Training Log Archive: Thraws

Well, if all the mileage since December was meant to make me comfortable with long distances it seems to have failed. This was tough, and I didn’t really feel any stronger than I did at the start of training. At least I know how hard miles 12 to 25 are going to be and I can be as mentally prepared as possible going through the first half. Two things didn’t help today, though. The numbers of people ambling around everywhere and staring at their phones was tiresome. And the rucsac got very sweaty and made running/jogging later on most unpleasant. Great event though. Left the South Bank at 1020 and ran a little bit of the marathon route before heading through the royal parks to Paddington station and the Regents Canal. Then it was Regents Park and Primrose Hill, where I rested for 10 mins and had a look at the stupendous view. Wasted 15 mins leaving the park in the wrong corner then through Belsize Park to Hampstead Heath and another viewpoint. It got slightly more rural now, heading through Hampstead Garden Suburb to pick up the Capital Ring going eastwards. Missed a small turn at Highgate and wasted a panicky 10 more mins here. Really struggled to keep going through the old railway and New River sections and was very glad to reach Clissold Park, from where I speed walked. It was good to see another side of London, but I did find the sheer numbers of people everywhere quite wearisome. Bit of a nightmare in fact.

Walked the rest after a coffee and cake in the excellent café. Abney Cemetery was a highlight and the Lea Navigation section was much more runnable, but I was exhausted.

Bike shop pumped up tyres using compressed air last night and the difference it made to 'rollability' was amazing. Felt like a big tailwind both ways. Will have to buy a foot pump. Could have left off coat coming home.

Punctured again on the way home. Took bike straight in to moan about inners and ended up booking it in at Easter for rear wheel build and new tyres. Everyone likes my 'legendary' bike.

Nice and easy, because tonight it's the last ...

Felt very positive about this evening, rested and ready, but for some reason this changed during the jog to the start and lengthy warm up. Legs weren't right. Ran first lap with Ben then moved ahead on second and was pleased to keep overtaking. Didn't realise it but slowed a fair bit for third, probably because I wasn't sure what fourth would have in store. Luckily I'd opened a gap that was too big for Ben to close (just!) despite his final 4.09 lap. Disappointing final time given conditions. Rough splits 4.15, 4.20, 4.30, 4.23.