Two weeks to the Dublin City Marathon Oct 26th

[Travelgal08]

Ok, so after reading so many training logs I figured I should put mine up here. It's cool to hear how others are doing, quite a motivator so here goes:

I've been jogging myself on and off for about 2 years, about 5 miles 3-4 times per week, I've done a few 10km races, averaging about a 10 min mile or slightly faster. And I've been a very happy vegan since August 2008.

So, I decided I fancied a challenge and signed up for the Berlin HM in April and started training last week.

Last week:
Sat: 4M
Sun: 6M and some resistance work at home
Mon: Speed training (joined a local club)
Tues: rest (exhausted)
Wed: 6M (felt brilliant despite serious wind and rain) and some resistance work and core exercises
Thurs: rest
Fri: rest (intended to run but too lazy)

This week:
Sat: 6M
Sun: 7M plus resistance work (my first 7M run but found it really enjoyable)
Mon: Training cancelled due to bad weather so found a hill and sprinted up it 5 times, jogged down plus 1.5mile jog there and back
Tues: 4M easy jog plus resistance work

So far so great. I'm really enjoying pushing myself a little bit and finding it easier than I expected so hopefully it continues.

[james79]

Ok, so after reading so many training logs I figured I should put mine up here. It's cool to hear how others are doing, quite a motivator so here goes:

I've been jogging myself on and off for about 2 years, about 5 miles 3-4 times per week, I've done a few 10km races, averaging about a 10 min mile or slightly faster. And I've been a very happy vegan since August 2008.

So, I decided I fancied a challenge and signed up for the Berlin HM in April and started training last week.

Last week:
Sat: 4M
Sun: 6M and some resistance work at home
Mon: Speed training (joined a local club)
Tues: rest (exhausted)
Wed: 6M (felt brilliant despite serious wind and rain) and some resistance work and core exercises
Thurs: rest
Fri: rest (intended to run but too lazy)

This week:
Sat: 6M
Sun: 7M plus resistance work (my first 7M run but found it really enjoyable)
Mon: Training cancelled due to bad weather so found a hill and sprinted up it 5 times, jogged down plus 1.5mile jog there and back
Tues: 4M easy jog plus resistance work

So far so great. I'm really enjoying pushing myself a little bit and finding it easier than I expected so hopefully it continues.

Looks good. I am sure you will find that the speedwork at the club will improve your running a lot.

Have you got any shorter races planned before your half? A 5k or 10k could help. Are there many races around in Ireland? I have done a 10k in Mayo - people seemed to have travelled from all over the country to race there.

[Travelgal08]

Thanks James.

Yes there's a 10k on 1st March I think I'll probably do.

It depends on the time of year, there's a few races on but you have to keep your eyes peeled for them. I registered for the Ballycotton 10mile which is early March but only the first 2,500 applicants can run and we're all still waiting to hear...and it seems impossible to find out!

[Travelgal08]

So it's ages since I posted my logs but I am training, I just can't be arsed typing it all out! Although I am keeping written records.

In summary I'm doing one long run per week (extending it by a mile each week), one sprinting session, usually on a hill, and two other shorter runs. I'd like to do a fifth run but I've got a lot on and I just don't have time at the moment (commuting, thesis to finish, assignments and time to sleep etc etc).

But I'm delighted as I just ran my first 10 miles!!! Only stopped twice to walk for 60 sec each. Beautiful sunny day and really enjoyed it. First few miles were the hardest and then it felt like I could go on forever. Fantastic. Up until December last year I just couldn't get past 5 miles and now I've doubled it in about 6 weeks training. Yipee

[Travelgal08]

Saturday
9M. Fantastic sunny day, first 4 miles tough enough (getting over a sinus infection) but was flying it after that.
Some resistance work at home.

Sunday
30 minutes sprinting, some hills

Monday
Easy 5M
Resistance work at home.

I'm really enjoying the training and managing about 4 runs each week but this week I've less driving to do so should manage to fit in a fifth.

10 miles race on the 8th March so looking forward to that.

[emm7]

well done for the 10 mile training run that's excellent!
very impressive to have only 6 weeks' buildup to that!

best of luck for the 10 mile race!

[Konstantin]

Do you have a target for the 10 miler?

[Travelgal08]

Thanks Emm. Once I started some sprints and interval training my distance just seemed to go up really easily each week. Plus I think my change in diet has definitely contributed to improved performance. And I'm really enjoying the running at the moment which helps.

I don't really focus on time much Papaya, but it's a good question. I tend to run a 9.5 to 10 minute mile (slow I know) but I've really been focusing on increasing my distance rather than speed. So I'd say it will take me 1hr 40. It's a hilly run.

[Travelgal08]

Tuesday:

4M easy pace.

[Travelgal08]

Wednesday:
Rest

Thursday:
12M - 2 hours
I'm away this weekend so decided to do my long run today. Was aiming for 11 miles but ran 12 unintentionally (slightly different route). My legs felt like lead from about 8 miles on, I got quite thirsty and/or hungry, I couldn't say for sure! And my sports bra strap was digging into my shoulder. There were some serious complaints going on in my head. I will definitely sleep tonight!!

[Travelgal08]

FRIDAY
Rest

SATURDAY
Intended to run but had a pain in my lower back (just a twinge but didn't want to ignore it) and a serious headache all day (thesis stress) so didn't run. Should have though, it would have probably helped with the stress levels.

SUNDAY
5M plus resistance and core work at home.

MONDAY
Got home too late to make club training so did some hill sprints on my own. The headache resurfaced but trying to ignore it. It's either stress or dehydration. My breathing was crap. 10 minute jog followed by 7 sprints:
2min
1 min 20 (couldn't keep going for 2 mins)
1 min 20
1 min 15
1 min 15
1 min 15
1 min (tired)
1 min
10 min jog home.

[emm7]

well done for the 2 hour run that is very impressive!!!!!

[Travelgal08]

Thanks Emm7, it nearly killed me but delighted as it's the first time I've run that far Well done on your 10 miles too

[ultra_whippet]

Hope you enjoy Berlin, I did it a few years ago and it's a fantastic race...

[Travelgal08]

Very little mileage this week - combination of thesis work needed doing in the evenings and getting stuck at work later than usual. I have a very long commute at the moment so my evenings are really short. But only 3 weeks to go before all this driving ends. I aim to do better next week.

Friday
4M easy

Saturday
3M steady pace

I'm doing the Ballycotton 10 mile race tomorrow. High winds, hail and sleet showers expected but it's my first 10 mile race so looking forward to it.