So, for the last few weeks I have been busy running; longer runs mid week and even longer runs at the weekend. I’m not going to lie it has been hard, especially with some of the windy and wet weather we had in March. However, I completed the Surrey Half Marathon mid March which was great, it really gave me confidence to do the full distance. It was a wet miserable day but that kept me cool and it made me buy a new shiny rain jacket which I love. I treated it as a dress rehearsal for the marathon so I ate well pre race, taped up areas prone to rubbing, slept well the night before, used the clothing I will run in on race day and took my favourite SIS orange energy gels. I felt great during the race, I kept a good pace and ended up getting a 10min PB so I was really happy with that. I also felt great after the run and even managed to go shopping and cook a roast! It was amazing to see how my fitness has improved over the past few months and it was probably the first race I have ever done where I didn’t feel like my lungs were going to explode at the end!
This weekend I had my last long run of 20 miles. It was hot, it was long and it was tough. My feet suffered the most with just the pure pounding they took over that distance and my calf’s were tight, but apart from that I felt ok. I went back to my favourite place, the Basingstoke canal in Odiham. It meant I could stay on a flat route along the canal to represent the fairly flat race day. It was great to run in my charity vest which now has my name on it ready for the big day and I was grateful to Farnham triathlon club who were also training so cheered me along.
So what’s next? The final three weeks are tapering so my mileage will decrease. This is important for you muscles to recover and replenish the glucose they need for energy for race day. To be honest I am looking forwards to the smaller distances!
I would like to thank everyone who has been kind enough to sponsor me. I am pleased to say I have surpassed my target of £1800 for Spinal Research which is amazing!
https://www.spinal-research.org/
So until race day, happy running and I’ll update you after the Marathon. Look out for me on the TV!
In the mean time if you are running a 1/2 marathon or marathon and need some injury advice or massage then please get in touch.
01483 425544
Bridget Higgs MSc BSc SST
Sports Therapist