Training Run 18

This was another Wednesday night training session with the Frontrunners.  On this occasion, we ran 3 lots of 5 x 400m reps, with short rests between, the aim being to maintain a steady pace throughout the session, but still running quite hard.  I found this less challenging than the previous week's training session, and I really enjoyed it, in the sense that although I was working hard, I could feel that my running was faster and more controlled.  My stamina is definitely improving and I am feeling very optimistic about the Reading Half Marathon.

Training Run 17 - 7 miles / 11.27 km, 57'46''

I absolutely smashed my 7 mile PB on this training session, I am so pleased!  I had a really good run and caught up with friends at the pub afterwards.  I really enjoy the social dimension of running with a club and my running has improved so much since I've been attending regular training sessions.

Distance: 7 miles / 11.27km (roughly)
Time: 57 minutes 46 seconds (a new PB!)
Conditions: A cold and clear night (there were so many stars in the sky!).  Dry surfaces which were not at all slippery.  There was a keen breeze blowing off the river which made it feel quite cold.  I really pushed myself this time and I did have a stitch towards the end, but ran through it and don't feel as though I've suffered for it.

Training Run 16

This was a Wednesday night training session with the Frontrunners, I did not measure the distance.  We were meant to 10 laps of 500m at an intense pace (70-80%), then do a small recovery jog between laps.  As I ran at a relatively slow pace compared to the rest of the group I did 9.  The fact that I kept going was  result for me, as my stomach ached badly all the way round and I felt really uncomfortable.  Like the training sessions I found this one challenging, but I do think that these are helping me with my core strength and are improving my stamina.

Training Run 15 - 7 miles / 11.27 km, 1 hr 0'30''

I ran this in one of the fastest times I have ever done this run; I just need to push a tiny bit more and I will be sub one hour.  I definitely think that the Wednesday speed sessions, though challenging, are really helping me to improve my pace and are making me work harder.

Distance: 7 miles / 11.27 km (roughly)
Time: 1 hour 30 seconds
Description: 5 and a half laps of Highbury Fields (plus there and back)
Conditions: Wet and cold.  The rain was fairly constant throughout, but once I got started I didn't really notice it.  The surfaces were not slippery.  I felt very comfortable over the distance.

Training Run 14 - 5.14 miles / 8.28 km, 40'10''

I missed my training session last night, so got up early and ran this morning.  This is the fastest I have run this distance for quite some time and I am pleased with how I am progressing.

Distance: 5.14 miles / 8.28 km
Time: 40 minutes 10 seconds
Description: 5 and a half laps of Highbury Fields (plus there and back)
Conditions: cold and cloudy, but dry.  I felt very tired this morning, I am still not used to running so early in the morning.  My left foot ached quite a bit by the end, but feels fine now.  This was the first time I ran in my new anti-blister socks - they felt comfortable but as I already have the blisters I don't know if they prevented them from worsening or not!

Training Run 13

Another training session rather than a long run, so no distance or time.  After warming up, we did ten intensive sprint sessions (at 80% fastest speed), with small jogging breaks between them.  The aim of the session was to work on speed rather than distance and although I felt very achey and tired afterwards I definitely think I will have gained from the session.  It was another very cold night, slightly damp on the ground but no rain.

Training Run 12 - 7 miles / 11.27 km, 1 hr 7'26''

I ran this one a bit slower, as I was running with my friend Chris.  He felt that he ran the distance faster than he otherwise would have done, and I was glad I could help him with his pace.

Distance: 7 miles / 11.27km (roughly)
Time: 1 hour 7 minutes 26 seconds
Conditions: Very very cold.  Clear night, no damp patches on the ground.  I feel very comfortable at this distance and pace.