I thought I'd manage another blog entry as its 2 days since the marathon and maybe at this stage I can put a bit more perspective on my slightly negative sounding previous post.
Today I've been feeling tired. Surprisingly I don't really ache, but just feel generally worn out. I think I've probably looked tired today and my conversation may not always have made sense (probably nothing new there!)
I went to a pilates class just to do some stretching but I find this particular instructor hard to follow so don't think I did all that much. I feel that my body would really like a really relaxing deep massage.
I'm really glad the marathon is over now. I did enjoy my whole weekend away and liked going somewhere else to run. I do think I could do better but that's good incentive for next time. However, the marathon for me is not all about pbs, although that's a good tangible measure of success. There is such a lot of time and training invested in a marathon, and I'm pleased with the challenge and achievement. I appreciate the support of my family and friends, even though when my son's teacher asked him how I did he told her 'she was a bit slow'!
I've also enjoyed reading all the other marathon blogs and would like to read other peoples in future. Everyone has a different approach to training and different goals for the race. Would be good to see more blogs from the guys too. (I'm enjoying Gary's).
I'm not sure what my future goals are. Someone has mentioned the Beachey Head marathon - no need to worry about pbs and off-road! I would like to do some speed work too... just not till I've had a rest!
Tuesday, 29 April 2008
Monday, 28 April 2008
It's over!
Well, I have completed the Hamburg marathon in 04:19:23, it turned out to be a bit like my London experience last year, it was 23 degrees so I was conscious of drinking enough fluids, and I really suffered at the end with stomach cramps and ended up walking quite a bit. All in all it was a pretty unimpressive run and I just know I can do better so I'm going to have to do another marathon to prove this to myself!
What went wrong? - My list of excuses....
1. Feeling generally tired for a while before the day.
This probably has to do with not eating well enough, having ski/Easter holidays (including drinking wine every night) when I should have been training, and definitely not sleeping well the week before
2. Probably I should've done more long runs of 22/23 miles so that those last miles after 20 are not such a shock.
3. The day before the marathon I didn't really eat very well - the lunch ended up being quite stodgey and I ate dinner quite late (with a glass of wine). I don't think I drank enough water so I wasn't well hydrated.
4. The night before the marathon I slept next to a fidgety 4-year old so didn't get quality sleep, then got up at 6am UK time, as the marathon started at 9am (8am UK time)
The breakdown of my time:
Name: Marsden-Jones, Catherine (GBR)
Startnummer: F1662
Verein: North Herts Road Runners
Stadt: Hitchin
Altersklasse: W35
Split Zeit
5 km 00:28:14
10 km 00:57:23
15 km 01:25:59
20 km 01:54:34
Halb 02:04:07
25 km 02:27:16
30 km 02:57:24
35 km 03:28:31
40 km 04:04:27
Gesamt
Platz (M/W)1362
Platz (AK)252
Platz (Gesamt)9883
Zielzeit (Netto)04:19:23
Luckily after the marathon I was able to go back to the hotel and use the pool facilities to shower, and this included a plunge pool for the closest thing to a cold bath. I think this might have helped my muscles as I don't feel too stiff today, I'm sure I will tomorrow.
I remember the runner's world training schedule saying something about resting for the week after the marathon so that's what I'll be doing, and maybe some kind of report on the Hamburg marathon.....
What went wrong? - My list of excuses....
1. Feeling generally tired for a while before the day.
This probably has to do with not eating well enough, having ski/Easter holidays (including drinking wine every night) when I should have been training, and definitely not sleeping well the week before
2. Probably I should've done more long runs of 22/23 miles so that those last miles after 20 are not such a shock.
3. The day before the marathon I didn't really eat very well - the lunch ended up being quite stodgey and I ate dinner quite late (with a glass of wine). I don't think I drank enough water so I wasn't well hydrated.
4. The night before the marathon I slept next to a fidgety 4-year old so didn't get quality sleep, then got up at 6am UK time, as the marathon started at 9am (8am UK time)
The breakdown of my time:
Name: Marsden-Jones, Catherine (GBR)
Startnummer: F1662
Verein: North Herts Road Runners
Stadt: Hitchin
Altersklasse: W35
Split Zeit
5 km 00:28:14
10 km 00:57:23
15 km 01:25:59
20 km 01:54:34
Halb 02:04:07
25 km 02:27:16
30 km 02:57:24
35 km 03:28:31
40 km 04:04:27
Gesamt
Platz (M/W)1362
Platz (AK)252
Platz (Gesamt)9883
Zielzeit (Netto)04:19:23
Luckily after the marathon I was able to go back to the hotel and use the pool facilities to shower, and this included a plunge pool for the closest thing to a cold bath. I think this might have helped my muscles as I don't feel too stiff today, I'm sure I will tomorrow.
