2009 Progress Entrant - Graeme Dunnett

Contents:- -Intro- Report -1- -2- -3- -4- -5- -6- -7- -8- -9- -10- -11- -12- -13- -14- -15- -16- -17- -Final-

Report 16 - Week beginning 20/04/09

Have you stuck to the training programme? If not any reasons why?

No. I was out of the county most of the week so I prioritised two quality sessions at the end of the week. I ran 3 miles on Friday and 5 miles on Sunday. My knee is holding up, so I'm quietly optimistic that all will be well on the 'big day'. By cutting out the speed work my knee is beginning to 'settle down'.

Have you done more or less than expected? Explain.

I did less than what was programmed but with two weeks now remaining my coach (aka, my wife) has developed a programme for the final period to get me safely to the event.

How did you feel during training this week? What were the highs and lows?

Training went well. I've been really lucky with the weather and the support I have been given from the family in doing my runs. I suppose the low was that being away all week with work did mean that all my training had to be scheduled for the end of the week. The high is that I am becoming more confident with the distances I am covering and my injuries are becoming less painful.

Are you seeing improvements; in speed, distance, breathing?

Happy with my speed as it is at a level that I feel comfortable to complete the race in. I now have two gears, slow and very slow. I am now more comfortable with the distance I have achieve for the 10Km. I can now run the distance so the training plan has achieved its goal!! Also like a fish to water, I feel my respiratory system has finally come to grips with running.

Where are you walking/running; gym, beach, roads, forests?

The two sessions I completed this week were around Achvarasdal Woods. A benefit of visiting these woods regularly is the 'colour changes' that have taken place moving from winter to spring. The burst of colour's are dramatic which helps take your mind off of the real reason you are out there for.

Are you training alone/with someone else/mixture? How does this affect your training?

I ran myself on Friday and was joined by my daughter Oonagh for the Sunday run. I had forgotten how chatty she was, as it's a while since we last went a run on our own. I still can't keep up with her.....talking and running, but I'm improving! It was good to have some quality time with her to catch up on her news.

Any injuries?

Although my knee is still a concern it is improving. I have spoken to numerous 'runners' who have assured me that I am not alone as most athletes have some niggle or other to contend with during pre-race training.

Are you feeling any benefits away from training as a result of the training; health, toning up, more energetic?

My energy levels have improved over the past few weeks although it difficult to say by how much. But I have noticed that my attention to detail and concentration has improved, and in addition, tasks are getting done around the house. These were usually on the 'back-burner'!

Are you doing any other forms of exercise; swimming, cycling, yoga, pilates?

I played golf again this weekend and went a couple of short walks when I was south.

Any other observations?

I did my run early on Sunday morning...so early in fact that my eldest daughter Sarah was disturbed from her beauty sleep. I got the usual teenager response... a few grunts, something about the middle of the night and the look said the rest! This early start was planned so I would be back in time to watch the London Marathon....dedication or what! Now I know what real runners achieve: approximately 4 minutes 30 seconds to run a mile....wow! What made watching this year's event particularly special was my daughter Emma was representing Scotland in the Mini-Marathon. She finished 3rd Scottish runner in her race. I'm such a proud dad!