Running Update

I've been feeling pretty uninspired with running lately. One of my intentions for this year was to run a half marathon in under two hours but for a while I've been feeling like that's not going to happen, at least not in an official race. I'm currently signed up to the Hackney Half on the 30th April, which is 05 weeks away. Still plenty of time to log some good runs, but previously I've been able to feel myself improving, getting faster, feeling fitter and it's just not happening this time around.

I don't think I'm helping myself much. I've missed runs due to being severely hungover, probably not eating as well as I should be or fuelling myself properly for runs, as well as having a few glasses of wine the nights before doing my long runs and wondering why I'm struggling and having to stop and walk. It's not going to get much better throughout April either with a hen do, wedding, Dad's 60th and a friend's birthday looming on the calendar...

One thing I have started doing is attending a weekly running group with Goodgym, which combines a short group run with helping out a local community project. This week it was clearing some rubbish for Bandstand Beds, a community food growing space. They have recently acquired some more land for the project on Clapham Common and we helped to move wooden crates, twigs and old clothes in order for the council to come and collect. This was followed by some fitness work before running back to base at Brixton. Doing the fitness work, planks, burpees, squats etc... has made me realise that I do need to focus on some kind of cross training. I am currently running three times a week with no other exercises included in my plan. I need improve my strength and all round fitness. As well as the group runs, Goodgym also offer training sessions incorporating drills and strength and conditioning exercises so I think it would be really beneficial for me to start attending a few of those too.

This morning I went out for an 8km "build up" run which I ran a lot easier and faster than I thought I would in 43:59, the first time I've managed to get 8km in under 45 mins in this training cycle, so I guess things are looking up a little bit. I'm going to attempt a longer run this weekend, aiming for 16km and see how that goes. Wish me luck.

I think I also need to remember that my main focus this year is actually running a full marathon and any other races that I do in the lead up to that are just added extras. Furthermore, if i run 13.1 miles in under 2 hours even if it's not part of an official race, it is still an achievement. It is just nicer to do it and get a medal for it ;)