Yep it's going to be that sort of post. A
I had hoped to publish a post on how people deal with running when working shifts (early, lates and nights) but that post was only prompted by a busy set of shifts which meant I had little time to run let alone write something with enough wit that my mum might read it.
Instead I'm going to babble on about everything I have learnt while training and tell you my thoughts on training in general.
As a naturally lazy person I tend not to do much of anything unless I really need, or want to. A half hearted request to take the bins out wont cut it with me. Though my wife has slowly ground me down into a tidy, clean-ish member of society.
Think more 'Men behaving badly' than 'The young ones'.
This basically means that when I enthusiastically set out my training plan with the help of Jurgen I hadn't taken and consideration about how my complete lack of work pattern from one week to the other. I work a week of nights a month and then early lates with days off in between. I knew I would need to swap things around and do my long runs on my days off. But I didn't give it any more thought than that. BIG Mistake. I ended up really tired and would sometimes run 4 days straight, then nothing for 5 days. I admit I could have got up early and ran before my late shift started, I have friends that do this, and follow bloggers that post wonderful pictures of sunrises in Forrest's. But I am not Rocky (IV) I just love my bed too much. For the last 4 weeks of my training I have now sat down with my shifts and my running plan and fitted them together, something I should have done all along, but hey ho.
I also went away for a long weekend to Madrid and eat way too much food and drink then my family came to visit, fitting in one token 5k. This break fell right where my busiest week should have been and it made me realise I really enjoy running but I it isn't all I want to do. If I don't do as well it's because I decided to spend time with Anna, drinking in a bar I'm happy with that :)
During my training I have also discovered the wonder that is Parkrun. Chances are if you read a blog about running you are familiar with Parkrun and already love it. If you haven't heard about it look it up and go along. It's basically a community of people that organise a weekly timed 5k run for anyone that wants to go along. All you need to do is register, print off a barcode and head along. It's brilliant for regular runners as it let you know how you are progressing. It's also great for people wanting to start running and need, or want a little encouragement. There are a huge range of people that do it and everyone is really welcoming. I've told everyone I know about it and even dragged my Mum and Sister along to Camperdown for their first Parkrun when they were on holiday.
Parkrun along with a couple of other things mean that I seem to have done more short runs than long runs on this training cycle. I have almost always done my 'Long run' but I guess I have done less 7-10 mile runs. I'm not really sure how this will play out on Marathon day but I do know It's meant that I have had more occasions where I've went out and done a shorter run rather than done no run at all. I'm also hoping that all the time on my feet at work counts towards training. Note the ever increasing desperation .
 |
| There's no hiding some of the gaps..... Better head out for another run. |
The desperate tone is because I'm now tapering. From what I can gather no one really knows what to do in a taper. The general consensus seems to be a mixture of panic, overeating and moaning about injuries. I already do the over eating part so I'm trying hard not to reflect on my
Finally, I've found speaking to some co-workers about training which has really helped keep me motivated. As has reading blogs about people training. Especially blogs from real runners, the masses that make up the pack*. I read 5 or 6 blogs, all very good, very funny, very motivating, and mostly from Scotland. However all of these bloggers are girls/woman (delete which is better, I don't want the wrath of bloggers). Where are all the men? If I had a few bloke bloggers I might have learnt the pains of chaffing a bit quicker (Vicks aloe vera is NOT a replacement for Vaseline on long runs), or that loose shorts and no support can make you ache a little. I have read a couple of male bloggers that are very good but they tend to be elite runners and I read them because they are interested not because I can relate to them. SO if any of you can recommend any please feel free to send me a link.
Cool links
Parkrun - http://www.parkrun.org.uk
Bloggers
http://splutterandroll.wordpress.com
http://medalslut.com
http://runningprincess78.wordpress.com
http://www.redwinerunner.co.uk
My next post will probably be after Lochaber. Woop Woop. If you can't handle the anticipation add me on twitter and I'll give you some updates nearer the time.
@HendriePaul
*This is NOT meant as an insult, I hope to be middle of the pack one day.
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