I remember the runner's world training schedule saying something about resting for the week after the marathon so that's what I'll be doing, and maybe some kind of report on the Hamburg marathon.....
Wednesday, 23 April 2008
4 days to go....
The last week and I do have the feeling that I'll struggle to make it round, my body feels quite tired and lethargic, Dr Who dreams are waking my son at night and then I can't get back to sleep... I am looking forward to the weekend away, but don't have high hopes for a good performance on marathon day!
It was in this frame of mind that I embarked on the last Sunday run, and was very appreciative of Lindsay accompanying me on her bicycle for 11miles. She talked, I just tried to keep breathing as normally as possible but the miles went quicker with company and I enjoyed the run.
This morning I did 6miles, then swam, and I will do another 3 on Friday morning and that'll be it.
The weather for Sunday is predicted to be warm (19 degrees) with cloud but no rain. I think this is ok for me, I don't like it to be too warm. I must make sure to keep hydrated.
I was planning to travel with hand luggage only on the plane but I'm not sure if my gels will be allowed through so maybe I should just book a bag into the hold... don't want my trainers to go missing though if the luggage gets lost (maybe I should wear them!)
It was in this frame of mind that I embarked on the last Sunday run, and was very appreciative of Lindsay accompanying me on her bicycle for 11miles. She talked, I just tried to keep breathing as normally as possible but the miles went quicker with company and I enjoyed the run.
This morning I did 6miles, then swam, and I will do another 3 on Friday morning and that'll be it.
The weather for Sunday is predicted to be warm (19 degrees) with cloud but no rain. I think this is ok for me, I don't like it to be too warm. I must make sure to keep hydrated.
I was planning to travel with hand luggage only on the plane but I'm not sure if my gels will be allowed through so maybe I should just book a bag into the hold... don't want my trainers to go missing though if the luggage gets lost (maybe I should wear them!)
Wednesday, 16 April 2008
The last lonely blogger....
I know its been a while since my last entry but didn't quite appreciate that its been a month so I'll try and catch up quickly.
Sunday 16th March: Oakley 20, 3hrs 2mins - pleased with that!
Wednesday 19th March: 5miles, off road 10min miling
Friday 21st March: 22miles with Paul and Isabel. This went well, we made it round at a fairly steady pace. I had to do another long run soon after the Oakley 20 as:
Easter Sunday 23rd - 30th March -Ski holiday, no running at all!
Monday 31st March: feeling v tired after previous days travelling and a busy holiday, I dragged myself around 8 miles.
I realise that for me its not a good idea to take a sudden break from running and then expect to just be able to carry on as before. My body definitely complained! I wasn't able to run again due to it being the school Easter holidays, (or do any other exercise) until:
Saturday 5th April: last long run. What a disaster! I aimed for 20 miles and managed 17.25! The last couple of miles involved a lot of walking, then I found I was home and there was no way I was going to be able to run another 3 miles, so that was my last long run.
Therefore, my tapering started much too early (2 weeks too early) and I've been trying to get back into it again in the last week, but at the same time, I'm not doing too much mileage. I'm generally feeling a bit lethargic and my body is a bit achy really.
Tuesday 8th April: a slow 4.5miles
Wednesday 9th April: a slow 6.5 miles
Friday 11th April 7am: 1.5miles with dog, who stopped and refused to go any further.
Friday 11th April 8.35am: 11 miles without dog, at 9.07min/mile so improved pace.
Saturday 12th April: 90 lengths swimming at Cannons
Sunday 13th April: Helped with baggage at FLM - a really good day. It helped to motivate me for the Hamburg marathon, despite the glazed looks on peoples faces as they collected their bags. I definitely needed a bit of a boost to remind me what my training is all for. I thought I might be slightly disheartened now that so many people have achieved their goal and I have to carry on, but instead it has spurred me on.
Tuesday 15th April: 6.5miles at 8.14min/mile - I had to check my watch a few times for errors! This isn't my usual pace! It certainly wasn't feeling easy, but not too bad.
