Fatigue continues to dominate and I’m still forever hungry.

I’ve been really cautious this week as a few aches and pains have appeared. Nothing serious, but they are a warning…

W/C 15th July

Tuesday

I didn’t really want to run today. I had PT class first thing at 7 and it was OK, I just felt so tired.

When it came to intervals that evening I knew that seeing my running pals would help. Running intervals doesn’t mean you have to run at top effort.

The session was called hill rep high fives. The proper name is a meet and retreat session.

Runners are paired together, ideally one faster than the other. The runners set off in opposite directions of a loop. Once they meet, they then turn around and head back to the start. Greenhead Park isn’t flat, one way was hillier than the other so runners swapped halfway through.

It’s a tough long session and my partner wasn’t feeling great so dropped out. I ended up running the full loops. It was fine, I did OK but it didn’t feel like I had anything in me. Oh well. I got it done.

Loopy

Thursday

Thursday club run had us set off again at our new HQ. As we’re lower down now, we can now run through the park. We’re clearly not sick of the place, ha!

We ran all the way down onto the canal by Kirklees College before running through paths we wouldn’t run on alone…

The humidity kicked in this evening and as we reached the last 2 miles of the 5 and a half mile run, we were struggling. All groups met up at the top of a road to have a bit of a breather and cooldown!

We then ran back to HQ and some of us enjoyed a lovely cold pint afterwards.

I enjoy my Thursday runs as there’s no pressure, just relaxed with a few horrid hills thrown in. Tonight wasn’t bad apart from some nasty steps so it was a win.

Saturday

I woke up and still felt a hint of fatigue in my hips. I had to run 16 miles again the next day and I knew I shouldn’t be cocky.

So I set off even earlier to parkrun to ensure I got that 34 minute pacer vest. Success!

It was another warm day and I knew I wouldn’t be able to push it anyway without doing something stupid.

I paced well, on the sprint finish I enjoy encouraging others to go for it and hit that goal time. I do find it more social when I’m not going for it!

I did get carried away at the end and had to sprint finish the last 10 meters! My time was 34.01 – those I was cheering on got there before me so I had done the job.

Sunday

I was looking forward to my 16 miles today. My friend had kindly provided a lift to the Brighouse canal. He was planning to run for 90 minutes (at a much quicker pace than me!) so I had arranged with another friend to run the last 6 miles with me and provide a lift home.

How lucky am I to have friends to support me on these long runs?!

It can be a nightmare coming up with different long runs that aren’t too hilly or the same stretch of road/path/canal. I’m glad I could get this to work.

I ran 8 miles from Brighouse to just outside Luddendenfoot (yes a real place) and sort of an up and down back on the canal to finish in Sowerby Bridge.

What made the run even more enjoyable was seeing loads of friends running along the canal as well. It was such a great motivator and helped me keep on going.

I felt great for the first half of the run, I went at an easy pace. The sun kept blaring down but I kept hydrated and ran relaxed.

When I met my friend at Sowerby Bridge for the last 6 miles I was still feeling good, maybe closer to the OK side. The heat was getting to me a little. The company really helped.

Annoyingly, when we hit the last 5k, the countdown to the finish I got a stitch. At first a few deep breaths helped get rid of it. The last 2 miles I had to stop twice to stretch. This is always frustrating on a long run, but it did mean I could finish the run. Slowly, but I finished it. Thank you to my friend Dave for being patient with me as I suffered.

Google says there isn’t really a known cause for a stitch. Which is unhelpful. I think it might have something to do with my lack of sleep (hot weather probz) and maybe I should drink an electrolyte drink before bed? I don’t know. Any tips please?

Week 7 thoughts

This week I really felt like I was smack bang in marathon training and all the exhaustion that comes with it. What’s annoying is that I’ve still got 10 weeks to go! Not even half way yet (almost!). I need to remember to focus on the week I’ve got ahead rather than the runs further afield. Now that IS scary…

Most of my runs are easy and I plan to keep them that way, continuing to pace at parkrun when required.

For the week ahead, week 8 brings me a ‘lovely’ 18 mile run. I’ve got the route planned and again I’m meeting a friend to run with me before meeting my mum at the end. I will then eat everything.

You are supposed to eat shortly after running and I do find this makes a huge difference! Who knew?! I don’t really get hungry straight after but forcing a sandwich down me really perks me up and means I’m functional for the rest of the day. Kinda.

What do you enjoy eating after a long run?