Week 2 of London marathon training, and slowly, oh so slowly, the miles are starting to build.
So far so good. It’s been a little chilly but it is London, and it is the middle of winter. Thankfully it’s not yet been icy or snowy, just a little grey and grim…! And how I deal with the grey and grim – lightbox, sunrise alarm clock, Vitamin D supplements, running.
Saturday’s run was planned at 9 miles, I ran almost 10. My reason – it meant I could reach the cafe that does a pretty damn good mocha, faster. A mocha is my post long run treat. It also means if I’m not hungry after a long run, I don’t have to worry too much to get in additional calories for a good few hours.
The training plan
The big difference I’ve noticed so far in this training cycle compared to previous ones is I’m feeling stronger. There’s a hill that while it’s not particularly steep, it does go on for almost a mile. I remember some of those runs where I had to start walking, my legs screaming. On Monday, my pace going up was slow but consistent and I wasn’t shattered by the time I got to the top.
I think the feeling stronger is down to a few factors:
- diet – for once I’m being really mindful of what I eat. While my diet is on the whole pretty good, there are always tweaks that can be made. I’m having at least 7 serves of veg and fruit a day and watching portion sizes as I’ve got a few kilos to lose following the added poundage of 2018. But, it’s important to add, if I want cake, I’ll have cake!
- core – doing 5 to 10 mins of core most days. Just this tiny amount and already I’m finding when I start to get tired on a run I’m slouching less;
- rucking (walking with a weighted backpack) – once a week, again seems to be helping to build overall strength; and,
- goes without saying, building the running miles and doing so consistently.
There’s still a very long way to go.
Week 2 training
You’ll note yesterday’s run as an Amber against it. This means it was a run that just didn’t feel great. I’m expecting a lot more of these as the miles build – it’s all part of the process.
Happy running all! And I’d love to know, if you’re training for a big race, how it’s going – you can comment below.
I’m training for the Liverpool RnR marathon in late May and beyond that my ultra in July. I’m planning to train for the mara as usual, recover but then do some back to back weekend running to keep myself ticking over for the ultra. I did a 10 mile run today and actually felt OK, finally over my cough, so time to build up and get back into my strength training.
What core exercises are you doing every day? Interesting to know!
Fantastic and glad to hear the training is going well. On the core exercises, it’s a whole mix of things, mostly pilates type moves including ‘imprinting’ and scissors. Most of them I have no idea what they’re called. I’ll do a post at some point and scan in some of the exercises I’ve been given! Happy running Liz!