Marathon training has truly begun! I’m shattered. I did my first ‘proper’ long run yesterday and honestly I can’t imagine how I was able to run 16+ miles last year regularly!! But rolling back to Saturday…
I was really not feeling the parkrun love. This is really unusual for me as I’m a self-confessed parkrun addict. I sing its praises high and low, to runners and non-runners alike. I love it. But recently I’ve just felt a bit ‘meh’ about it. It’s likely that it’s a combination of some really rubbish weather, the winter course and the fact that I just don’t seem to be improving at all.
Saturday morning I was woken up by the bin men at 6.30am and my alarm was set for 7am and I just laid there thinking how much I didn’t want to go. Because I’d already said I’d help set-up and clear down I couldn’t just bail though, especially as sometimes they’re really stretched for people to help. I decided to put on some proper layers to stop myself being cold and miserable at least. I decided I’d much rather be overly hot for 25 minutes running but warm before and after. I could bring extra clothes to wear before we start (remember I’m there an hour before we run setting everything up) and then afterwards but it’s so much faff and I never have that much time from setting up and the run actually starting.
Anyway, basically I wore leggings and a long-sleeved top. Annoyingly it was actually quite a mild morning so I knew I was going to be very hot running but hey ho. Despite not really wanting to go, when I got there and saw my parkrun buddies (parkrun fwends! ;)) I cheered right up and, as always, enjoyed myself. I had to laugh as well as Geoff, one of the main Netley parkrun guys, had spent three hours cleaning the cones in the week.
They looked so shiny and clean… this did not last long!!
The run itself went OK. I still find the first lap really hard and the second one is more of a mental battle. I’m definitely, without a shadow of a doubt, a long distance runner. By mile three I was feeling more warmed up and I just want to finish and, similar to last week, put the pedal down and sped up. I’m getting good at these fast finishes!
My time was 23:40. Annoyingly still not getting quicker but quicker than previous recent weeks (not sure how I managed to get 22:59 in December!! Seems ridiculously hard at the moment).
I cannot wait for warmer and drier running as well. I get so muddy it’s ridiculous (and so does the inside of my car *sighs*). I also have to strip off in the shower otherwise I cover my floor with mud and dirt.The rest of the day was standard housework stuff and then I headed to my parent’s house. I had somehow managed to persuade them to go to Coast to Coast again (we went there last week). I know, I know, I’m a little obsessed. When I like a restaurant I tend to do it to death. I really fancied the ribs my granddad had last weekend and I literally could not stop dreaming about them. As my granddad was going home the next day it did seem a good way to say goodbye as he thoroughly enjoyed himself last week as well.
I went for the BBQ platter to share with my dad to start (same as I had here) and then I ordered the ribs for main. The funny thing is when I ordered them the waiter said to me, “I have to warn you, they’re a huge portion and it could be too much for you.” Erm, excuse me? I’m a whole-chicken-at-Nandos kinda girl, I think I’ll be fine thank you very much.I went for a dry rub rather than the BBQ sauce only because I really enjoyed it on the chicken wings I had and there was BBQ sauce on the table anyway. Out of all the ribs I’ve had (and I’ve had a lot) they were pretty damn good, but next time (which I’m sure there will be at some point…) I’ll go for the sauce as they weren’t as juicy as I like. Don’t get me wrong though, they were amazing. I was in meat heaven. By the time I got down to the last couple of ribs though I was really struggling. The meat sweats were starting 😉 But I finished them, much to the amusement of the waiter. Ha!We had a bit of a break and then decided on pudding. As I was ridiculously full I decided the carrot cake and ice cream that I was initially tempted by might push me over the edge and went for the brownie. The brownie was good but it wasn’t as dense as brownies normally are so it reminded me more of a fudge cake – which isn’t a bad thing! It came with chocolate honeycomb pieces on top and honeycomb ice cream, divine.
Then sleep needed to happen. Eating so much food is exhausting! I was slightly worried about my long run planned for the next day but the food was too good not to enjoy.
When I got up Sunday I actually felt fine, though I didn’t feel hungry (obviously) which I normally do in the morning when I wake up. I took Alfie for a walk and was pleased that the weather actually looked OK. Yes it was cold but there was barely any wind and no rain. Until 10 minutes into the walk and the heavens opened up. I decided it was time to get back home before both Alfie and I got soaked so I ran with him the last bit (I was wearing my running gear). I’ve never really run with Alfie before and he loved it! He was pulling me alone and really going for it. When I stopped, as I was worried I’d puff him out, he just kept trying to go on. And he’s speedy! I’m thinking he’s a 7min/mile dog (for at least a short distance anyway). He’s definitely more of a sprinter than me.
