Well the time has come to rush to The Runners Centre for my brand new sparkly shoes and get pounding those streets for my marathon training. I have had far long enough pottering around the local area, enjoying running when and where I felt like it. Although this has been enjoyable, and well needed, I do feel like my fitness has plateaued somewhat and my training is in need of a shake up.
Last night I attempted my first boxing type circuit session outdoors at Lancaster and Morecambe College (I ran there first). There was a lot of running (and a bit of crawling) up a grassy hill, alternating between holding the pads and boxing very hard. My partner Lou was quite a firm puncher so holding the pads was an effort in itself. I really enjoyed the boxing but my arms have been shaky all day today!
After the boxing session we raced to Lancaster Castle and joined up with Lancaster and Morecambe AC for their 2 minute repeats on a grassy loop. After 6 of those I had had enough and went off home.
So today I decided to run 10 miles on Morecambe Promenade. I parked up at Heysham near the Strawberry Gardens Pub and headed down a little path next to the horses. They had foals which were very cute. I ran along the prom, wind wasn’t too bad and just a little sprinkle of rain. The things about running on Morecambe prom is, you never feel like you are getting anywhere. Once you have seen rocks and sea for a while it gets a little boring. Anyway I plodded on, feeling last nights session in my legs.
I ran 5 miles which took my exactly to VVV car park and then I turned for home. I was feeling fatigued by then, I had not eaten enough after last nights session and was running out of energy. I dug deep and carried on, I remembered the part of the marathon training which I had overlooked the first time, mental preparation. I think this is just as important if not more, than physical. I would not let myself stop even though the wind had picked up and was trying to blow me to Carnforth!
Finally I ran (shuffled) past the little play area so I knew my car was up on the road above. I even managed to overtake someone up the hill (OK it was an old lady on a bike but still). As I got to my car my Garmin clicked onto 10 miles, job done. A tough, windy run but my first training run was ticked off. Not sure I will manage the 14 runs a week programme I first downloaded!
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