17th April 2007

Syntax 10k

17th April 2007

Training Run

Conditions: Mild, Dry

Notes: With the light nights here I decided the try the six mile run home that I have dubbed the ‘Syntax 10k’. I have run this route once before but as stated in my previous log entry (5th February 2007) the run was very dangerous as it leads down country lanes with no street lights. Apart from the danger of the run I really enjoyed it so I was looking forward to the run home.
I did the one mile warm up to the scrap metal merchants near the Odeon Cinema and once I had stretched I was off. I had learnt a valuable lesson on Sunday when running my fifteen mile long run. That lesson was not to run above my lactate threshold pace for long runs. I have found that no matter how hard I try I always run too fast too soon. I was determined to get it right tonight so I set off up the hill towards Oakwood at a very steady pace. Running at a mid eight minute mile pace (my lactate threshold pace) made the hill very easy and with hard concentration on my breathing I was not out of breath or tired in the slightest once at the top. The only pain I had was an aching in my calf’s but if this was like my last few runs that would soon go away.
I ran through the next mile with the aching still there and down towards Broomfield I was still suffering. I remember think I would have to stop to stretch but I pushed through it mentally and soon enough it was gone. I saw a runner coming towards me down the hill, and just seeing someone else gave me a burst of energy.
Once around the corner and into mile four I was feeling pretty good and then suddenly it happened. The ‘Superman’ theme tune came on my Ipod and I felt the most amazing and surreal amount of energy fill my body. Now I did not panic and start running too fast I simply kept the pace I was going at, and I was running along with shivers going up and down my spine and with a huge smile on my face. This was probably the best I have felt at any one moment since running, apart from crossing the finish line for my first half marathon in Worksop.
The course then turned a corner for the long straight past Morley Hayes. Normally when it was dark I run along the very uneven and dangerous path, but it was light and I was flying high so I ran down the side of the road. This did not seem to bother the drivers as each pulled out next to me and passed safely by me. I remember telling myself to keep this steady pace going, as after the decline down towards Smalley Cross comes the subsequent incline up to Smalley Village.
I took it steady down towards Smalley Cross and remember thinking shortly after that my legs felt a little tight. One thing that was fine however was my fitness, no stitch, no shortage for breath, just a gut full of determination to run the upcoming hill without slowing, tiring or stopping. I ran the hill at the same steady pace I had ran the previous five miles and once at the top I felt fine. Without doubt it was the best I have felt at the top of that hill. I breezed the final straight through Smalley Village and on approaching the final corner I was feeling that good that I had got myself into the mindset that I was approaching the finish line in Edinburgh with all my friends cheering me on. I kicked it and sprinted the final hundred yards and crossed the line feeling fantastic and very proud of how I had approached and completed this training run. I had finished a run wanting to continue which is always a good sign.
In closing I have finally completed a run, running at my lactate threshold pace and boy did it male a difference. I didn’t tire at the top of the hills, apart from the aching early on in the run I never contemplated stopping. This is my marathon pace. Eight and a half minute miles and even with the time I lost in Cancun and the resultant lost fitness I still strongly believe that I can run a sub four hour marathon in Edinburgh. The main thing however is finishing, and running at this speed I know I will finish and finish well.

Time: 51.12

Days to Edinburgh Marathon: 39


"Sport is not about being wrapped up in cotton wool. Sport as about adapting to the unexpected and being able to modify plans at the last minute. Sport, like all life, is about taking risks."