Marathon Training 2012: Week 1 of 16 Report

% of training complete: 3.63%

Week 1 Actual Miles Run: 17.8miles (Budget: 17.7 miles)

A week that started slowly, but finished on a positive note.

I returned from Singapore on Monday afternoon. I took Tuesday off training, as it was my first day back in the office and I was suffering from jet-lag. On Wednesday morning, I went to the gym and had a bad session – only achieving 16 minutes on the treadmill.  However, then came the real problems – Wednesday night. I suffered from massive insomnia and managed a mere three hours sleep. This was quite literally a nightmare. I guess I was still suffering from jet lag.

Consequently the run home on Thursday was a complete and utter write-off and I was in bed by 9pm. On Friday evening, I loaded up with Pasta for the following day.

Saturday morning was positive. The Clapham Chasers organise marathon training groups for all levels. I met up with the 4hr+ Group at Battersea Park - me and about 15 women! A beautiful winter’s day (fresh but clear) and by 10:20am we had already knocked off the planned 8 miles: a nice run from Battersea Park to Waterloo and back. I felt good straight after, but it wasn’t long until the legs started to burn. Manasi and I celebrated by having a nice brunch with Robyn.

On Sunday morning, I knew I had to go out again - due to the cancelled Thursday run, I was way behind my weekly schedule. So I went out by myself and did another 8 miles. This time, I went from home to Hungerford Bridge; however I was much slower than the previous day. So what were the similarities and differences in the runs?

Similarities

• Same time of day
• Same type of nice running weather
• Had pasta the night before

Differences

• On Sunday, I was sore from Saturday
• No group of women to run with – and to spur me on
• Not as many breaks on Sunday (on Saturday we would often wait to regroup)

Leaving aside the slow time, I was pleased that I did get out on Sunday, as at least I finished the first week and completed my allotted training distance. Priority 1 of the marathon is getting the distance done. Priority 2 will be getting the time. Once again, a post run celebration was in order, a yummy brunch with Aoife and Rich.