Joe Jogger Joe Blogger

 Last week of the taper in front of me. Race day is next Sunday 29th October. Training has gone ok enough but load of areas for improvement, improvements I may never take on board.

1) I had hoped to get 3 x 20 mile runs completed. In the end I settled for 2 x 22 mls

2) I had hoped to get a good few long runs completed in Cork. In the end a 18 miler with Aidan on the 2nd of September.

3) I had notions of doing speedwork once a week mile repeats and tempos. Never really happened.

4) I had hoped to get 50 miles up on the legs in September. The most was 43 miles.

5) I had hoped to get under 1hr40mins in the Charleville half. In the end I settled for a 1hr52mins.

6) I had hoped to drop the weight to under 85kg but it has remained at 87kg.

7) Rejoin a running club. Never happened.

I have  run as well as I could under the present circumstances. Weekend long runs have always occurred. I l also have generally got 3- 4 times a week. HR has also remained steady. I am a lot more comfortable getting a baseline training of 30 miles a week up on my legs. Injury wise not too bad but the ankle is still niggly. The gammy hammy/quad thing is still there on faster runs.

One week to go. Lets enjoy this one.

the last week to make a good impression

 The last week of the training cycle before the taper kicks in.....time to squeeze in that mileage....I did ok enough but not as good as last year....3 miles recovery Monday morning. I had no work that day so that was great. Spent the rest of the day cleaning, hoovering, moping and powerwashing. Tuesday was a work from home in service but it gave me a hour off to pop out for a run. Good run too 7 miles at 7.57 pace.

Wednesday was a opportunity to run up in Mayfield after work (another half day) on the old hilly route. I covered around 7 miles at 8.25 pace but it felt, well, cleansing.

Thursday no chance of a run in work and I had so much to do when I come home the whole workout slipped away.  I had run 4 days in a row and was glad to get the rest. Friday I opted for a easy 3 miler to loosen the legs.(another half day)

Saturday - the day of 3 big things - Iseult's 7th birthday party, Ire V Scotland in the Rugby World Cup and lastly and most importantly a 22 mile run in Charleville. 

The run was hanging over me all week and their was moments at mile 7 and 13 mile I was feeling the strain.  However on a positive note I did plough through. By mile 20 I was on the last legs but battled through for the last 2 miles. The same boring route but solid overall pace 8.58 to 9min pace and good HR 145. Delighted to have got it done. My second 22 mile run of the cycle. Not sure where I stand for Dublin Ithough. 42 miles for the week. Birthday party was great as was the match.

My buddy Aidan ran 23 miles. His 4th 20 plus run of his cycle. Two will do me. It will have to.