thanks.

[roseabi Ultramarathon]

Well done!!!