Week 11/18 - Ballycotton Series results

Week 10/18 - 31 miles with 14 mile long run

Am my gawd, how am I going to run 26.2 miles???? Am just in from running 14 miles. The knee pain encountered a few weeks back reared its ugly self again when I stopped for water (bottle retrieved from under a hedge) at the 11 mile mark at Muskerry. Looking back at my notes, it was at around the 11 mile mark that this happened last time a few weeks back. Hmm... Stopped, stretched out the leg and walked about 200 metres. Undefeated, I ran on in pain for about another mile and then I was fine again after a while. Felt pretty good when I got to the 14 mile mark - my front door.

Had my brother man the water station at the 6.5 mile mark. Team Eileen in the making!!! Nice to have a familiar face appear upon the route...

Right, must go search for that dress I want to wear tonight. Haven't seen it in weeks and I just remembered it's existence during the run earlier...

Week 10/18 - The t-shirt is all mine!!!

Was in Ballycotton again last night with my sights set on a t-shirt issued to the top 15 lady finishers for the Summer Series of 5-milers.

Having chips for lunch wasn't a great idea but I tried to stay focused on my posture and take advantage of the downhills. In the end I managed a time of 36:23, and that combined with a couple of 'no shows' on the night meant that I worked my way into the top 15 (awaiting official results).

Just need to work out how to shrink it in the dryer now...

Psyching myself up for 14 miles training run tomorrow. It will be the usual circuit of the Straight Road - Bishopstown - Ballincollig with the addition of the Mardyke and back to Victoria Cross. On track for 31 miles this week...

Week 9/18 - 30 miles run with 12.5M long

Yes, I did it - I completed the 12.5 mile route that left me injured a few weeks back. This time around I was a lot more prepared - much fitter and with mini-bottles of water and Energise hidden in bushes along the way. It was my first run with Energise and wow, it really got me through the 9th mile at Raheen. Fabulous stuff!!

Was feeling great at the 12 mile mark and thought

about running further but then I figured a plan's a plan and so I stuck to it.

All guns blazing for the final Ballycotton Summer 5 Mile Series run on Thursday. Top 15 women get a souvenir t-shirt & I'm in 16th place after 3 races!!!!

Week 9/18 Half Way There

Decided that I'd keep a record of the second half of my preparations for the Dublin marathon on 26th October - my first marathon.

I have to admit that I wasn't 100% focused for the first nine weeks. Yes, I was training regularly but only when I felt like it and not exactly keeping record of what I was doing either. I was a bit sloppy with warm-ups and stretching and never having experienced a sports injury I thought I was invincible...

Week 5/18 was up to 12.5 miles, going well and feeling positive. Week 6 did 4 miles on the treadmill Mon & Tues and then the killer - cycled 34 miles on a round-trip to Sneem followed by a 5 mile road race in Kinsale the next day (personal best 35:41). Saturday woke up and couldn't even run around the corner. I was out of action for a week and a half with a damaged nerve near my right knee.

I'm back on form now - my confidence is back up again, as well as speed and distance. Tomorrow I plan to do that 12.5 mile route again, without damage this time.

I'm going to do this!!!!