I've managed to fit in a fair bit of exercise this week though I've set myself some new goals and I'm not meeting them which is a bit disheartening. I had a spa day on Saturday and decided to make use of the gym facilities so spent a good hour on the treadmill and a half an hour on the cross trainer but didn't quite manage to meet my distance target. Watched a lot of Top Gear though. Ho hum. Got to the gym at work once and have been out on the bike. Cycled to the sports centre and back this morning to play badminton so that all counts.
I've got a half marathon to run on the 11th October so I'm desperately trying to get the miles cranked up. It's hard though. It's like mny body just doesn't want to run at the moment. Walking, I can do that all day long. Cycling, great! Just show me a track and I'm happy. Swimming, mmm relaxing and strengthening. Running, oh God. Have to persevere though.
Everyone thinks I'm mad, especially my dad ("you'll learn" he said to me) and at this point I'm more than inclined to agree. I can't help myself. I think it would be a lot easier if I had a training partner at this stage. So out for a run or at the gym as many times as I can manage this coming week. Feel exhausted today though...
Hey, just hang in there with your training. It sounds like you're doing great, and it will all pay off, even if you're not making all the targets you'd like.
ReplyDeleteI know it can be mentally tough sometimes, especially when training isn't quite going to plan, but try not to worry about it. Just trust your training plan. I had the same issues when training for the London Marathon - not meeting distance targets, number of sessions etc. Most of that was down to injuries which occurred as a result of over-training because I was worrying too much about not meeting every target. I've since learnt that you have good days/weeks and bad ones. If it's a good day, go with the plan, if it's a bad day, listen to your body and don't push it. It's not so much a single session that's important as the cumulative effect of all the regular exercise sessions.
As for running, you probably already know, but make sure you increase your distance slowly. Also work on your core muscles to help you keep form in the latter stages of the race. Check out Hal Higdon's half-marathon training plans: http://www.halhigdon.com/halfmarathon/index.htm
Finally, good luck for Oct 11th. Where is it?
Pete
Thanks Pete, that's really encouraging. I'll check out those training plans for sure. I do try and listen to my body for the most part... it's just been saying "hibernate" a lot lately ;)
ReplyDeleteIt's the Royal Parks half marathon in London, taking in Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, Green Park and St James' Park. Looking forward to it a lot.