HM training week6 run1 + run back from Up & Running: (new shoes!!!!)

Two runs today. First my training run, which was an hour and was a mix of zones 1, 2 & 4. As you can see from the elevation gain, I ran up Headington Hill, which is quite steep. I meant to time it so that I was doing that bit in zone 4, but it didn’t work out that way: consequently it was really hard to control the zones. Also would like to state here that I don’t mind too much being overtaken by other runners, but I draw the line at being passed by walkers! And would also like to say that 25 minutes in zone 4 after running up a steep hill is a bit tough!

I went into Up & Running after the training run - suitably sweaty and red in the face. My Cloudflyers are brilliant for runs up to 12/13k but after that they are too tight and are hurting, so I wanted them checked. I tried on some men’s Cloudflyers for the extra width, but they were deeper and so cut into the bottoms of my ankle bones. Then they brought out some men’s Cloudswift. They seemed to fit more or less perfectly so they have come home with me. I shall monitor how they are when I do a reasonable distance in them. I have to say the men’s Ons are much nicer colours.

So I then did a little 1km run back from Up & Running to Mic’s mum’s house. It was amazing how strong I felt and I was clipping along at around 6min/km till I hit a slope.

My watch tells me I’m over training! But I’m doing the training it tells me to do, plus a little more ... hmm ...

[Xylem 10 Miles]

Wow great run! I haven’t dared to try a run up Headington hill yet 😂

I really need to get my gait done again as think I will need new shoes soon-ish, so was considering a trip to up and running, although it’s the opposite direction to me.

There is sweatshop in Gloucester green too, which would be more convenient for me but not sure what they’re like...

[Hidden in reply to Xylem]

Thank you! 😊

Actually Headington hill was easier than the route up Morrell Avenue and up past the Churchill, which surprised me! I thought I had lost my hill running ability but I hadn’t - the only problem was having to stick to a low gear! Running up faster is easier.

I don’t think Sweatshop has a treadmill. They certainly don’t have such a good range of shoes. I would stretch the extra distance and go to Up & Running as the service is usually excellent and they will film you running on the treadmill. I got lots of extra advice and info when I first had mine done there.

[Xylem 10 Miles in reply to Hidden]

Ah haven't done any hills in ages, although I know they are excellent training. Normally stick to the river or canal paths!! Ah thanks for info re: sweatshop vs up&running. Will need to make a trip up to Headington, I think.

[Clairecandothis Marathon Half Marathon]

I've been reading up about our training since I wobbled about doing enough distance! Apparently the slower running and pace if we stick to it builds the endurance and equates to time on feet rather than actual distance. So you could well be overtraining as going slow is tough. Maybe follow the plan for a slow run, intervals and long runs and then do a free run of distance at a pace you pick. You already run more days than I do..... I'm only running 3 times a week although I'm going to add in a free run now just for my piece of mind. My marathon advice is to avoid hills now unless I have a hilly race and to start running at race pace in about 4 weeks time. I'm still not sure what that is yet though! 🤣

Oxford is fairly flat so you could avoid big hills lol although it sounds impressive! I can't get up any of my hills in my zones! It will be interesting to see if flatter routes help my heartrate!

The new trainers look fab. Xx

[Hidden in reply to Clairecandothis]

I think the over training is because I turned my long run on Sunday into 10.5 miles 😂😂😂 I had to run up Headington hill to get to Up & Running. I would have had to go up Morrell Avenue and up past the Churchill otherwise to get to mics mums house. And I did do a teeny weeny little extra fast (for me) 1k after. I shall throttle back and just do the set run tomorrow. Have to admit I’m quite tired today 😓 I did manage to get up, but I had to stop a couple of times to get my hr down, due to running up a steep hill in zone 2 lol xx

[Clairecandothis Marathon Half Marathon in reply to Hidden]

Zone 2 and a hill 😳🤣🤣 Wow. I've noticed that I'm tired too if I go higher than zone 4..... might be something in this training lols xx

[Hidden in reply to Clairecandothis]

Stupid me timed it wrong. I was hoping to be in zone 4 for the hill 🤣🤣🤣

[misswobble Marathon]

Very posh! On’s are all the rage at the races I take part in. All the club runners seem to wear them. They sponsored my last hill race and one of their female runners broke the course record. They must be good then 🙂

I’m on the look out for some Saucony’s in the sale.

Enjoy your new shoes. Have fun 😃👍🏃‍♀️

[Hidden in reply to misswobble]

Thank you. I’ve been running in ONS for nearly two years now, having three pairs in rotation. I walk a lot without shoes or with totally flat shoes, so I like the minimal heel drop and nearly flat compression, plus the responsiveness. I’m hoping I will like these too.