Why is this blog post so late?!

Look, sorry for the delay. I did intend to write and post it whilst I was on holiday. I just couldn’t be bothered. Then I was also nervous about the outcome of a job interview I had (spoiler: I got the job!). It just didn’t happen. So here we are. Week 9.

I’m very glad it was a down week as after the 18 miles I was quite tired!

As we head into August I’m reminded, my marathon is next month!

W/C 29th July

Tuesday

I had rested on Monday but I was still quite tired from Sunday. So I made the decision to give intervals a miss.

I led the session for my running club, but I ran a steady 5k beforehand.

I added a few strides to stretch my legs. Nothing special but it was nice to run around the park with no pressure. I felt much better for doing this and sometimes you just need to step back a little.

Thursday

Tonight’s club run was a special run. Over the summer we often team up with other clubs for an away day.

For the first time we paired up with Almondbury striders, who kindly hosted us from their HQ.

We ran up to an iconic Huddersfield landmark, Castle Hill.

If you told me we’d be doing this a few weeks ago I would have panicked, I had not long walked up there shattered due to fatigue.

Now I was excited about the idea. I had my trail shoes on and I was catching up with my pal Helena.

It was a lovely relaxed route, the kind of pace you could run at for hours. It was a warm evening but in true Castle Hill style, the breeze at the top was very much welcome.

The trail route did require some concentration (I am clumsy!) but it was lovely.

After the run we were treated to a pie and peas supper and a much deserved pint.

There was a charity raffle for MND with some interesting prizes.

I unfortunately won this plate…

We can laugh about it, it’s all good fun.

Saturday

I ONLY had to run 14 miles the next day. ONLY.

What a perfect opportunity to test my fitness at parkrun. I had a goal of 28 minutes in mind and was confident I could do this.

I set off relaxed as best I could with a downhill start. I wasn’t sure how it was going to go or how I was feeling. I decided to be patient. A bad habit I have on the first big lap is to think ‘this is easy, I feel great!’ only for it to bite me on the 2nd lap.

I paced it spot on, as on the 2nd lap I had the energy to push through. I was in control of my effort. I felt good.

Throughout I could see the 27 minute pacer in the distance, so I knew I had a good chance of finishing sub 28 minutes.

I even had enough energy to sprint finish, I felt like an Olympian as I sprinted to the end. 27 minutes and 15 seconds. Fastest time since last year and only 5 seconds off my fastest since 2019. Epic.

Sunday

Only 14 miles to run today. That’s all. No biggie at all.

I left the canal behind and headed up to run the Holmfirth loop. A popular route for runners and cyclists to get the miles in without thinking too much.

I admit I might have felt the effort from yesterday, but I was going to be fine. It’s only 14 miles.

I saw some cyclist friends on route which is always a boost, as well as plenty of runners.

This is actually the first time I’ve run the loop in full and I can see the appeal, it just isn’t my favourite. Nothing to do with the fact I might have had a whisky before bed the night. Nope, but it was only 14 miles.

You can see where I’m going here.

I got a bit cocky, wasn’t feeling my A game for this run.

But I did it anyway. My fellow supporter Dave joined me for 10 miles this week whilst he provided many tales. It was slow, it was chatty and it was fine.

These long runs need to be slower as the aim is to get the endurance in. With the endurance ticked off, it should carry me through race day. I won’t be planning any wild race tactics other than not to set off too fast and try to relax.

Another friend who has raced Loch Ness before mentioned that the climb out of Holmfirth is similar to that of the hill in mile 19. Which is good to know.

We made it to the end with a minute of walking. No shame in walking as it can be what helps you finish strong.

Week 9 thoughts

It’s a tad hard to reflect when I’m writing this a week and a half late!

I’m proud of my effort again this week. I took the time to recover and continued to see the benefits of marathon training. Highlight was obviously the parkrun on Saturday but to also cruise up Castle Hill was impressive if I say so myself!

Week 10 is when I went on holiday so there wasn’t the running intensity. I’ll try and get that post up sooner than this one.

Week 11 I’ll be back and assessing the damage I’ve done with all the food and drink I’ve had. It’ll be fine… I think!

PS: I need some new running songs. Please send recommendations my way!