First Long Run

At this point, the long run isn't much longer than any other, but this is the one run in a week when I need to have a day of recovery before and after it. Today it was five miles, next week it's six, then seven. Of course, I'm not supposed to think any further ahead than the run I'm doing, so enough of that.

I definitely felt an improvement today. Definitely.  And I'm really happy about it. My recent runs have all made my legs really fatigued from the start. That wasn't the case today. I felt relatively comfortable for about the first three kilometers. I then felt even better once I'd hit four km, coz then I was on the downward slope, over halfway there. This is becoming a theme with me. I actually unintentionally speed up on the second half of the run. It's no problem on a five mike run, but it's going to make for a slow, miserable thirteen miles on Marathon Day if I continue like this. 😊

I ran 8.60 km in an hour and ten minutes. At this rate, the marathon will take about six hours. I know at the moment, all I should care about is finishing, and that's what the book says, but I'd like to come in under six hours. There really is no point projectiong into the future.  I don't want to be unrealistically optimistic or go the other way and depress myself. I've no way of knowing how I'm going to be doing a few weeks from now. Already, the difference is brilliant.  A couple of weeks ago it felt as if all my runs would be dogged with heavy legs for the entire distance, and today that proved not to be the case. Even running a full two km more than I'd previously gone was totally doable. So goodness knows how I'll be feeling in a few weeks. (Fingers crossed 😃)

The main thing to worry me this morning was the weather. It was still dark and though cold, nothing base layer didn't deal with. I only ever feel the need for it on the top. My legs are usually fine in capri pants. No, it wasn't the temperature but the frost. There were parts of the pavement that were totally clear, but then there were other parts that were treacherous. Thankfully, for the most part, the street lights showed the slippy patches up. They really sparkled. And the only time I came genuinelt close to slipping was when I'd stopped. There was a bad patch at the marina. I was fortunate enough today,but it was a bit nerve wrecking so I hope this cold spell doesn't last to long. That said, I'm a lot luckier in Bangor than a lot of places are. There's some serious snow about at the moment in more rural areas.

But enough of the Barra Best material. That's fifteen miles done this week and I'm well chuffed. I think early on a Saturday morning is the best time for my weekend long run. It gets it done and there aren't many people about. Plus, it starts the day well. I get up early and have the whole day ahead of me. It's a great start to the day. And I made a big bacon, mushroom and onion omelette for breakfast. Boy did I enjoy that! I even put a photo on Instagram. Better be careful though. I don't want to become too much of a running/marathon bore. 🏃 🏃 🏃