The rain didn’t seem like it was stopping any time soon and I wanted to get going so I popped my podcast on and headed out. It was tipping it down with cold rain and as I ran up the lane I seriously considered just giving up and stopping. I was soaked and cold. But I thought how much I’d regret not going and just sped up and got going. I was going too fast for my first mile but the incentive was to just get warm. Then the hail started and it seemed laughable. By the time I’d gotten a quarter of the mile up the road I was warm, into the flow and enjoying it. I saw other runners and cyclists and we all just smiled or laughed at each other at how ridiculous it was to be outside in such crappy weather – a king of “aren’t we mad??” sort of exchange.
I had a different route from normal which actually took me along the Stubbington 10k route, which I’m doing next Sunday. It was quite nice to see what it would be like on my own.
Stubbington 10k is a local race I’ve wanted to do for the past two years but haven’t been able to because of injury. The start is five minutes from my parent’s house walking so it’s perfect. I won’t be racing though as I plan to run some miles beforehand and make it into a nice social long run.
Anyway, my long run was a dream. I felt smooth running and in the zone. I’m going too fast again I know but it felt natural. I also think that this is just how I do my long runs (at least these middle distance long runs anyway). I did most of my long runs for Liverpool at a similar pace and it worked well. I find it doesn’t become such a shock on marathon day when the pace is just a little bit faster or similar. I could be dancing with injury risks I know but the whole run felt fine and I felt fine afterwards, albeit tired and, well, like I’d run 11 miles. It’s ridiculous to me how I can get into the groove and run these paces so easily in a long run but when it comes to parkrun it just doesn’t happen. I ran a 7.30min/mile for mile 11 and I can’t seem to do that easily in parkrun!!
I felt fantastic after finishing. Really chuffed with myself and strong. Fingers crossed this continues! I have to say though it was a good while until I was hungry. Those ribs certainly did a good job!
What was clear though was how unused to long runs I am. I was shattered for the rest of the day and once I was finally hungry and had breakfast I was like a bottomless pit. But it’s all part of the process, my body will adjust and the miles will increase. I do love marathon training when it goes well!
What did you do this weekend?
What’s the furthest you’ve ran recently?
Do you ever get really strong cravings for certain foods or meals that you just have to satisfy?
Wow, now that is a rack of ribs. They are huge! I bet you was in heaven.
I have to say, I would hate to have my bin men come round on a Saturday morning. Luckily ours come on a Friday.
haha, sorry, that was a really boring comment, but I take my sleep seriously!
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy recently posted…Comment on Slow Cooker Hidden Vegetable Pasta Sauce by Annmarie
Haha if it was a regular thing it would REALLY annoy me but thankfully it was only because of the Bank holidays and Christmas. Usually it’s Friday.
AnnaTheApple recently posted…Those ribs though…
Macaroni cheese. I would live off macaroni cheese if I could. It’s the one thing I’ll eat when I’m really not tempted to try anything else. And it’s excellent after a long run.
I think I got the nice weather yesterday – the 12 mile run was so much easier, comparatively speaking, than the same route for 10 miles the previous week. Was even a little faster (I dream of a consistently sub 8-min-mile…wild dreams. Sub 8:30 would do nicely over 10K!). N’s been doing more of his longer runs at marathon pace this time, because he was a bit shocked by the 22 mile dip during Berlin (although lots of professional athletes get that too…).
I also did all the socialising with everyone at my house this weekend. It was super. We have concluded that my goddaughter can skip Duplo and just go to Lego. She was absorbed.
I can’t wait for nicer weather – I remember a time I had to go out super early to beat the heat!! Seems laughable now.
AnnaTheApple recently posted…Those ribs though…
I ran 14 on the weekend, and felt like I had no endurance at all! It was so tough, although I haven’t run that far in 6 months so that would probably explain it ha!
Lauren (@poweredbypb) recently posted…2016 Goals
It’ll return quickly I’m sure. This run was the first in a while that didn’t feel like an utter slog. My shorter runs are feeling so much better as well. Just wish parkrun would though!
AnnaTheApple recently posted…Those ribs though…
Well done for going out in that weather- hail is so painful.
