Marathon Training: Week 4

Week 4

Monday 25^th May

Distance:16km

Location: Altona

Titled in my program as an ‘Easy Week” this wasn’t to be the case, mainly because I had a busy weekend and had to reschedule my long run for today.

But not to worry, this was 80minutes well spent reminiscing about the Sierra Leone Marathon in West Africa, which I completed over a year ago.

So with my African tunes blasting I set off for the Altona hill again. 25minutes on the flat, 40minutes off hill reps and 15minutes recovery back to the finish line.

It was a beautiful day, the weather was warm and I had a spring in my step, I could feel the few weeks training was starting to benefit my fitness.

Though I must admit that the run was made harder from drinking over the weekend plus a session on the trampolines didn’t help either…. But I survived and felt better for it.

Tuesday 26^th May – Rest day with 60minutes walking

Wednesday 27^th May

Distance: 8.12km

Location: Altona

I wanted to push myself today knowing it was a short run and that I didn’t have too much in the program this week.

So I started at a steady pace, settled in to my stride then upped the tempo around Cherry Lake. With one loop completed I went straight on to the nearby athletics track and pushed even harder.

Running on the grass was easy on my legs and helped me increase my speed, so the track certainly proved a positive for short speed runs.

I really could feel now that I needed new running trainers, it is important to feel comfortable when training and worn out trainers can actually lead to injuries, such as shin splints or sore feet.

Thursday 28^th May – Rest Day

Friday 29^th May

Distance: 7.51km

Location: Altona

My second 40minute run of the week, I started at a really slow pace and although it picked up slightly it was nowhere near the speed of the previous run.

I just didn’t have it in me, especially after a long day at work plus I was trying out my new running trainers and just trying to wear them in.

What did help though was the full body massage I had on Thursday, I didn’t know so many muscles could be in such pain or knotted in that way. The massage really helped loosen my muscles and relax my body, something I should do more regularly when clocking up the kilometres.

This was a simple run; 20mins out around the nearby streets, turn around at the halfway point and double back on myself. Not the most exciting course, but easy to measure.

Saturday 30^th May – Rest Day

Sunday 31^st May

Oops again a long run was scheduled and once again I had to postpone it following a heavy night of partying. I don’t think Keith will be best pleased but I’ve got to be realistic and need to enjoy my weekends too. I will do it on Monday, I promise.