It started with the disappointment of missing the London Marathon Ballot entry on Monday, a pain that was soothed by the unexpected completion of my first long run in some time on Tuesday, which was quite a relief as I was starting to worry I wouldn't have time to build up to a decent 20 miler before the Edinburgh Marathon on 27th May.
With that out of the way I knocked out a really comfortable recovery run on Wednesday before reality came crashing down with Thursdays Hill session that left me feeling drained and floppy...not a good pre-race preparation for my first 10k race of the season.
As I mentioned in my previous blog, I was quite stressed before the start of Friday's 10k due to a far from ideal build-up, and so was over the moon to get around with a new PB. And with a steady two on Saturday, the week was looking liking being an epic week!
Until today!
I didn't sleep very well last night for some reason and although I had planned to get out early, it was around 9:45 by the time I actually managed to get out the door.
I had decided that after a sudden upsurge in miles this week I wouldn't be pushing the pace to marathon pace, but instead would just run by my HR, keeping below 149 and in my aerobic zone. My legs were feeling quite heavy and I didn't have anything to prove with pace.
After around 2 miles I could already start to feel some discomfort in my shin; the right leg this time. It didn't seem to be getting any worse and so I continued, HR was keeping me at a slower pace, but I was sure it would be okay.
What I hadn't counted on was the sun. It was over-cast and around 7/8C when I left the house in my leggings and shower proof jacket. By the time I reach 10km the clouds were parting and it was beginning to get rather warm!
I hadn't planned to take any water with me although I did have two gels. This was an obvious mistake and I ended up asking for a cup of water from a KFC over at Cribbs Causeway retail park! To their credit they didn't make a fuss and I was hugely grateful...11 miles in and that could have been a show stopper.
As it transpired my downfall was to come a few miles later as my legs just realised they had given me too much already this week. No amount of Gel/ Water or promises of Holly's massage would keep them going and around 15 miles I knew I was beaten.
I'm not going to get too upset though. This was the first 50+ miler week for twelve weeks, and given that it included both my longest run and a 10k PB I don't think I have much to complain about...other than a grumbly worry that my shins may yet come back to bite me if I'm not careful!
My focus now is some quality tempo sessions and a taper in preparation for Edinburgh.
My 2012 mileage total now stands at 715 miles (1144km*)
that leaves just 1297miles to go.
On Day 127 of my streak I can report that I'm 16.5 miles ahead of schedule, so fingers crossed I will be able to bank
*I'm more than half way to my original goal of 2012km
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