Afternoon Run - 9km (taper tantrums continue)

9 months ago

dannewton just finished a 9.37km run, that lasted for 59 minutes.
This run helped dannewton burn 706.0 calories.

Description from Strava: So only 3 days to go until the big day on Saturday. Really looking forward to the event, but really starting to struggle with the taper now.

As mentioned in previous posts, the 'taper' refers to the process of cutting back on training volume, and making sure I am in the best shape possible on the start line

I am managing to cut back my training this time (which is an improvement over last time where I stopped running practically 3 weeks before an event... not recommended!. The trouble is that for me, running isn't just a means to an end (i.e the preparing for a race), I enjoy it in it's own right. The regular physical activity also helps me unwind and relax away from a busy and stressful work enviroment, and I'm starting to miss it.

It is just for a couple more days, and then I can enjoy the event (and then I can get back to a more regular routine

After cutting back a little last week, this week is a more significant decrease in activity. I ran just 6km on Monday (as opposed to the usual 18km). Today would normally be a hard speedwork session for another 16-18km, whereas I allowed myself to do 'just' an easy 9km today. Tomorrow (thursday) will be just an easy 6km, and then that will be it until my event starts at 9am sharp on Saturday Morning.

Which reminds me... I need to start planning for my race...

I keep checking the forecast, the temperature seems to stay consistent at 3-8C (which means I'll be happy with shorts, short sleeved t-shirt and then a long sleeved layer over the top. The bigger issue is the rain which keeps changing. I will be taking a running vest, so I guess I'll just have to play it safe with hat, gloves, and a thin jacket and just hope the rain stays away.

There will be an aid station nearby with plenty of water/drinks/snacks so the only thing I'll need to carry will be phone/wallet and a couple of spare warm layers. This means I should be able to run lighter than I normally would for a run of this length. In fact as I'm being dropped off and picked up by my Dad, the only thing I need to think about is making sure I stay warm enough, and trying to keep moving for as long as I can.

I have a couple of aims for this race. a few are distance related, so I want to reach the 50km (30 miles) distance, as it would be the first time I've run that far. I'm hoping to do that in around 5 hours, which would mean I would have almost 2 hours afterwards to run as far as I am able. So the ultimate distance goal will be 60-65km.

That does all depend on me pacing myself, not going out to fast, and also being determined to keep moving forwards fo as long as I can, even if that means walking breaks

And that leads onto my other goal. The time limit is 7 hours, and I want to finish the race purely because I have run out of time, I don't want to be in a position where I run for 4 hours, and then have to pull out as I've over done it. I want to finish knowing I could've carried on going for longer... and this i turn will be a stepping stone for later in the year when I will be aiming to complete a much larger distance.

But... but.... I'm getting a little ahead of myself!

First I need to tick of this 7 hour race. There will be my last little run tomorrow evening, and then I'll get all my stuff (gear/kit etc) together. On Friday I have chosen to work form home, so I can make that day as restful as possible

And then it will be race day, and my next post will be shortly after 4pm on Saturday... how far will I manage to run? Will I hit my targets without my legs falling off? Well you'll have to check back to find out!!

If you would like to check out this activity on strava you can see it here:
https://www.strava.com/activities/10808875400

About the Athlete: Living in the UK, I am an intermittent Runner, but always striving for more consistency. When I'm not training I can be found photographing insects or listening to really loud angry music (which is the best type of music obviously!)

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18 comments

@strava2hive 63

9 months ago

Keep going, you're smashing your training at the moment and getting stronger every day.
To see the full Weekly Leader Board, click here.

This Weeks Leader Board(Top 5):

@taushifahamed - 4288.8 Calories Burned
@navidjahanshahi - 3552.8 Calories Burned
@kiwibloke - 2473.3999999999996 Calories Burned
@run.vince.run - 1971.0 Calories Burned
@ingi1976 - 1831.0 Calories Burned

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@biyimi 69

9 months ago

Perfect way to engage the day and and stay fit

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@steevc 79

9 months ago

This close to a race you will not get any fitter, so you just need to stay active. This is going to be an epic event for you, so enjoy it.

My event is only 10km, but I have been taking it easy this week anyway. The weekend weather is not great, but it should be fun anyway.

!BEER

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@dannewton 72

9 months ago

Yep, very true... just gotta keep ticking over.

I'm all set now, kit is packed, alarm clock is set, lift is arranged... making sure I go to bed early to night to give myself as much opportunity to sleep as possible (as my sleep has been poor of late) and then it'll be time to give it my all tomorrow

!BEER
!LUV

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@luvshares 58

9 months ago

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@steevc 79

9 months ago

Have fun. I'm sure you're ready.

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@dannewton 72

9 months ago

Oh and hope you have an awesome race too, regardless of the weather, it's a chance to take part in an event and enjoy the occasion

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@beerlover 65

9 months ago

^{View or trade BEER.}

Hey @dannewton, here is a little bit of BEER from @steevc for you. Enjoy it!

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@rafzat 71

9 months ago

You should not have stopped running three weeks to the event
Well, I’m glad you had a run yesterday and that’s a way to warm you up
I hope you have a nice running event on Saturday

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@dannewton 72

9 months ago (Edited)

You should not have stopped running three weeks to the event

er yep, at least I learnt my lesson this time around!

I hope you have a nice running event on Saturday

Thank you! All set now, just about to head to bed, and then we'll see how it goes tomorrow :-)

!LUV
!PIZZA

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@luvshares 58

9 months ago

rafzat, dannewton sent you LUV. 🙂 _(2/5) tools | trade | connect | daily

Made with LUV by crrdlx.

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@precab 62

9 months ago

I guess recently now due to your work, you must have been finding it hard to be consistent in your workout. It is great to see how you are working it out

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@dannewton 72

9 months ago

There's been a lot of other stuff on my plate recently, and it can be hard to squeeze everything in

!PIZZA
!BEER

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@jahanzaibanjum 61

9 months ago

Setting goals for how far and how fast you want to run in the upcoming race is important. It means keeping a steady pace and staying determined to reach those goals. Good luck for the upcoming race.

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@dannewton 72

9 months ago

Agreed, its good to have a plan in mind to help keep me focused, and then I can adjust it during the race as the circumstances change... gotta stay flexible!