HM training long run!

[Sandie1961]

Having designated Wednesdays as my long run because it isn’t a working day, I was asked to go to a meeting this morning, so, after an early lunch of chicken, pasta and tomatoes, I grabbed a bottle of Tailwind and set off about 1.30pm for my 18k run, knowing I needed to be back to walk Ben before it got dark. It had been cold and foggy this morning, but by the time I set off, the fog had lifted, it was about 6c and completely still, so probably better than when I had planned to go. I did my 2 runs in 1 route - 2.5k to the junction, 3k out and back in one direction, 4K out and back in the other direction, then 1.5k from the junction back to home. I have been trying to slightly increase pace from my previous 7 mins/km target. 17 k was done in 6:51 and 18k in 6:42 (2:00:56), bang on target for a 2:20 HM in 7 weeks and 4 days (not that I’m counting 😂) 15 miles covered today with 2 dog walks - I might take it easy tomorrow, but a good day 😃😃😃

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon]

Still speedy Sandie! You’re sure to smash your HM goal with the adrenaline of the day. 💪🏃‍♀️ You definitely deserve a low key day tomorrow. 💤

I did my 14k today. I’m not going to go beyond 18k prior to my HM, I know I can do it. In fact I might even top out at 16k (it’ll need to be 10 miles won’t it? 😅) and keep my little pins fresh. 👍

[Sandie1961 Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

I’m thinking of going up to 20k but leaving the actual distance for the race, as I haven’t yet done it, unlike some of you. Sitting down is a little tender - think I’ll have to do some glute strengthening in the next couple of months 😂

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Sandie1961]

You and me both! Work those buns! 💪💪

[Dexy5 10 Miles]

Well done Sandie , you are running away with it now. So speedy, so far. 🏃‍♀️🚴🏻‍♂️

[Sandie1961 Half Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

Thanks Dexy! I still hit a bit of a wall at 12k and wish I was home. Looking forward to going back to doing “just” 10k 😃

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to Sandie1961]

I know what you mean. Confession: I haven’t done 10k since the Great South Run. I am working my way up again though

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon]

Seriously fast Sandie 👏👏👏👏. I was feeling quite pleased with my steady 14k at 7.33 last week ☹️😂.You are going to peak at just the right time...a triumph of planning and execution. Just brilliant.

[Sandie1961 Half Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

No shame in that time BC - especially as you have hills to contend with. I had a mere 39m of elevation in the whole run. And there is absolutely no planning going on whatsoever apart from run an extra k every couple of weeks 😂

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Sandie1961]

I am hoping all this hill work will translate into a bit more pace eventually. Tortoise and hare 😊

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Not tortoise; 🐌👍

[Sandie1961 Half Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

😂😂😂

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon]

Great run Sandie - well done! All sounding good for your HM. Good luck and enjoy your rest day.🙂

[Sandie1961 Half Marathon in reply to Sandraj39]

Thanks Sandra. “Only” another 2 miles 😬

[Katnap Marathon]

😃 really clicking up the miles there Sandie!

[Sandie1961 Half Marathon in reply to Katnap]

Yup! I’ve now done 158km in January, mostly running and walking. Amazing how it adds up isn’t it? I’m continuing the Strava walking challenge to see just how far I do walk with Ben each month 😃

[Katnap Marathon in reply to Sandie1961]

When you don't record walks now, do you get a sneaking feel that perhaps you should? 😃😅😂🤣

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

Add race magic and you'll absolutely SMASH through the 2:20 target 👍💪👏👏👏

[ChazzleBerry 10 Miles]

great work sandie and great pace! I'm hoping to run mine in 6.50/km to get a 2:25 HM. currently about 7:10, any tips for increasing the pace over such a long distance? Longest run so far is 15km, but I still have just under 4 months till my HM.

[Sandie1961 Half Marathon in reply to ChazzleBerry]

Thanks ChazzleBerry! I’m afraid I don’t really have any conscious strategy, but I do do body weight workouts (upper and lower - squats, lunges, glute bridges, press ups etc) for strength and tone. I also only do a really long run every 3 weeks or so with regular 5k/parkruns each week. As my shorter runs have got faster, so have my longer runs. Lots of people also try intervals, JogRunSprint or fartlek, but I hate them 😂

[Run46 Half Marathon]

Fabulous job Sandie, and a great time too 🏃‍♀️👏...hope you enjoyed your more restful day today 😴

[Hidden]

Gosh you’re pretty fast- and very organised! Brilliant xx

[Sandie1961 Half Marathon in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Flick! I do seem to be getting a bit quicker as I get more miles under my feet. Not particularly organised, more a vague plan that usually works 😂

[Hidden in reply to Sandie1961]

Im going to try one of those for Blenheim half in September! I want to try distance training this time