Marathon blog: part 4

I’ve reached the halfway point on my journey to the Paris marathon. Nine weeks down, nine weeks to go, and I can’t believe the time has flown by so quickly! I’m getting stronger, running further and working harder than ever. It’s tough, but I’m loving every moment.

Over the last nine weeks training has become part of my routine, in fact on my rest days I feel a little odd not working out! Usually I run four times a week – a long run at the weekend, a short fast run, a mid-distance run and an easier weekday run, plus one to two strength training sessions.

My long runs are the highlight of my week, it’s when I get together with my friends and head off to explore the city. I know I say it a lot, but without my friends marathon training would be so much tougher! When you’re running with friends, chatting and taking in the scenery, the miles just fly by. Long runs are also way more fun when you get a medal at the end of them, and races as training are a big part of my strategy over the next few weeks! I’m really looking forward to the sea air at the Brighton Half Marathon, testing my pace at the Garmin Race Your Pace Half Marathon, and running from stadium to stadium at the North London Half Marathon. Running a race as training means there’s no pressure, you’ve not trained for that race specifically so there’s no pressure to PB. Plus all those logistical things like a route, water and toilets are taken care of, all you have to do is turn up and let the crowd cheer you on!

With a full time job (and lots of writing to do for We Heart Living!) weekday training needs to be as efficient as possible. I’ve found the easiest way to fit it all in is to hop on a treadmill in the gym at work. In the past I’d never have run on a treadmill, but I have to say I’m a total convert. I find I can push myself much harder than I ever would if I was running outside, and I love mixing up my training with intervals running as fast as I can up super steep inclines! Plus if I’m already in the gym I’ve got no excuse not to get some strength training in. That’s another thing I never thought I’d enjoy, but actually I’m having a blast jumping around the gym and testing my limits with body weight exercises. Who knew that I’d love doing commandos and crunches!

My favourite mid-week session is with my run club. For the last few weeks I’ve had the pleasure of leading the Lululemon Wednesday run club. Each week I get to take a group of awesome people out on a run through the city. It’s definitely a challenge, our group is really diverse and I want to make sure everyone has a great run, but that’s what makes it so much fun. Plus it’s a great excuse to get some miles in by the river – one of my favourite places to run in London! Check out my top reasons to join a run club here.

I’m looking forward to the next nine weeks of training, but I also know that things are going to get harder. The miles are going to get longer, and that’s going to put an increasing strain on my body. If I want to get through this marathon I’m going to have to make looking after my body a priority for the next few weeks!

My legs have started to protest a little. They’re tired and would much rather be propped up on a footstool watching telly. It’s ok, they’ve always been a bit confused by this running business. I’m pretty sure the only reason they’re up for tomorrow’s long run is the massage I’ve promised them next week. I’m definitely going to be investing in more massages over the next nine weeks, these legs need to carry me through 26.2 miles, so I’ll need to make sure they’re happy!

I’m also going to be thinking a bit more about my foot care. I’ve had terrible problems with blisters and sores in the past, so I’m going to explore how I can prevent my poor tootsies from getting quite so bashed up. Plus I’m already down to nine toenails and I really don’t want to loose any more!

Here’s to the next nine weeks!