The year 2012 and 12 marathons by Jenny1961

3^rd week of Jan completed

Stats:  Jantastic score- 7 runs per week and 100% score again this week. This included 2 double days so that I could have two running-free days

2012 miles in 2012 challenge

Due to a training day with my VLM charity- Children With Cancer Uk on Sunday I swapped my scheduled long run around with next week’s reduced mileage so that overall the week’s mileage dropped to 40.2 miles, resulting in a total of 148 .21 miles for the year so far- so still safely above target!  The training event took place in the Ramada Hotel just off Hyde Park so we were able to do a run in the park with the charity team wearing our charity vests. I couldn’t believe how nice the weather was- even bursts of sunshine and no gloves required although a tad windy. I spent the day catching up with May Chan- a lady I met at the London Ultra last year and who is happening to be running for the same VLM charity as me. A small world!

I love the London Parks- always a sense of energy and relaxation with loads of runners, cyclists, skateboarders, roller skaters- dog walkers- basically anything that could get in your way as a runner! ;0. Lots of tiny dogs as well- I nearly tripped over one and almost sent it flying into the lake……

 After the invigorating run round the park- just under 8 miles we indulged in a buffet lunch back in the hotel and then sat to listen to the speaker giving advice about marathon training. Of course as is my wont on a Sunday afternoon after a run – no matter how long or short- I felt the desperate urge to snooze and the heat of the room didn’t help…….no reflection on the speaker who was very good and answered a zillion training-related questions. But the overpowering urge to just close my eyes and listen was so strong.....

Two things interested me: one was the emphasis not just on the vital importance of the long run but the role that the midweek mid-long run plays in supporting the long run. I think all too often we forget this and do a load of shorter 5 to 6 mile runs ( maybe just because of time constraints). Whereas ideally we should be preparing our body for the long run by gradually increasing our midweek run to 10, 11, 12 miles even.  Maybe that’s why some of our very long runs feel so hard because the jump up from 6 or 7 miles to a 20 mile run is too great!

The other thing he said was about his nutrition. He said that as his fitness increased then his sensitivity to certain foods increased so at the peak of fitness had to avoid certain foods when training due to adverse effect on gastro-intestinal system!

ExCel and Olympic Gamesmaker volunteer interview

As promised this took place on Friday after work. The first thing we were told was that due to the huge number of applicants for the volunteer posts not everyone had been invited for interview so I guess we were lucky to even be there! We were ushered into pods and asked 10 questions. I hate those types of questions such as ‘think of one time when you went out of your way to help somebody’….because invariably my mind goes blank and I can’t remember anything and then think I must be the most self-centred person on earth. And then as soon as the interview is over things come flooding back! I was able to talk about my huge interest in running and I think he was impressed by my having completed 2 Ultras and triathlons. At least it demonstrated that I have stamina………   I wasn’t sure else how else I could express my motivation and enthusiasm for volunteering for a post which will probably involve manning the venue entry gates- i.e security!

Actually the interviews took place just next to the Victoria Docks which I passed as I went into the building- the very place of the London Triathlon. I still can’t believe I have actually swum 3 times in that murky looking dock with mixed results….which still haunt my dreams!

Not sure when I’ll hear. They are still interviewing so it could be a while. I’ll be disappointed not to be accepted but if I am- I guess that will free me up to watch it all on TV!

Cross-training- squats etc- introducing the side plank as new exercise of the week

Going well! A miracle that I have kept this up for 3 solid weeks. The reason I am keeping it up is because I am truly seeing results in terms of a huge reduction in shoulder and upper arm pain and also fewer back niggles. In only 3 weeks.

The daily routine has included the usual mix of squats, lunges, press-ups, planks and also using the resistance band for my arms and shoulders. I rested on Friday ( actually- I feel asleep on the sofa before I got to do them…)  so tested myself on Saturday by doing a double dose (good to shock the body a bit)

So Saturday ended up with 4 x 20 press-ups. ( On the 1^st Jan I struggled to do five…) . 6 x 25 squats. 4 x 20 lunges, planks up to 51 secs each.  2 x 20 heel lifts and drops on stair. 2 x side planks

The side-plank- I can only do this for 30 secs ( shaking a bit) on my right side and a max of 20 secs on my left side.  In fact I have difficulty hoiking my body up on my left side- it is definitely much weaker…

Aim for next week with regards to the planks is continue increasing the time by one second each day on both front and side planks. Add one legged squats to the programme. I find these incredibly difficult due to very poor balance so any tips greatly received!

My legs feel in good nick with minimal aches and pains so onwards and upwards .Next week will see me increasing the mileage up into the low 50s. Bit of a mixed bag at work this week so will be mixing and matching my running schedule. Wednesday evening is Open Evening so a long day at work in the college so only one run that day . Am aiming to increase the morning one to 9-10 miles (if I can leave the house in time!)

 Have a good week everyone