Three and a bit 5K's, and Lucky me

Long Run

With a little over 2 weeks to go, today was my next to last long run before the event. Last week's achievement of 10 miles spurred me on and with little time left I changed my remaining training plan to time on road' instead of distance. Last week I was moving for 1h 50m so the plan was, 1h 55m this week and at least 2hrs next week. Whatever is beyond that on the day will be down to adrenaline and determination.
My time 'on the road' does not include my 5 minute strong walk out or my run-walk cool down at the end.

With no current injuries but still trying to shake off that cold, I stuck to last week's strategy of interval walks to ease the pressure but this week ran for 5km then walked for 0.5km, hence, "3 5K's and a bit".
It was hard work and my leg muscles were the biggest complainers after about 8 miles but I continued on and was delighted to get to my target 1h 55m and with a few metres more make it 18km (11.2miles). My heart rate and breathing were both good and apart from shattered legs I was fine on return home. Even the usual culprits of left Achilles and right IT band kindly gave me a break this week which was good of them.

Trying to stay well

Much as I hate it, after stretching and a good drink, a 10 minute freezing cold bath was next on the agenda after getting home followed by a welcome shower and a brew.

This cold I've had forever has even got me popping Vitamin pills which I don't even believe in; Tesco Multivitamin with Iron, £1.60 so if I just poo them out as unneeded it's not much loss.

Other activities

Though I have dropped to 2 runs per week, I am doing other activities. My 7km run earlier this week was awful but it was 2 days after a 10 mile strenuous hill walk in the Lake District and still feeling rough from a cold and overeating before attempting to sleep in a too warm hotel room.
I am very involved at National Trust Lyme Park and on Wednesdays walk out to a work site carrying tools for a day Drystone Wall repairing and other days am often over hill and dale for one task or another. All good physical exercise.

Lucky Me

I am in awe of others training for events such as this.
I am retired so able to put my training in at time to suit me rather than forcing it into my day around work, commuting, looking after children etc.. I also count my blessing every time I go on longer runs; within a mile of home I can be out in countryside but near enough suburbia to be able to choose roads with footpaths.
When I see people running in inner city urban areas among industry, busy roads, narrow streets, dirty air or out in dangerous lanes with no paths where every corner is a risk, I remember just how lucky I am with wide suburban roads, little traffic in daytime and access to hugely varied surroundings.
You all have my Respect!

Sponsorship

Running for St. Ann's Hospice in memory of Margaret Donovan (Mum) and Sheila Waddington.