I got off to a flyer. I mean it's not like I've started from nothing. I've been running twice a week for some time, give or take. So increasing to four times a week is something of a logistical challenge and ok it might have a small impact on my body, but given that the runs are generally quite short, it hasn't really been that big a deal.
And now as I get to the end of the four weeks, my long run is up to 12 miles. This is now getting to the top of my distance running and on top it the weather has been awful. My run last Sunday was a 10 miler in slippy slidey mud. That hurt my knees and felt to be a real struggle. It was horrible to be honest.
But then my last run in January was with the Gade Valley running club. They're known locally for organising training runs for people who are training for the London marathon. It's very well organised; marked out routes, water stops, volunteer marshalls, tea and cake at the end. They even offer free jelly babies at one of the running stops. Brilliant.
They're a very friendly bunch so I got to talk to a mix of people. Experienced runners. Less experienced runners. Some who've run a marathon or two and some first timers like me. They're all really friendly and keen to offer help, support and advice. I needed a good run after last week and that's exactly what I got. So I'm a happy bunny.
I'm taking on all the positive psychology and so far so good. I ran hard but not too hard. I went out slow and finished strong which is exactly the way I wanted it. I felt good all the way around. There were some tough hills in there but I just put my head down and thought about the view I'll get at the top. I've had some niggly worries about my knees and I even got to discuss that with one of the fellow runners there.
So as I gently step into February I can look back on January with some pride and satisfaction. So far so good is the message for now. Certainly February will be a tough month. The first run is the Watford half marathon. So I will start the month running the longest distance I've ever run. That gives me an idea of what I'm facing. By the end of the month I plan to go back to Gade valley to run 17 miles. So there's plenty of challenge in there for me. But right now. I look at the challenge with a lot of positivity and optimism. I plan to listen to my body though and monitor how it takes the increasing strain that I will be putting it through over the next few weeks.
Wish me luck. This is un-charted territory for me. But I'm facing it with a smile on my face.
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Thanks for reading my blog. I’m running the London Marathon on 24th April 2016
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