Phew. So, to pick up where I left off: I don't think I actually posted the link to my 22 mile run before, so here it is.
Anyway, this week has been a slow training week but I did do a run I was really proud of this weekend, while I was in Durham visiting my mum - 10 miles with an average pace of 8:25 per mile. This is officially the fastest I've ever run over a mid-distance, so I'm really pleased with it!
Today, I was considering doing 24 miles, but as I'm supposed to be doing a long run next weekend with RHD where we basically run non-stop for 4 hours and hope it gets us to 24 miles, I decided to take it down a little bit as it's good to have something to aim for (and because RHD thought I might overdo it...). So I did 21 miles instead. Couldn't decide on a decent route and then my sister, who is admittedly a bit clever, came up with the idea of running along the canal. So I ran down to Islington (5 miles), found the canal (it isn't obvious at all!!!) and ran along it.
I have to say I found running along the canal without gettting lost quite a challenge. Now, I know how that sounds. And that I'm not doing myself any favours telling everyone on the internet that I found it difficult sticking to following a canal, especially when I'm always harping on about people laughing at me. But it's true! I got to a certain point near Edgware road and the canal just... disappeared. And I spent 6 or 7 minutes looking for it. Eventually I crossed Edgeware road and found it again, but it was a private section so I ran along the road next to it until I could get down onto the path again. Then I kept going until... suddenly there was a LOT of police and crowds, and the smell of burning. This sounds familiar, right? Was I in Tottenham again in the middle of another riot? Happily, no! I had managed to run bang into the middle of the Notting Hill Carnival. There were about a hundred BBQs on the go, hundreds of people dressed in brightly coloured costumes having a good time.... oh yeah and a bunch of young guys in handcuffs being marched along the canal by some policemen. Although that was quite a funny sight, as they seemed to be having good banter with the police and they were all laughing and joking. If I ever get arrested, I hope I get a nice policeman who has some banter with me. Not that I'm expecting to get arrested....!
Anyway, apart from the very last mile (a shocker at 10:44.... my knees were beginning to get a bit tired... weird because at this point last week I was absolutely fine!), I did a decent pace, and overall averaged 9:28 per mile.
Starting to see the end in sight now for the Berlin Marathon... it's starting to be exciting and terrifying! I have already begun to daydream about what my next big challenge will be, which is probably a mistake since I haven't even completed Berlin yet...! I've been reading Born To Run by Christopher McDougall... it's obviously having a (bad?) influence on me :-D although I have to say I'm excited about having more free time to practise my kung fu after the marathon too. My kung fu is nearly as good as my running was 3 years ago. (In case you hadn't worked it out - that means TERRIBLE but enthusiastic.)
lol I have this image of you ploughing through the carnival as people frantically try to make way and bow down to your greatness.
ReplyDeleteWell done on improving your pace for a mid distance run. I am pretty sure you've taken a vital step towards getting yourself in proper form for the marathon.
Its always good to dream that next big challenge as I am a firm believer of always continually seeking to better oneself but I agree that it is better to focus on the current task ahead and not lose focus.
Personally I think your Kung Fu is getting better. Your movements look a lot better and more coordinated. Its just like with your running - you gotta take it in steps and improve bit by bit and you'll eventually get there :)