Week 7 was a designated 'easy' week - 20 minute, 30 minute and 50 minute runs. The 20 minute one didn't happen, I went out for the night instead, the 30 minute one was a bit rubbish (because I'd been out for the night), and the 50 minute one was fine. So that's week 7 in two sentences, on to week 8!
Tuesdays remain jinxed. I only managed 35 minutes of what was supposed to be a 50 minute run. My joints all felt locked up, stiff and inflexible, and I was knackered before I even set out. Thankfully, my brilliant Pilates teacher Angela was able to get my hips working properly again on Wednesday, and Thursday's run was just fine. If anything my main problem, which carried through into my 12 miler on Saturday, is that as I get fitter and therefore faster, I struggle not to start off too quickly and burn out too early. That said, the extra fitness was a bonus when we climbed the O2 on Thursday afternoon, which was brilliant and the sort of cross training I can heartily recommend.
So, we come to the 12 miler (19.3km). Having tackled 10 miles two weeks ago, I at least had a sense of what to expect. This time, though, I came prepared. This is the stage at which the training plan demands you start practising 'H&N' - hydration and nutrition - and the training plan must be obeyed. I decided to factor in two five minute walk breaks for water and sport beans (gels are just too... urgh; it's the texture) at around 8km and 15km.
The first 5km were fine, still a little too fast, though I was consciously trying to slow it down a bit. I had a surprise visitor at 6km, when my husband appeared beside me on his bike and cycled alongside for five minutes before sprinting off to get his own miles in. I couldn't believe how much that unexpected visit made me grin, and what a boost it was - I really hope that's a taste of what spotting friends and family along the marathon route will be like!
I was feeling fine when I got to 8km and the first planned H&N break. I was really tempted to keep going, but had to remind myself that the whole point of having a plan in place is so you don't wait till you feel knackered before taking on water and energy, so I dutifully walked for five minutes while munching a couple of sport beans and drinking some water, now unpleasantly lukewarm from being clutched in my hand for 8km.
Once I started running again, I didn't feel any immediate effect, but I did notice the benefit once I hit the 12km mark that had left me feeling crap on the 10 mile run. I still had a bit of a low, but it didn't come with that total lack of energy, and I was able to power through it. I felt like I needed the 15km H&N though, despite only having one sport bean this time, both because there were only a few km to go, and because having two the first time had created some ominous stomach sensations - even though you're supposed to have up to eight in one go!
Through to 17km then felt fine, but the last 2km were horrible. I didn't feel tired in energy terms, but my feet were hurting and my legs were knackered. When I was finally done it was just a huge relief, both because I couldn't have done more, and because I actually did it! Looking back at my times, I was pretty consistent throughout, but it was indeed those last 2km when my time per km slowed by over 30 seconds.
That said, even with the two H&N walk breaks and a slow last 2km, the run overall was faster than the 10 miler, and that's got to be good. Especially as on marathon day, I've got to do that distance twice plus a bit...
Don't forget, I'm running the London Marathon in support of Crisis. If you're enjoying this diary of my suffering, why not donate a few quid to help end someone else's? http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/nikidjlondon2015
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