Then did body balance class at gym to help stretching. I know my muscles are tight and I should go for a massage.
Wednesday 16th April: 5miles at 9.15min/mile.
I would normally swim on a Wednesday while my daughter has her swimming lesson but since she fractured her arm skiing, that won't be possible until next week.
To sum up:
I have 1.5 weeks to go.
FLM is over and I have to keep going but don't mind, watching the runners come in has motivated me.
Muscles are a bit tight.
I don't really know what my marathon pace is, partly because most of my training is offroad so I run a bit faster on road. Also, my pacing varies quite a lot from day to day depending on how I feel. I'm not really doing any speedwork or varying my pace according to any training plan.
Therefore, target time - about 4hrs15mins
Plan for any future marathon:
Have a better training plan and eat better i.e. cut out the sweet stuff which is definitely emotional eating!
Sunday 16th March: Oakley 20, 3hrs 2mins - pleased with that!
Wednesday 19th March: 5miles, off road 10min miling
Friday 21st March: 22miles with Paul and Isabel. This went well, we made it round at a fairly steady pace. I had to do another long run soon after the Oakley 20 as:
Easter Sunday 23rd - 30th March -Ski holiday, no running at all!
Monday 31st March: feeling v tired after previous days travelling and a busy holiday, I dragged myself around 8 miles.
I realise that for me its not a good idea to take a sudden break from running and then expect to just be able to carry on as before. My body definitely complained! I wasn't able to run again due to it being the school Easter holidays, (or do any other exercise) until:
Saturday 5th April: last long run. What a disaster! I aimed for 20 miles and managed 17.25! The last couple of miles involved a lot of walking, then I found I was home and there was no way I was going to be able to run another 3 miles, so that was my last long run.
Therefore, my tapering started much too early (2 weeks too early) and I've been trying to get back into it again in the last week, but at the same time, I'm not doing too much mileage. I'm generally feeling a bit lethargic and my body is a bit achy really.
Tuesday 8th April: a slow 4.5miles
Wednesday 9th April: a slow 6.5 miles
Friday 11th April 7am: 1.5miles with dog, who stopped and refused to go any further.
Friday 11th April 8.35am: 11 miles without dog, at 9.07min/mile so improved pace.
Saturday 12th April: 90 lengths swimming at Cannons
Sunday 13th April: Helped with baggage at FLM - a really good day. It helped to motivate me for the Hamburg marathon, despite the glazed looks on peoples faces as they collected their bags. I definitely needed a bit of a boost to remind me what my training is all for. I thought I might be slightly disheartened now that so many people have achieved their goal and I have to carry on, but instead it has spurred me on.
Tuesday 15th April: 6.5miles at 8.14min/mile - I had to check my watch a few times for errors! This isn't my usual pace! It certainly wasn't feeling easy, but not too bad.
Then did body balance class at gym to help stretching. I know my muscles are tight and I should go for a massage.
Wednesday 16th April: 5miles at 9.15min/mile.
I would normally swim on a Wednesday while my daughter has her swimming lesson but since she fractured her arm skiing, that won't be possible until next week.
To sum up:
I have 1.5 weeks to go.
FLM is over and I have to keep going but don't mind, watching the runners come in has motivated me.
Muscles are a bit tight.
I don't really know what my marathon pace is, partly because most of my training is offroad so I run a bit faster on road. Also, my pacing varies quite a lot from day to day depending on how I feel. I'm not really doing any speedwork or varying my pace according to any training plan.
Therefore, target time - about 4hrs15mins
Plan for any future marathon:
Have a better training plan and eat better i.e. cut out the sweet stuff which is definitely emotional eating!
Sunday, 16 March 2008
Oakley 20
Today was the Oakley 20. I awoke to hear the pouring rain on my window and did consider not going, but that approach is never going to get me around the marathon. Besides I was being picked up. I like travelling to unknown places with other people so that I'm not stressed before I start.
I thought the race was well organised, and was pleased I didn't have to wait ages for the ladies toilets before we started. Unfortunately I needed to go again once out on the course as I'd drunk my bottle of lucozade before I started, but there was a lot of accessible countryside on this race so I was able to find somewhere succluded quite easily! (I only mention this as it can be an issue for the girls sometimes!)
