So my training for Royal Parks Half Marathon has kicked into its 6th week and I’ll be honest, I’m still unsure where I’m at.

It’s a mixture of things, this unusually hot weather means running has been unbearable (and I’ve whined about it enough times) but I also went on holiday to Tenerife for a week…

Holiday Running

Whilst I did go on holiday, I still went running! 3 runs in a week!

In my training plan I do normally have 4 runs in a week, but I had to be realistic – I was on holiday and I did way more steps than what I do at home!

I did three sessions, the first was supposed to be a 75 minute easy run but as I set off that morning I got lost, felt last night’s food and drink and it’s bloody hot! So I settled for a 60 minute run with 15 minute walk back to the hotel. Compromise!

My 2nd was hill intervals! Eek! I was quite lucky to find a local park that a lot of the locals use to run around. The pavement just outside it had a lovely gentle incline for me to complete my session. It consisted of a 1 mile warm up which was my run to the park then 6 1 minute efforts hard up the hill and a jog/walk back down to the recover.

This was actually one of my favourite sessions as my legs seem to enjoy the push in pace!

The final holiday session was a 5k tempo run. I wasn’t sure if it wasn’t going to be tempo or easy, but as I reached the sea front I worked out that each lap was half a mile so I could focus on my pacing. I was fairly consistent and was pleased to finish in one piece.

The Return

The last two weeks have been back to normal and I’ve got some long runs in. A 90 minute run up a never ending hill and a 10 mile run up some hills before finishing on the canal.

The only issue I’m having is that I’m not hitting the recommended paces. You could argue it’s still early on, but it’s week 6 now and I can’t see myself running a sub 2 hour in October.

I am seeing some progress with my intervals and some consistency but the times are about a minute per effort off (depending on the effort of course!) where I was pre-lockdown. I’ve also been injured so that’s also a factor to think about.

It doesn’t mean I’m giving up, no way. The training plan is currently pushing me out of my comfort zone and I am finding it tough, which is exactly what it needs to be. You don’t get stronger if you don’t push yourself.

So I’ll keep on trying my best, keep up with the strength training and we’ll see where we get to.

I’ve signed up to my first marathon next year, so who knows. Training for that might help me. We just have to keep trying!