So I've learnt the hard way the last couple of days that my life is far too busy right now to concentrate properly on training for a marathon. Therefore this weekend I have taken a scythe to my diary and cut anything that I consider to be non-essential. This was actually quite a wrench for me as I enjoy being busy and I like being able to help people but for the next 7 weeks I will be exercising the use of the word 'NO' as well as everything else.
The particular problem this weekend was 2 bar shifts on Friday and Saturday evening, on top of a long week, that just wiped me out. I had planned a long run on Saturday and ended up just doing an hour's gym along with an afternoon nap. And my second attempt at a long run yesterday turned into 5 miles, which lung wise felt good but leg wise there was nothing in the tank, so this has now been deferred to tomorrow when I will be doing just under 12 miles come rain or shine. Probably rain, it is April after all :S
But I have learned at the best time (with five hard training weeks still to go) that in order to be putting in the hours for these long runs it isn't sufficient just to eat a lot, but sleep and rest is absolutely vital. It's only a few weeks of my life after all so this must take priority now. At least the mind is willing at the moment and the motivation is definitely there. Just this morning I have eaten a very sensible banana instead of the cookies I actually wanted! So another minor victory.
Physically I am ok. My knees are taking a while to recover after the half and it's probably a good job I have just done short runs this week to allow them a bit more time. I'm doing quite well in striking a balance between pushing my body and accepting that pain is inevitable, and knowing when to give myself a break.
So, 48 days to go (oh that doesn't sound very long!), full steam ahead until our last big run on Tuesday 10th May, then a couple of weeks of 'tapering' shorter runs ready for the full 26.2 miles. Yippee!
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