Running out of Steam

As the lovely Lili von Shtupp, the “Teutonic Titwillow” sang, I’m Tired.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uai7M4RpoLU]

I cheated today.  Fortunately the only thing I cheated on was my training plan. I was due to run 12 miles tonight and just couldn’t face it. I am too tired, both mentally and physically, so I swapped workouts around and went to the gym at lunchtime and did a short speed session instead. It wasn’t a huge session, it was hard work, it wasn’t pretty, but at least it was something worthwhile, and will hopefully give me a wee bit longer recovery before attempting the longer run tomorrow night instead.

My lunchtime run took me to 501 miles for the year so far which I am pleased with.  Last weekend was a big one, I did a really good 21 mile Fast Finish Long Run on Saturday followed by 26 miles on the West Highland Way on Sunday.  So no big surprise really that I am tired. I’v ebeen here before many times and know that I am in those last few difficult weeks before tapering starts.

There are now less than 6 weeks left until the Boston marathon.  The real trick now is to keep the training going while staying healthy. My training plan for the next few weeks looks a bit like this:

B-6 50 miles Long run 17 miles at race pace

B-5 37 miles. Alloa Half marathon aiming for PB pace

B-4 68 miles. Back to back weekend 14 miles race pace and 30 miles easy

B-3 50 miles. Last longrun 22 miles FFLR and start taper

B-2 30 miles. Tapering.

B-1 15 miles. Tapering

B+0 40 miles Race and Recover

B+1 62 miles including 53 mile Highland Fling race.

I am looking forward to my 17 mile race pace run this weekend. It will be a real test of what sort of pace I can realistically shoot for at Boston. Things have been going well so here’s hoping I get a nice surprise!

Talking of nice surprises, my new racing shoes arrived today. Brooks Racer St5. This will be my shoe for race day, so I shall run maybe 30 miles in them over the next few weeks and treat them very nicely to keep them happy for marathon day.

Brooks Racer ST5
Brooks Racer ST5

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