It was a wet and windy day, luckily the rain did ease off so I didn't mind it, but the wind was very blustery and in places we were just running into it, particularly running past race HQ twice straight into a really strong wind (the first time a kind man offered that I could run behind him for shelter!). There were also huge puddles to negotiate so I ended up with wet feet. The only problem with that was it caused my trainer to rub and I got a blister.
I did mostly enjoy this run. I was feeling pretty good and there were several North Herts runners. The support was excellent from the cyclists, John F, Martin, Jo H and Gary who kept popping up with the loudest shouts.
The course was undulating and we went through some villages twice. There was a 12 mile loop followed by an 8 mile loop, so it was slightly disheartening seeing a sign for 13 miles when we'd only just started, and seeing the sign for 20miles when we were no where near. I did feel better knowing the second loop was shorter though.
In general I felt good but noticed I was tiring a bit at 15 miles. My average pace was consistent though, it was 8.53 min/mile at best, and finished at 8.57. My time was 3hrs 2mins which I am really pleased with as I thought I would be slower than this. I don't think I could have kept it up for another 6 miles though so I think there is more work to do before the marathon.
I returned home to try a cold bath which I managed for 12 minutes as I distracted myself by sending a text message (lucky I didn't drop the phone in). My husband did pop in to ask why I was bathing in my clothes! (I'd kept my top on to keep warm and brought a cup of tea with me).
I think I need a good nights sleep now............
I thought the race was well organised, and was pleased I didn't have to wait ages for the ladies toilets before we started. Unfortunately I needed to go again once out on the course as I'd drunk my bottle of lucozade before I started, but there was a lot of accessible countryside on this race so I was able to find somewhere succluded quite easily! (I only mention this as it can be an issue for the girls sometimes!)
It was a wet and windy day, luckily the rain did ease off so I didn't mind it, but the wind was very blustery and in places we were just running into it, particularly running past race HQ twice straight into a really strong wind (the first time a kind man offered that I could run behind him for shelter!). There were also huge puddles to negotiate so I ended up with wet feet. The only problem with that was it caused my trainer to rub and I got a blister.
I did mostly enjoy this run. I was feeling pretty good and there were several North Herts runners. The support was excellent from the cyclists, John F, Martin, Jo H and Gary who kept popping up with the loudest shouts.
The course was undulating and we went through some villages twice. There was a 12 mile loop followed by an 8 mile loop, so it was slightly disheartening seeing a sign for 13 miles when we'd only just started, and seeing the sign for 20miles when we were no where near. I did feel better knowing the second loop was shorter though.
In general I felt good but noticed I was tiring a bit at 15 miles. My average pace was consistent though, it was 8.53 min/mile at best, and finished at 8.57. My time was 3hrs 2mins which I am really pleased with as I thought I would be slower than this. I don't think I could have kept it up for another 6 miles though so I think there is more work to do before the marathon.
I returned home to try a cold bath which I managed for 12 minutes as I distracted myself by sending a text message (lucky I didn't drop the phone in). My husband did pop in to ask why I was bathing in my clothes! (I'd kept my top on to keep warm and brought a cup of tea with me).
I think I need a good nights sleep now............
Friday, 14 March 2008
Some proper training!
I am feeling a bit guilty. On Wednesday I was supposed to do an easy 5 miles, but my friend couldn't go and it was just so windy that I didn't either! At least I did 62 lengths in Hitchin pool but I didn't run.
However, Thursday I did a tempo session, my first speedwork for ages. It is lucky for me that a group run from next door on a Thursday morning and I go along occasionally. So we did a session of 1.5, 1, then 1.5 miles of speedwork, plus warmup, so about 6miles. I really enjoyed it (even got coffee and muffin afterwards) so should really try to do some speed sessions by myself.
I was pleased to learn from Lindsay's marathon training research in her blog, if I understand correctly, that my body is learning to burn off more fat than carbs at a given speed (would that be the speed I run at?) and I suppose increasing my capillary density is helping my previously slightly poor circulation. All good motivation, and it makes me feel better after all the party food I've been making for my son's birthday - I'll be able to run it all off at Oakley on Sunday. Note: next marathon I should aim to eat better.
I'm enjoying reading the other blogs. Its slightly concerned me that Lissa Squirrel has had to recover after skiing as I am going on my first ski holiday at Easter and have no idea how this will effect my training - if she was stiff then is there any hope for me? I hope Secret Squirrel manages her enforced rest - don't let the voice of doom prevail! Your body will thank you for it!
