2 May - Session 111

1121 BST - I reached another milestone yesterday...21 miles. I liked running at the Downs so much that I went back for Sunday's LSD. Running around and around for 21 miles did get a little monotonous, but it was better in many ways than where I usually do my LSDs. The toilet came in handy too!

Overall my run was fantastic. My conditioning is right where in needs to be. I have commented on this many times before, but I am very surprised at how well this program has worked. I almost can't believe how fast I was yesterday. I have to admit though the last 2 or 3 miles were pretty tough and I could feel that I laboring more to maintain the same intensity. My legs were sore and I was really getting tired. And to think on race day I will have 5 more miles to go!! I have a good idea now though how it will be for me at the race. I do feel like I could have done the additional 5 miles without too much difficulty. I ate 3 gels along the way at 6, 12 and 18 miles. I would have eaten another one I think If I were to do the last 5 miles. I need to figure out how I am going to carry them. With my little set up have been using recently I can only carry 3.

Ironically, the body part the hurt the most when I was done (and still really hurts today) was my arm/shoulder. I have no idea what I did to it, but I can't even lift my arm above my head without pain. My legs were sore of course, but didn't hurt as much as my arm. They (legs)  are feeling much better today. My ankle is getting better too. It still bothers me a little, but it is definitely getting better.

The race is 3 weeks away. I have about a week of high intensity workouts left then the program starts to taper. My Wednesday runs have already been tapering the last couple of weeks. Next Sunday is my last LSD...a "dress rehearsal" for the race of sorts: 20 miles at marathon pace, 75-80%. I was at the low end of marathon pace yesterday so I have a pretty good idea how that feels over the long haul so there shouldn't be any surprises.

I'm resting today. It's a public holiday here in Britain. The family and I are going to check out a local carnival.


Edinburgh Marathon Training Session 111