Longest run of the Plan.

Saturday 07/10/06:
Have to say, I have struck it pretty lucky with the weather lately! After two days of cold, windy weather, I was hoping I would not have to do my longest training run of the plan in such blustery, difficult conditions... Sure enough, although it was only 8 degrees C at 6.30am when I headed out, the wind had dropped, the sky was clear and it was a lovely day for a long run.

I chose a loop that I knew was approx 20km and had a few hills, but nothing like what I covered last Saturday. I wanted to concentrate on covering the distance comfortably, without aggrevating the two tight hard lumps that I still have in the muscle at the side of my knee. This is feeling much better, but when I rub the Anti-Flam in it is still extremely sore and lumpy in two places...

Had the radio for company and again carried Replace in my Fuelbelt, this time at half-strength. This worked better - I did not get the stitch at all. Kept the pace nice and steady throughout. Hit a big, long hill after 45mins which I handled ok and cruised down the other side. By now I was on roads that I hadn't run since marathon training just over 2 yrs ago. Also ran past the old house I grew up in and past the streets of two of my best friends at different points. Was tempted to stop and go visit for about half a second!

Over the last 5kms, my legs tired considerably and my right one was feeling a bit tight in places, but at no point did I feel like slowing down. Had a good laugh when I saw a cat stalking two ducks the were wandering around its lawn! Before I knew it I was back in the main road leading to home. The last km or so was a little uncomfortable, but only cos I was in need of the bathroom!

Brisk walk warmup: 5mins
Steady paced run: 101mins (20km)
Brisk walk cooldown: 5mins

Prior to running previous half marathons, my longest training runs were 18kms. But as I have been following this plan fairly closely, I went with it. Of course this plan is done on time, not distance, so a 100min run would differ in distance for everybody. But doing steady 5min kms makes it nice and simple. Of course I don't plan on being out there for 100mins on the day, I am hoping for closer to 95mins, but we will see! It is a hilly course after all - last time I did it in 97mins, but that was my first Half Marathon ever... and I feel I have trained better this time than I did back then. Mind you, I was 3 years younger!

Overall a good run today, but my legs did feel a little tight and tired afterwards. Did plenty of stretching, which helped, and I will sleep in the Skins again tonight... any excuse!

Have to say that since then (its now 3.30pm) all I have wanted to do is eat and drink! So I have! Talk about pig out! Had a dentist appt at 11.30am and since getting the all clear there I have even indulged in a few "sweet treats"!

Tomorrow is meant to be a rest day from running, although I may do a walk or a bike ride. Can't possibly sit around doing no exercise while all those Melbourne Marathon participants are out there doing their thing! Good luck guys and girls!