I’m only training for a half, so I have done just over 8- I have a 10 mile race to run as part of training in a few weeks time, and that is quite enough for me right now! I can’t imagine how I was doing 16/18 miles last year, but like you say your body gets used to it.
Maria @ runningcupcake recently posted…Maple syrup, smoothies and protein powder
No “only” about training for a half! I find 8-13 miles is a nice distance to run at the weekend. When it gets close to the 16+ it becomes serious and you’re weekend kind of revolves around it: preparation the day before and the morning, running it, recovering afterwards and then the general feelings of fatigue. Luckily my flat is tiny so housework is a doddle 😉
AnnaTheApple recently posted…Those ribs though…
We really wanted to go for our first run of the weekend but this weather just doesn’t make it enjoyable! Those ribs are huge! They said the same thing about the whole chicken at nandos to James and I had to laugh!
Haha – that’s even more hilarious. Like James has no idea what a whole chicken looks like!!
AnnaTheApple recently posted…Those ribs though…
That rack of ribs looks amazing! I love ribs, but Matt doesn’t so I only get them if we go out to eat. If you’re ever up in Sheffield, there’s a great rib place called Damon’s. I haven’t been there for years, but their ribs were spot on every time.
I have to admit, on the recent weekends when I have looked outside, I’ve not envied parkrunners – it’s just been so grim. This weekend is set to be a super chilly one too by the looks.
As for cravings – the only thing I want right now is a cuppa tea!
Steph recently posted…All the (literal) rage: My Whole 30 Days 5 to 9
Oooh I will definitely check that place out if I’m ever in Sheffield. I was there a few years ago with work – lovely place 🙂
I don’t mind if it’s cold – I’ll just wear leggings and a long-sleeved top. I just hate being soggy and wind-swept before I’ve even begun running!
AnnaTheApple recently posted…My road to Boston 2016
I am so amazed that you can run at that speed for that long, especially when as you say you find shorter distances harder! I have not run more than 5 miles since the marathon in October, though it has been fun doing some ‘faster’ stuff (which is still slow compared to most!).
I’m thinking of doing the Milton Keynes marathon in May, in which case I’d have to start training next week, so long runs may be on the horizon yet again!
Those ribs looked phenomenal by the way, and evidently were amazing fuel for your run haha! xxx
April recently posted…Parkrun, puppies and cake!
It’s weird, I just seem to relax more into long runs. For parkruns I feel stressed and like I have to go-go-go. Towards the end of my long run I felt so warmed up and into it that I felt the speed just came naturally.
Ooh Milton Keynes is supposed to be a good one (if you haven’t already, check out Mary’s blog http://www.ahealthiermoo.com/ as she’s done it a few times).
AnnaTheApple recently posted…My road to Boston 2016
I haven’t run outside for so long as the weather has been so miserable! Rather disheartening to think that this time last year I was already at 12 miles in my marathon training. That food all looks SO good! x
LilyLipstick recently posted…London Dining – January 2016 Round-Up
Well it’s all swings and roundabouts. If you don’t have a marathon to train for then it doesn’t matter. Just do something you love 🙂
AnnaTheApple recently posted…My road to Boston 2016
Congrats on qualifying for Boston and good luck with your training! I’m from the Boston area and have been living in the city for almost a decade now. I am also training for my first Boston marathon as a qualifyer. I’m so excited to run this race, I’ve watched it in person for years but only recently spent the time to attempt to qualify and run it! Best of luck in the next couple of months and on race day! I’ll be following 🙂
Oooh good luck to you! How exciting to actually live there and then take part. It will be so special for you 🙂
AnnaTheApple recently posted…No parkrun and no race
My ‘local’ parkrun last week apparently only had one volunteer on the rota until a panicked shout out was done on social media late the night before. Enough volunteers stepped up then, and the course ended up just a few runners short of breaking their number of participants record. It doesn’t fill me with confidence that enough people will volunteer again this week though. I’ve said that I will photograph, but if they really need me to step up to another role I will do. I think perhaps more clubs should advertise the fact that there are still plenty of roles you can do which mean you still get to fit the run in.
Cleaning cones though…three hours?! Just run them under the hose. Takes three minutes…job done!
Mary recently posted…Some marshaling fun at Country to Capital!
Ahh that’s such a shame about the parkrun. Netley luckily always has the same crowd week in and week out, plus or minus the odd person, so we’re very lucky.
Yes we all laughed at him about that – I mean, what did he exactly do? Polish each individual one!?