Training Log Archive: TimM

In the Lakes whilst mum did the ldmt.

Easy on Matley. Such a nice day.

Easy Acres Down loop to home. Felt quite good and enjoyed.

Another attempt to return to regular logging; I've tried a few times so am not making any promises.

I've been completely lacking running motivation since mid July really and genuinely have not been enjoying it at all. There are so many times when it's difficult to get out the door or whatever, but this has been a real dislike of any thought of running. I suspect some kind of burnout from some of the races, both mentally and physically, but also the lack of any real life plans in the foreseeable plans was something that stressed me out far more than I thought it would. I think it translated into the running too. In the last month or so I basically prescribed myself 20km a day but it was becoming such a struggle that sometimes I managed ~10mins before grinding to a halt, turning round and going home.

Thankfully in the last week that has changed and I have actually wanted to head out running. But
it's been far more chill and I'm just doing what I feel like at the time with no pressure. For some reason hill running is still something I don't want to go near at the moment, hence dropping out of Ben Nevis last weekend. I had also been deliberating dropping from Ben Nevis Ultra next week, but have been talked out of that by GPa - just have to accept lower expectations and treat it as good OMM training if nothing else. I probably will let go of a Langdale Horseshoe entry though.

When back I hope to train with a SAC group as regularly as possible. I'm really quite motivated to get a bit speedier and race well at some Hampshire Leagues, CC6s, Southern Champs etc - maybe with an eye on Armagh. The group has quite a few really good runners and I'd like to see what some consistent proper structured training will do. Rod, the coach, was quite (very) shocked about the idea of racing 55km next week, so I probably won't mention the OMM at any point unless held at gunpoint. But from chats and emails he is very eager to help, and seems to think there is potential for some big improvement.

Additionally, after Nixon's domination of the RR10's I think its only right that I continue that in the CC6's, and they're races that I absolutely love so am really excited for them. I'm also looking forward to autumn in the Forest which is arguably when it's at its best, and something I've missed whilst at uni. I'd also like to try and find a decent half at some point, to try and get a time that will be good enough for the big marathons.

Having said all this, some life / job event could completely change these plans so we shall see.

C • Yes mate! 1

Easy in Acres Down, Highland Water and Bolderwood. Legs a little heavy to begin with but loosened off. Didn't have to really force myself to run beyond an hour unlike for the previous couple of months, so that was nice. Also saw an albino deer, hopefully we'll become well acquainted like the one on Matley back in school times.

Nearly thought better of it, but then saw it was real misty outside so thought it would fun, which it was. Just a little shakeout in Buskett's, very much love those trails.

With Rod Lock's Southampton group

Two triangles at tempo (~18mins) followed by 2 x 1k [60secs], 4 x 30secs [45secs].

Nice to get the legs going a bit. Felt strange running on the common and not doing the parkrun. Good, friendly group that hopefully I'll regularly attend. Enjoyed the amazing sunset, not so much the weed. Couldn't quite hear five loud cheers in the direction of St Mary's.

Very chill on Matley. Lovely way to wake up.

V easy on Buskett's / Matley. Forest looking top notch.