HM training week14 day5 tapering

My watch didn’t load the planned run, which was 80 minutes in zone 2, so I pootled off and did my own thing. I started off in zone 2 then did most of the run in zone 3. So this must be my race pace, around 9.30min/km average. I could go quite a bit faster but then I would be knackered halfway round.

My knee has taken exception to the distance today and is a bit swollen.

VO2 Max has gone up another point. I have no idea why as I was really tired by 10k. In fact I feel tired at 6k on every run at the moment, but it seems to be my legs mostly.

Honestly, by the time I’ve wrestled my way into my compression socks and shock absorber bra in the morning, I feel as if I’ve already run a half marathon!

[Snuffy_T Half Marathon]

Well done you! I think its normal to feel worse about everything in the Taper period as even with all the training theres a bit of self doubt that creeps in, and those pesky Gremlins. If its any consultation I am absolutely cream crackered after a measly PR 5k today. Think I would have died doing 10k

[Hidden in reply to Snuffy_T]

Oh, I didn’t know that! I rather wish I hadn’t been forced to miss week 13 because of my knee. It seems to have set me back a bit.

[Snuffy_T Half Marathon in reply to Hidden]

You've got this. Excited to read your race report after your HM xxx

[Hidden in reply to Snuffy_T]

I do have some doubts at the moment and not caused by gremlins. I’m really exhausted today to the point of feeling slightly faint, and my knee was swollen earlier. I was fine in the summer, ran just under 17k and could have kept going.xxx

[Snuffy_T Half Marathon in reply to Hidden]

sorry to hear that, maybe you should get yourself checked out at your GPs? you might be anaemic? Hope you feel better soon x

[Hidden in reply to Snuffy_T]

I'm chuckling here (though not at your expense). I had the same dip in energy this time last year. Everybody said see your GP. i had ECG and blood tests. Blood count over 15 (which is very high), ECG normal. everything above normal, fighting fit, except slightly low on uptake of oxygen into the blood stream, but no further action necessary. I have a congested chest due to dog allergy, so that's probably why, and also why I can get the speed but can't keep it up. i think my energy flags at this time of year because I'm a summer person, the heat energises me. I get sluggish and lethargic in winter and hate it when the temperature drops below 14 degrees for running. Anyway, i very much doubt if I'm anaemic x

[AlMorr Half Marathon]

That's great news Flick that your VO2 Max has gone up another point, I smiled a little on your last paragraph you saying that putting on your compression socks that it is like that you have ran a HM, I would say a 10K.

[Hidden in reply to AlMorr]

😂 the compression socks are worth 10k. The shock absorber bra is 11k just on its own

[AlMorr Half Marathon in reply to Hidden]

😊👍

[backintime 10 Miles in reply to Hidden]

I don't have a shock absorber but sometimes I am SO relieved to get that sports bra off !!

[Hidden in reply to backintime]

For shock absorber add racing back type straps that twist themselves into knots as you put the thing on 😑😓

[backintime 10 Miles in reply to Hidden]

I end up getting my hair caught in mine lol. I should maybe get a front fastening one but I'm always worried about it coming undone

[Hidden in reply to backintime]

My hair too! I don’t think

I want front fastening - too much if a reminder of breast feeding 🤱

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

I know what you mean about feeling tired at 6K. For ages I had a dip at around 7K regardless of what length of run. I usually recovered further along but could have stopped readily at every 7K. It was weird and I started to dwell on it which didn’t help. In the end I think it was psychological so I’ve trained myself to not think about it now and it hasn’t happened for a long time. Maybe it’s the running equivalent of the “seven year itch” 😂😂

I’m sure you’re really looking forward to your taper week Flick xxx

[Hidden in reply to Irishprincess]

I never used to get fatigued at that point. It’s odd. But it’s true I pick up again!

I’m tapering now. Only three runs to go till the race 😊 xxx

[Katnap Marathon]

Not long to the end of training....

What to do after HM?

[Hidden in reply to Katnap]

have a few days’ rest then do a parkrun. Also explore all the off road routes I haven’t been able to run due to injury earlier this year and then training. I will do Oxford Town and Gown next spring, so it will be interesting to try the Polar training plan for 10k. And I have my deferred Blenheim half next autumn. Oh, and there will be Marcothon run every day in December. Other than that I don’t know 😊

[Katnap Marathon in reply to Hidden]

Another Marcothon? 👍😁👍 💪💪

[Hidden in reply to Katnap]

They do it every year. I loved it, the runs, the motivation, the camaraderie on the Facebook group, the many Scots participants with their dialect

[Stephen_UK Half Marathon]

Exciting to be so near the big day. Look after that knee.

[Hidden in reply to Stephen_UK]

Thank you 😊