Breakthrough Week (I think)

Sunday 29th August

I was back at the chiropractor on friday for further treatment as I feel my back is getting worse and am living on ibuprofen 3 times a day to numb the pain. Edward said he is going to struggle to maintain my back pain because of the level of training intensity that I need to do. It is decided that I should get an MRI scan to eliminate all other possible causes. Great more doctors and hospitals. I will also have 3 more sessions before we leave for Africa.

A different tactic today for the long run, I did 6 miles on saturday at gentle pace, however previously on my long runs I have gone out without water, so I have prepared the hydration pack.

I am on the road for 6.45am and feel good. I have set a time period of 10 minute miles and the plan is to do 13 miles which is a huge increase on last Sunday, but feel confident and stronger.

The hydration system works well I take on board fluid every half mile and I have found a nice rhythm, the downside is I haven't worked out a route yet that doesn't include the 3 mile uphill back to Burbage in the headwind! By the time I reach this section I feel good, but as usual my energy is zapped by the headwind, without that I felt I could have carried on for at least another 2 miles. Still 13 is a success, and on walking into the house Rachel says, for the first time, that I don't look too bad and she is even more surprised when I tell her I have just run 13 miles. She looks impressed, so hopefully the new training plan is working.


Thursday 26th August

The training plan says we need to introduce interval sprints into our training. This means running at a faster pace than normal for a set distance or period of time, then walk or jog slowly for a set time or distance. This helps build aerobic capacity and speed.

I decided to do a 5 mile circuit with speed increases every tenth of a mile.

The session goes well and is by far the fatest time I have covered 5 miles since training began. Things are looking up at last!


Tuesday 24th August

Today my plan was to have a genle warm down run. I need to focus and stick to the plan. Simon managed 12 miles at the weekend and April (Simon's wife who is also running the marathon with us) did 15, thats how far behind we are.

So a gentle 4 miles tonight. Easy. I am feeling stonger everyday. This time I used the running machine when the kids had gone bed as I am concious I see very little of them currently and will be away again soon.