Hot, hot, hot......hills, hills, hills........
Jul04201110:57 p.m.
Well, the title says it all - it's been really quite hot this week but I've managed to stick to the training plan and tick off all the runs.
Tuesday was a 3 mile run so I just did one of my usual routes near home. It was lovely and sunny. Half way round I bumped into a lady with a lovely labrador guide dog. As Guide Dogs for the Blind is one of my favourite running charities I just had to stop for a quick chat. She was keen to hear about my fund-raising for GDFB (and I was keen to launch into the London Marathon chat!) Speaking to her gave me a real adrenaline boost and I sped off back home!
Wednesday was 5 miles, again in the lovely sunshine and I chose a different route that included a couple of hills! Yes - you heard correct - HILLS! I am really making an effort to try and incorporate more hills into my running. Even though some nights they are 'gradual inclines' it's better than flat.....
Thursday - 3 miles. Hill........... I was slightly nervy about wearing the new trail shoes again tonight as last week the Left orthotic had rubbed, causing a tiny blister. But I put some bodyglide on both feet and hey presto - no problems. Maybe they just need wearing in a little more than I usually have to do with my road shoes.
This week's Long Slow Run was only 7 miles on Saturday as it's a step-back week. And to be honest I was really glad as it was just sooooo very hot. We went to a local Hall/park with lovely grounds & cafe. K got a coffee while I trotted off to get all sweaty! Kept it slow due to the heat (and hills!) - Mile 1) 11:53 2) 11:43 3) 12:09 4) 10:36 5) 10:31 6) 12:21 7) 11:04 Time - 1 hr 20:19. Average pace 11:29.
This week's cross training on Sunday morning was an hour walk on a local hill so I could work out some new routes for my short mid-week runs. I walked round 3 small lodges and got spooked by a squirrel that ran out in front of me and made me jump and I also saw a heron at very close quarters.
So, this week the mileage picks up again, both on the midweek runs and on the long slow run. I may have to adjust things next weekend as I'm doing some big walks in the Lake District. I probably won't be able to squeeze my long run in so may just have to put this down as a big walk instead! Guess it's all good training. And it will probably be the same mileage but just slower!
Have a good week everyone!
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Comments (13)
Skye_Trekker 'I'm so impressed that you have been able to stick to your training schedule - especially in this heat. Hope you enjoy your trip to the Lake District ' added 4th Jul 2011
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Johnf 'The hill training will help for the Lake District walks. We have just come back and had a couple of great ones. I'd love to do all Wainwrights walks but not sure my other half is quite so keen on the idea.' added 5th Jul 2011
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Firefly123 'Good work, Alison and well done for sticking to the plan, despite the warm weather. Enjoy walking in The Lake District.' added 5th Jul 2011
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tinabee 'Love the fact that you are adding hills in to your runs now despite not liking them that much. You will feel the benefit of them before long. Hope you have a smashing time in the Lakes.' added 5th Jul 2011
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maxineslade 'Your blog is definitely one of the reasons that I got back on the thread. Its a great reminder that if others can run when it is hot then so can I! well done on the hills. Did you have any more aches in the legs or was it ok?' added 5th Jul 2011
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Nick 'Enjoy the Lake District. You'll just have to record that walk as a very slow run!' added 5th Jul 2011
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Hat 'You are sooooo good!!! I don't think anyone likes hills do they? I certainly don't and nor does my heart and lungs! But hill training works and you don't have to make it a long session, so it can be over quite quickly! Hah! I hope you have a wonderful time in the Lake District next week - you wouldn't like to come to the French Alps with me in Sept then???! I know...work, money, life.- it's hard - I shall be living on a student loan for the next 3 years, so I'm getting in there quick with my trips - although, obviously I am being paid to run the camp in Sept (which is fabby!!)...But I would so love to get our 'group' together out there - we'd have such fun. Maybe next year...xx' added 6th Jul 2011
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Alaistair 'Good to see your including hills in your build up to Kielder, should pay big rewards come race day...' added 6th Jul 2011
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Alaistair 'Good to see your including hills in your build up to Kielder, should pay big rewards come race day...' added 6th Jul 2011
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Jenny1961 'As ever you are extremely disciplined when it comes to sticking to your training plan! I'm so glad you are getting to like hills...or rather not dreading them so much! You will soon feel the benefit and it will get easier as time goes on. Promise! That walking in the Lakes sounds like perfect cross training to me. Of course you could always sneak in a little hill run now and then! ;0' added 6th Jul 2011
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simonedumergue 'Much as I hate hills they are so darn effective in increasing fitness and stamina! And you get buns of steel into the bargain! Hope you have a fab time in the Lake District - that should still get the heart pumping :-)' added 7th Jul 2011
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moose10 'well done on continuing to stick to the plan, I only wish I had your commitment. Enjoy the Lake Disrtict and yet more hills the beautiful scenery will make it all worth while. ' added 7th Jul 2011
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moose10 'well done on continuing to stick to the plan, I only wish I had your commitment. Enjoy the Lake Disrtict and yet more hills the beautiful scenery will make it all worth while. ' added 7th Jul 2011
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