2010 Progress Entrant - Iola Wilson

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

Report 6 - Week beginning 15/02/10

The X-ercise Files - Diary of a 'wannabe better' long distance runner

I can't quite believe that we have reached week 6 already! Time is flying in and having a look back through my running diary I can see a big difference in my speed and endurance. I can't recommend keeping a training diary enough, it's so encouraging to look back and see how you're improving, especially if it's not feeling any easier. Proving to yourself that you are actually improving will give your mental attitude a boost, no matter how hard it feels.

Monday was supposed to be my first day back at work but I didn't make it as the boys and myself had a horrible tummy bug again. On Tuesday I was a bit nervous about how I'd feel during my training run and kept it short at 3.5 miles. It was windy and cold but I went out hard and came home buzzing. My time is now 2.5 minutes faster than back in week 1 and I'm running comfortably at 8.15/mile pace.

I went out for a hill session at lunchtime on Wednesday. I ran a mile to warm up then did 8 reps of the hill at the harbour in Wick. Each rep was around 250m long and was a climb of around 25 metres. It was hard going, both mentally and physically. My calves and thighs were screaming during the last few reps! I recovered between each rep by jogging back down the hill watching the huge waves and feeling the spray on my face. I managed a mile cool down after, although it was very tempting just to head home as the wind had got up and it started raining.

I had my long run on Saturday morning. It had snowed on Friday and overnight, but the snow was hard and crisp so not too bad for running on. I went out of town over Newton hill and towards Thrumster, then back the same way. The pavements were completely white for the first mile and a half but I was surprised to turn onto black, slightly wet roads after this. It is a hilly route with about 300m of ascent and descent but it was a beautiful day and the views across the whole county and over to Orkney made it totally worth it. I didn't push too hard and ran at a comfortable pace which I managed to sustain throughout the 8 mile run. And I didn't feel bad about going out for lunch and having a cake after as I probably burned off about 900 calories!

I decided to run 5 miles around the town on Sunday. It was crisp and sunny but snowy and icy underfoot. I took to the roads when the pavements were too slippy and proceeded with caution (using my very attractive waddle/run style reserved especially for icy conditions!) over any areas of footpath. I wasn't stiff or sore after my long run the day before so ran at a pace that was slightly uncomfortable. If I'd had someone with me I could have had a snatched rather than long conversation. My legs felt completely empty by the time I got home but I was pleased that I could say I'd run a half marathon this weekend - even if it was over 2 days!