However, Thursday I did a tempo session, my first speedwork for ages. It is lucky for me that a group run from next door on a Thursday morning and I go along occasionally. So we did a session of 1.5, 1, then 1.5 miles of speedwork, plus warmup, so about 6miles. I really enjoyed it (even got coffee and muffin afterwards) so should really try to do some speed sessions by myself.
I was pleased to learn from Lindsay's marathon training research in her blog, if I understand correctly, that my body is learning to burn off more fat than carbs at a given speed (would that be the speed I run at?) and I suppose increasing my capillary density is helping my previously slightly poor circulation. All good motivation, and it makes me feel better after all the party food I've been making for my son's birthday - I'll be able to run it all off at Oakley on Sunday. Note: next marathon I should aim to eat better.
I'm enjoying reading the other blogs. Its slightly concerned me that Lissa Squirrel has had to recover after skiing as I am going on my first ski holiday at Easter and have no idea how this will effect my training - if she was stiff then is there any hope for me? I hope Secret Squirrel manages her enforced rest - don't let the voice of doom prevail! Your body will thank you for it!
Tuesday, 11 March 2008
Very glad I didn't have to run in Monday's rain
The running this week is going ok. Saturday was 15 at an av pace of 9.18min/mile (followed by 1/2 miles swim), so not a 'long run' pace. I think the long run pace is hard to achieve when running with others, but that's just an excuse because I just can't bring myself to run really slowly. I did stick my Watford 1/2 time of 1:53:42 into a pace calculator so now I know my pacing should be:
Your easy run training pace is: 10:04 min/mile
Your tempo run training pace is: 8:24 min/mile
Your VO2-max training pace is: 7:34 min/mile
Your speed form training pace is: 7:01 min/mile
Your long run training pace is: 10:04 - 11:20 min/mile
Your Yasso 800s training pace is: 3:53 min/800
Sunday: approx 3.5miles round the cross country course
Monday: rest
Today: 10 miles, off road, at 9.33min/mile.
All runs have felt fine so far, even though I woke up feeling like I could stay in bed quite a bit longer this morning, when I got out it was ok. Lucky with the weather too since yesterday poured with rain. I have run in the rain and really enjoyed it, but I didn't fancy it yesterday!
It crossed my mind (as I was munching on popcorn) that training for a marathon reminds me of pregnancy. I can't remember craving anything specific in my pregnancies, just calories! I think I may finish my training heavier than when I started.
A quick analysis on my marathon training:
Rotterdam 2006 - training was tues/thurs at club, then long Sunday run
London 2007 - I need to check calender but did involve club training sessions & Sunday runs
Hamburg 2008 - at least 4 runs, plus more swimming. Higher mileage than previously but since I'm unable to get to the club, no speedwork.
Conclusions to be drawn: none particularly! I'll see what happens in Hamburg.
Well done Lindsay and others for achieving the Grizzly.
Your easy run training pace is: 10:04 min/mile
Your tempo run training pace is: 8:24 min/mile
Your VO2-max training pace is: 7:34 min/mile
Your speed form training pace is: 7:01 min/mile
Your long run training pace is: 10:04 - 11:20 min/mile
Your Yasso 800s training pace is: 3:53 min/800
Sunday: approx 3.5miles round the cross country course
Monday: rest
Today: 10 miles, off road, at 9.33min/mile.
All runs have felt fine so far, even though I woke up feeling like I could stay in bed quite a bit longer this morning, when I got out it was ok. Lucky with the weather too since yesterday poured with rain. I have run in the rain and really enjoyed it, but I didn't fancy it yesterday!
It crossed my mind (as I was munching on popcorn) that training for a marathon reminds me of pregnancy. I can't remember craving anything specific in my pregnancies, just calories! I think I may finish my training heavier than when I started.
A quick analysis on my marathon training:
Rotterdam 2006 - training was tues/thurs at club, then long Sunday run
London 2007 - I need to check calender but did involve club training sessions & Sunday runs
Hamburg 2008 - at least 4 runs, plus more swimming. Higher mileage than previously but since I'm unable to get to the club, no speedwork.
Conclusions to be drawn: none particularly! I'll see what happens in Hamburg.
Well done Lindsay and others for achieving the Grizzly.
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