The next part of my training was an easier week with a smaller mileage.
This was aimed at giving my body a bit of time to recover from the mileage that I had been asking it to do and get it ready for the bigger mileage to come.
I ended the week with one of our clubs cross country league races at Grace Dieu school.
As I hadn’t been doing such big miles it gave me the opportunity to try a bit harder. Up until now these races have been more for fun and a bit of strength work but I decided to take this one a bit more seriously.
It resulted in me coming in 52nd place, which is my highest ever finishing place.
The clubs men performed really well and even with my improved place I still didn’t count for the team with 8 others coming in front of me. This helped us win on the day and increase our lead at the top of the table.
The following week was the start of 3 big mileage weeks before another smaller one.
These weeks would be the biggest mileage I had ever done and I still have bigger ones to come in the weeks before my taper.
On the second of the big mileage weekends I achieved something that I have been hoping to do for a while. I came in first place at a parkrun.
Also Storm Ciara came. Despite the strong winds I still managed to complete an 18 mile long run with the help of some friends. This was great fun if not a little worrying at times. Being able to take five steps and still be where you started is a new experience for me.
During this part of my training my Grandmother passed away.
Being able to go out running, whether on my own to clear my head or with friends to take my mind off things, was a massive help.
Running truly is a great help when it comes to mental health.
I ended this phase of my training with another lighter week in the build up to the first road race of the season.
The Stilton 7 is part of the Leicestershire Road Running League which the BADGERS compete in. It is a hilly 7 mile race around a 2 lap course.
Last year this was when I realised that marathon training can help in shorter races as well when I managed a time that I didn’t think I was capable of.
The same thing happened again this year. I beat last years time by over 2 minutes.
This has made me believe that I am on track to be able to achieve my goal in Manchester.
The next big test will be at Ashby in the 20 mile race on March 15th.
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