Day Six - Change of Plans

After re-evaluating the time I have to train for the marathon next year I have decided to switch training programs in order to get the most of my time. The training program I have switched to means that on Sunday I had to run/walk 5 miles. This is my biggest running day of the week, my endurance run. I managed just over four before lactic acid in the muscles in my shoulder and pains in my left knee made it difficult to go on. I was happy enough with 4 miles though after 3 weeks of not running at all.

Tip to future runners: Never take a female dog who is in heat on a run. I had every dog in the neighbourhood chasing me!

Difficulties: At the beginning of my run I set off at a faster pace than normal and I think I burned out too quickly. I really struggled with the 3rd and 4th miles and my breathing was sporadic. I also had some problems with my left leg due to my hip being misaligned and it taking all the battering on the pavement. I also think that changing my foot strike method has added to the pain I felt most of the evening.

Successes: After the first 2 miles I didn't think I was able to go very much further. My leg hurt, my head hurt and I had forgotten my bottle of water - big mistake! But, some fast paced songs and dragging myself out of the habit of self-pity for something that is totally self-imposed, I was able to soldier on. This was my toughest challenge yet as I had not built up to the endurance run but even though I had not made the scheduled 5 miles, I was very happy to have done 4. I could have pushed myself to 5 but it would have taken twice as long as the rest of the miles had and I didn't want to do myself an injury. I'm quite excited now because I know I have the strength and the capability to improve and I can't wait for marathon day!

Next training session: Yesterday was a scheduled rest day to allow my muscles to rest and strengthen and today I have 35 minutes of run/walk training to complete.

Thoughts and Feelings: Very tired and its raining out so getting the motivation to don a raincoat and go out training will be difficult. I know I'll feel better once I'm out on the road though.