Kitten and Canary

After a Tuesday night with the club and Thursday's interval probably didn't need a race but times running out for races so best to do it.

I sort of know it is not going to be stellar but I give it a good go.  I start at the same time as a female runner (well she starts 3 seconds ahead)  She zooms off, but gradually over 4km I reel her in.  I never really catch Charlie but I diligently bang out the km.

One more full go at the 5 mile next month on this course and then the end of the Hare and Hounds/Cat and Canary.

It was windy and with tired legs I am not to unhappy with a 22:45.

5km 22:45

Track, as usual, gets easier towards the end

It was steak night at work.  Very tempting to go on the lash rather than lashing myself round the track.  But I resist.  The first mile tempo my shoe lace comes undone.  I stop to do it and so run 200m shorter.

We then do another mile.  Then 800m twice and then 4x400m.  Each time only a minutes rest.  I'm in a group of 4 and the further we go on the stronger I get.  I wasn't really timing the laps but some of the 400m reps were around 1:27 which is pretty acceptable.

Ankle has been a little niggly recently but a good solid, hard session.  A few more weeks to go and I think I'll be coming into marathon day in half decent shape.

2x1600m 2x800m 4x400m

A look at the walkie-talkie

Should be an easy 5km tonight.  The ankle is a little sore.  When I was in the City on Sunday with the Kids my daughter had reminded me about the Walkie-Talkie building.  Since reading about it's death-ray ability I've wanted to go and take a look.

So tonight I run to Blackfriars via Eastcheap.

The first part I get on with it.  Then in the City, amongst the crowds, play-mode goes on.  I zip in and out of the crowds.  Rather good fun.

The best bit of the night is the fantastic view at Blackfriars Station.  Well worth the run.

4 miles 34:51

Out with the club

My wife usually runs with the club but is still feeling her 3 hour run on Sunday.  I think I can run in a faster group but don't like the run leader.  I run with the group I do like the leader.

I start off fine but the rest of the group keep pushing the pace.  A new runner to the group struggles.  I drop to encourage him pointing out the faster runners will slow down.

We then run up summer hill.  Lots of people struggle but I maintain a consistent effort.   Then my marathon training kicks in.  The longer the run goes on the stronger I become.  The leader (sounds like North Korea) lets us go.  I start to run smooth and fast.  In the end I finish a close third in the final sprint.  Some of the early pacemakers have dropped a long way off.

Hard at first, easier later.  Sort of enjoyed it and the buzz afterwards.  Didn't love it.

6 miles 51:69

Saturday Afternoon Long Run

3 long training runs to go, and this afternoon I do one of them.  I've spent the day with the kids so do not feel to guilty going off to do the 18 miles (or 3 hours) late afternoon.   This allows me to make it back for lunchtime.  I decide to run 90 minutes out towards Clapham and then back.

It's still daylight but I start to badly need a wee.  Suddenly at Forest Hill I see a 24 hour Darlek toilet.  I dart in, and heaven.  (I stop on the way way back as well)

The worst thing after loo issues resolved is the sore thighs.  Still I get on with it.  On the way back I stop at a Tescos for some sports drink and some sugary sweets.  This helps me pick the pace up.  It is a struggle towards the end but I keep my form.  20 miles, 22 miles, the big day (26.2) and then an end to this.

18 Miles 2:57:07

An interval session finishing with a flourish

1 mile tempo and then 12x400 with 90 seconds rest.  There's an extra 2:30 in the middle.  It's a bit cold but this will be every interval session this year.

I start of doing 1:35 and towards the back of the pack.  Gradually I pick up speed especially after the halfway 2:30 minute break.  1:32, 1;30.  The final 400m I go all out.  I go off the front and use those running behind me to push me.  I get overtaken by one of the faster members of the group but I hold on and take them again.  I am all out, lungs bursting, flat out.  In the final straight Alan opens up but I hold.

1 mile tempo 12x400m with 90second rest (2:30second rest after 6reps)

Back from Penge West

An enjoyable run back from Penge West.  Meant as a recovery run.  Not too fast and I didn't time it and job done.

5km 30:00