A week big ahead and marathon training is beginning to pay off.

In other news, after weeks waiting for appointments and tests, I found out that I am deficient in iron. I’m so glad it’s nothing too serious.

After a bit of a stomach upset adjusting to the supplements, I’m back on it and feeling strong.

W/C 22nd July

Tuesday

I ran and led the intervals session today. It was the classic ‘session loop’ in the park. I like this session every now and again as it’s straight forward.

Each loop had an increasing effort. I paired up with a runner similar to me and we kept each other in check.

I ran with concentration, making sure I ran at the right effort required. I did really well, I even ran my best effort for the segment as we both tried to chase each other to the end!

The downside was that in the park there were some dickheads. I’m good at ignoring them most of the time, but one in particular kept trying to cut in front of me with his scooter. He was definitely on something and was quite aggressive, but I shouted to leave me alone. There were lots of people around so luckily he went away. It’s just a bit shit.

Thursday

It was Nigel’s turn to do Lindley’s run route this week and he called it ‘Tame Tarmac Thursday’.

Firstly, tame and running in Huddersfield don’t go together.

Second, Longwood Edge is definitely not tame! It’s just under a mile of a climb of a lumpy pothole ridden road. It’s one of those where you think it’s over, but oh no. You’re not even halfway.

It is tough, but here is when I realised that my marathon training has truly kicked in. This didn’t feel like as much of a slog as it often does. I even got a best time up there. I felt strong and happy. 🙂

Part of this is probably because I’ve been taking iron supplements as well. I no longer feel so drained that even going up the stairs is a hard effort. Don’t get me wrong, running is tough but I’m also fit and healthy!

Saturday

Knowing I had to run that 18 miles the next day made my decision to volunteer to pace easy. It was a hot morning as well, no point taking risks here.

I’m pretty good at pacing 34 minutes now, I know what I need to do and how it should feel.

What was funny was my friend Steve who was pacing 32 minutes. He got the average pace wrong and ended up running with me for a while! After the run he realised he had been running far too slow…! And yes, this is the same Steve who paced 30 minutes a while ago. There is a theme here! Good thing it’s just a bit of fun. 🙂

Sunday

Here was my biggest run so far this year. 18 miles.

I was really anxious about it. It’s true, it’s only 2 miles more than the 16 mile runs I’d been doing. But I was done at 16, to add another two on is scary!

To continue with my theme of having food immediately after, I planned to finish my run in town and meet my mum for FOOD!

The bit before involved me running up on the canal towards Standedge tunnel and back. Joy. I love Stanedge tunnel, I just dislike the run between Slaithwaite and Marsden because there are many uphill locks with uneven paths. It’s subtle, but it is energy sapping.

To help me through, my friend Dave kindly offered to run with me again. He met me on the canal at Titanic Mills in Linthwaite and off we went. I think he was relieved that I wasn’t struggling like I was the previous week and we could have a good chat.

He ran with me for 8 miles in total (Titanic mills to the tunnel and back) and it really helped. I didn’t struggle as much as I usually do on the climb up and we just cruised down after. The pace was gentler than I would have done on my own, which was perfect. I confidently carried on once I’d finished on the canal.

Once we waved goodbye, I soon ran past more running pals. There’s something special about seeing other runners out on their training runs. Yes, we’re all doing our own thing but we’re united by our goals to race well when it comes to race day.

As I left the canal at Milnsbridge, I had to go up onto Manchester road due to canal closures. This was when I realised how hot it was. I didn’t have far to go now. Or that’s what I told myself.

Just a 5k, I can run a 5k… in this bloody heat.

A car pulled over and there was Dave with an ice pop! Ice cold ice pop. Heaven. It was exactly what I needed and gave me the motivation to get it done.

The last 2 miles involved me running down St Andrews road, around the stadium and back up into town. They were 2 very slow miles. I felt like I was running in slow motion and my Strava does confirm this haha. But I wanted to finish the run safely and not collapse.

I finished by some traffic lights. Very glam.

Afterwards I didn’t feel cracking, the hot weather got to me. But I recovered the right way and the next day I could walk normally. Success.

Week 8 thoughts

I’m really proud of my efforts this week. From smashing it in the park on Tuesday, to running a best up some hills on Thursday and of course running the big 18 miles and finishing in one peice.

The hot weather was bound to get to me at some point and I’ve lived to tell the tale. If the weather stays the way it is, I’ll be acclimatised in no time. Then the strength I’ve gained will mean I will cruise at Loch Ness. In theory anyway.

Week 9 is a recovery week, which I’m really looking forward to. The sun is still shining and I ONLY have to run 14 miles! Let’s get on it, whilst watching all the Olympics coverage – obvz.