Training has been going well enough. Mileage is usually around 40 or so for the last few weeks.
I have done two weeks of 16 mile long runs at the weekend. Last week, I ran the Annagassan 10k in 38.33 on the Saturday, and then went out on Sunday and did the 16 at 7.25 pace.
While the legs felt tired on Sunday, it was manageable. Obviously at the end, I felt more spent than the previous week.
I have been unable to go to Gary's speed training due work anymore. Tuesdays are now tempo day with Thursday speed training. I have been pushing the tempo runs, starting at 2x6.05, 2x6.00 and 2 x 5.50 to finish.
Today I went out to the Duleek 10k. I felt confident and was hopeful of a better time than at Annagassan. I hadn't run for the two days previous.
I went out at 6.05 pace which went well. It was breezy so I tucked in behind a tall runner for the first two miles. The first 4 miles were slightly undulating. Just before 5 miles, I started to feel what felt like a stitch. I tried to run through it, but very quickly it became unbearable and I had to resort to walking. Any further attempt to run sent me bent over in pain, so I had to walk the last 1.2 miles to the finish.
12 hours later, my ribs are sore and tender to the touch. I am guessing I pulled a muscle or did some soft tissue damage, hopeful nothing too serious. A few easy miles tomorrow will tell the full story.
Target now is a PB for a 5k at the Grant Thornton 5k in early September. I still haven't decided about the marathon yet. It really depends on how the training goes, particularly the long runs. I am running faster than I was this time last year, but the mileage is key. I know 40 miles a week won't cut it for my expectations and time is rapidly running out.
