Training Log Archive: RobB

Social ride with Candyman. Good to stretch the legs and nice out (but a little cold). Was hoping to be inspired by a Murray victory in the tennis but it was not to be. Stopped at the Rivelin Valley Cafe for lunch but had another massive wait for food (like last night). Gareth and I argued over who had the bad food karma between us. I blame the Ozzie.

C • Marathon training 22

Northern Cross Country. I had struggled to get excited about this race during the week as I knew my training had not gone quite to plan and annoyed by the number of bugs I had succumbed to. That said, I knew that a team medal was on the cards and this was motivating me to turn out and give it a blast.

Woke up with a sore throat and feeling lethargic but nothing that a couple of coffees didn't fix.

Started steady with the idea of picking up places throughout the race and finishing strongly. This broadly went to plan on the first lap (ie the steady running bit at the start was accomplished). Struggled to push on and could not find 5th gear (felt stuck in 3rd). Didn't wear a heart rate monitor but I didn't feel that I got my heart rate up.

Finished in the early 50s just behind Tom.

The result was not a surprise but it has given me a bit of reality check - I am clearly not quite over all my bugs / back to full fitness. Need to think about whether to push on with training or back off a bit until I am feeling "normal" again. The later is common sense but it is really frustrating.

Really chuffed for the team - a silver medal is the best result that the club has achieved since I have been running for them. A bit gutted, that I was not part of the team on this occasion (I was 7th scorer) but someone had to miss out and feel that I can bathe in the reflected glory at least! Girls got the bronze too so great results all round.

Now need to decide what to do with my training.

C • Marathon man 4

Early morning leg spinner through Hillsborough Park.

Early morning run out to Damflask with Dr Thake. Cold out but still. It is getting lighter. Can't wait to be training in the light again.

Drills before the gym. Felt a bit tight but not too bad. Happened upon Shuoc who playing footie (and losing).

Run to gym and back.

Solid S+C session. Took it easy with the weights - mindful of the race the next day.

Easy run to work. Legs tired after last night.

Run to HH then out to Pentagon where we did 3 laps (all about 2.05). Felt better the more reps we did. Good to blow a few cobwebs away.

Run home, then 10 miles @ marathon pace. Was dreading this as I did not know how easy / hard this was going to be. I was pleasantly surprised that I could knock the session out pretty much as planned. Ran out to TFI Friday's and then back again. First 5 into the wind was 28:14 and the next 5 was 27:50. So not quite bang on 5.30 pace but good enough for me. Pleased. Stomach still gurgling a bit and required a few stops.

Run to work. Listened to an interview with Liz McColgan. Easy to forget how much of a proper legend she was.

Steady run home with OJ. Much easier with some company. Took in a couple of good hills. (Up Ringinglow and then up Crimicar).

Run home from work. Again kept it steady. Loads and loads of runners out today.