The fight back is on after last week but it’s definitely getting harder!

Monday

I wasn’t feeling great after my aborted run the day before. I felt so tired and meh.

I still did some yoga but made sure I was kind to myself and provided modification.

Tuesday

I was nervous about the club intervals session, did my legs still need to rest?

It actually went well and my efforts were consistent and strong. We did loops of the last bit of Huddersfield parkrun, which is tougher than it seems!

There were a few people who ran Manchester marathon just a few days before at the session – amazed that they were able to walk haha!

It was a good session and I felt loads better after.

Wednesday

At lunchtime I did 15 minutes of weights, I didn’t really enjoy the class I chose. It was very lunge heavy, which I don’t mind but I think it’s important to have a bit more variety!

Then, after work I walked into town to Arcade Beers to see my social run club and my friend Claire who smashed her Manchester marathon.

There was also some yummy cupcakes thanks to Becky!

Thursday

Today I felt good! The sun was out and my legs were working!

The plan was 70 minutes easy with 6 hill sprints.

I headed to the park as usual, which I know is boring but I like running in the park because I don’t have to deal with cars and crossing roads.

The sun was out though, so you do have the usual idiots coming out of the woodwork.

My favourite was on the way to the park, a man was stuck in his car in traffic and told me to speed up… I was going faster than he was 😂

Finished the run happy and light, and bloody hungry!

Friday

Weather ey.

Anyway, tough morning at work I needed to destress. Good thing I was heading to PT!

This week there was a mini circuits session. 3 moves 3 rounds before the next.

There was a lot. I was chatty at the start and by the end I was out of breath haha! Also did some v ups which were killer!

Saturday

Parkrun day!

After last week where I had run my best parkrun time since before lockdown, then struggled to run the next day, something had to give.

I love the strength marathon training is giving me, but I am running into the unknown so I have decided to keep my parkruns easy.

This week I ran a friendship run with Becky and we were so grateful that it had stopped raining!

We saw friends on route and it was nice to experience parkrun not feeling empty at the end haha!

My mum also attended parkrun for the first time in a while, so after I finished I went to find her as part of my cooldown.

Sunday

I’m back! I was determined to get today’s run today done and feeling strong.

It wasn’t easy, 3 hours and 20 minutes… Much further than I’ve ever run before.

It was forecast rain all morning so I wore an under layer (I need to be careful with my raynauds). However, it was so warm!

After 3 miles I was really starting to doubt myself, I can’t do this this is going to be so tough! My mind was not happy.

I hadn’t even reached the fun part yet, the mile and a bit of downhill!

I kept going and used that doubt as a sign I needed some fuel so got stuck in and carried on.

The doubts went away and I focused on each little landmark. Today I ran by the John Smiths stadium, where there was a car boot sale on. Nothing of interest but it was a surprise to see it busy!

Back onto the canal, and again reminded how awful it is after Slaithwaite. I am looking forward to having a break from the canal once training is complete haha!

I somehow managed to run the last 4 miles at an effort. Yes, you could technically argue that the canal on the way back is slightly downhill. But it’s still hard work, uneven terrain and further than I’d ever been!

I wanted to run 18 miles but wasn’t sure I’d get there. I happened to glance at my watch with 11 minutes to go and it was possible!

I pushed on and I got to 18 miles and a bit extra. I was so happy! But very very tired.

Overall Thoughts

Aborting my long run was definitely for the best last week. My legs needed a rest so they could tackle this week.

It hasn’t been easy but marathon training isn’t supposed to be, otherwise everyone would be doing it.

I’m very hungry and very tired, thankful that Monday is my rest day!

This week’s song came on today and the lyrics really motivated me. I’m a champion and I’ll keep rising to the challenge.