14th May 2007

5 Mile Training Run (Taper)

14th May 2007

Conditions: Mild / Sunny

Notes: Having really enjoyed the run with my friends on Saturday, we all decided to do the course again, except in reverse. We figured that the course this way around would be slightly faster as the hills are not quite as grueling, so I was expecting a faster time. This however was not my aim as this is a taper run that should be relatively easy. For this reason I would not be going ‘gung ho’ trying to beat it.
The toughest part of this course was the first half mile as it is a steep climb up Claramount Road towards the top of Marlpool. I took it really steady going up the hill so not to tire myself out for the rest of the run. I had a quick glance back and saw my friends pushing their bikes up but I carried on alone as I knew they would soon catch me once on Ilkeston Road. Once at the top of Marlpool I concentrated on my breathing and soon enough I was running with ease and really enjoying it.
I passed through the windy streets at the top of Marlpool where the heavens opened at the end of Saturdays run, and then before I knew it I was running down past Hardy Barn on Ilkeston Road. Next minute Ste and his bro’ came flying past me as we approached the turn off down the long slope to MFN. This of course was far more enjoyable that the first leg as I was running down the hill as opposed to up it.
Once at the bottom of the hill I went over the bridge and crossed the canal for the final leg back to Ste’s house. Ste and his bro’ had decided to take a slightly different (longer) route back and I was well into the stretch of canal before they even appeared. As I was so far in front I wanted to keep this lead so I upped my pace which took its toll on my legs but I never had to stop unlike the first leg. Just before the turn off to Langley Mill Ste appeared behind me so I slowed off for the final push.
We passed through the alleyways and paths and soon enough we came out at the bottom of Ste’s street and although very tired I sprinted up the hill as my final ’kick’ and I looked at my watch and we had completed the course nearly four minutes faster than Saturday, and without stopping.
In closing I am really enjoying having friends on my training sessions with me. They enjoy it too so we will be deciding on our next route ready for my next run on Wednesday. As for my leg it feels ok this morning ands with the Marathon a mere twelve days away I am very please that my injury seems to be getting better rather than worse.

Run Time: 38.38

Days to Edinburgh Marathon: 13



"If I faltered, there would be no arms to hold me and the world would be a cold and forbidding place."