Training recap, and preparation for the 10k race tomorrow

11 days ago

I've been a little bit lax with posting again, but I've still tried to keep up with the running though!

Some of you will know I will be taking part in a race tomorrow (Sunday), although with the amount of injuries and setbacks I've had, I'm not really gonna be 'racing' it... it's just going to be a fun event, and I'm looking forward to hitting the streets with over 5,000 other runners.

When doing a race like this, the idea is usually to do a 'taper', which basically means cutting down the distance in the couple of weeks before the race, so that I'm well rested and ready to perform at my best.

However with my mileage being so low at the moment, it's hardly worth cutting down anything, and I decided I would be better suited just keeping getting consistent regular training sessions done, and (touch wood) not do anything daft that could lead to yet another injury issue!

By the way, although this phot was taken today, it could have been taken at anytime this week, we've had an unusual period of mild and settled weather, and its been blues skies like this all week. Its been a nice change, but we've already had people (farmers mostly) complaining about the lack of recent rainfall

The week started on Monday, and I had a nice easy run out along the bypass for 6km, for about 40 minutes:

I was then meant to go for my next run on Wednesday, but we finished work late, and then I hard my usual catch-up with my partner in the evening, so had no time.

I was then going to do it on the Thursday instead, but I got sidetracked, and ended up going for a walk in the evening with one of my friends who also lives in the village. Considering the race at the weekend, I could have probably run on Thursday, but decided to take the chance for a bit of company instead.

Finally, I managed to head out for a short run on Friday evening, and this time it was just a small loop around the village for approximately 5km:

It was meant to be an easy effort, but I pushed it a little harder than I had meant too, considering how poor my training has been in the run up to this!

And that now brings us to today (Saturday).

I avoided parkrun and had a lay in instead, which made a nice change.

Parkrun may only be 5km, but for me to get there involves running the 4km there, and 4km back home, so a 13km run the day before the race would have been too much.

After I got up later, I pottered around and did a few chores, before heading out for my last un before the big day:

This time I made sure I kept it easy and relaxed!!

So there we have it. My training has been crap, and I'm not as prepared as I would like to have been, but it is what it is I guess. At least I know that 10km is well within my limits, and that I will be able to complete it comfortably tomorrow, just not quite at the pace I would have liked.

In the past, I've dome the event 4 times previously, and of course have the medals to show for it.

I've done this event 4 times... 2013, 2008, 2006 and then 2005.

The first time I did it in 59 minutes, and was super proud of my performance. A year later in 2006, I zoomed round in under 44 minutes, which remains a Personal Best until this day. 2008 and 2013 were both done when my training was hit and miss, and both times I managed to get under the hour, but only just.

I don't have a time planned for tomorrow, but I will be trying to get under 60 minutes again. I'm fairly confident if I start sensibly, I will be able to push the temp in the closing few km's and get that.

But at the end of the day, the aim is just to enjoy the occasion, and I'm sure both the crowds of runners, and crowds of supporters will push me round

~~With all my gear ready...~~

Er... with most of my gear ready, apart from the safety pins to pin my number on, I'm now all set. I just need to make sure I get an early night for once, and then I'll be as prepared as I can be.

Whatever happens, I know I'm going to enjoy it, and of course I already know that the recent settled weather we're having will continue, so I'll have perfect running conditions in the sunshine tomorrow... wish me luck!

Now then, where are those damn safety pins!

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