Tuesdays speedwork session went well this week, even though I had been up for work at 5am that morning and flying earlies all week, the fact that I had two rest days in a row definately helped. We did 3 sets of 3x600's at 5k pace. I ran them comfortable pace and was happy with steady 124 second pace for the laps.
Wednesday was a 9 mile run at an easy 7.45 pace and thursday I jogged down and back to the track which was 3 miles and 2x600's at 630 pace. Friday I didn't run, and the weather wasn't great anyway so I was kind of glad of an excuse not to go out in the rain.
I was driving up to the run on Saturday morning, and I got a reasonably good night sleep on friday night which I find is very important to do well. I also had some chips from the chipper soaked in salt and vinegar as a combined carb and salt loading meal. It was a real treat as I havn't had fast food for a long time, but I have to say, I wouldn't be sorry not to have it again for a while.
Anyway, had the usual porridge banana and almond with honey breakfast, and went and collected Glen and the two Brians. It was great to all go together for a bit of a chat and some banter. We got there n hour before the race and the place was still quiet enough. We met up with the other club members as they arrived and shared some sweets, got the photos done and dropped the bags. We went for a warmup run as per Garys instructions for about 10 minutes, and Brian C ran us up a cul de sac, so there was a bit of panic as to wether we would get back to the start in time! We made it ok and joined the crowd pretty close to the start.
Brian C was not going to wear a garmin, but run on feel. Brian M was looking to run a 6.30 pace. Brian M is a lovely steady runner who knows his stuff, so I figured I would do well to try and stick with him. At the off we all got seperated. I could see Brian C ahead, and I was going to stick with him, but when I looked at the Garmin it showed a 5.45 pace. I knew that was way too fast so I let him go and waited for the others. I picked up with Brian M and we settled into a nice steady 6.30 pace, although the first mile was a 6.02 for me, I wasn't worried. We maintained a very nice pace and Brian reeled me back quite a few times as I was running too fast. This was fantastic for me as I need to learn to pace correctly and not burn out too early. We caught Brian C at 5 miles, and passed him. I gave him a nudge as we came alongside and some 'friendly' words of encouragement and we went ahead. I did't know it, but he kept pace with us from there and was on our heels pretty much all the way to the finish. At 8 miles I was keen to up the pace as I was feeling good still, but I didn't want to leave Brian and was afraid of pushing too early. We stayed together until 9 miles and I went for a faster pace for the last mile. I crossed the line in 1.04.33 and the two Brians were just seconds behind. I was very happy with the run, and doubt I would have made that time without Brian M's help.
Today was a long 14 mile run at an easy pace. I really struggled from the off. I was sweating very hard after 2 miles and wanted to give up at 7. I pushed on to finish the full 14 at a 7.45 average pace, although quite a few were at the 8 min pace towards the end. I know there was no pace required just an easy pace, but I think no matter what pace it was, it would have been difficult. It wasn't made any easier by the fact I only finished work at 2am the night before, due to a broken window which required us to change aircraft and we got very delayed. 46 miles for the week, and two good sessions. I am not sure now if I am going to do the Dublin marathon, I will decide closer to the time. I will do the half though, and there is a 5k in two weeks on a flat course in the city which I am running as part of a team from work which I will target for a PB.
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