Just thought id collect my thoughts as to how my training for the marathon of the north is going. Past 2 weeks i have managed to get an 18 mile run in, and I'm currently averaging around 40 miles a week. The numbers aren't massive, but I have been doing more speed work than ever before and the longer distance I have to travel to work now means more walking and riding so I'm getting the benefits of cross training which I think is defo helping me.
With 2 full weeks of training to go before my taper I'm aiming to get to at least 20 miles, maybe 22 at a push for my longest run and my goal is still to go sub 3 hours, although I don't know if I've done enough training to get there. I guess time will tell.
On the positive side, I'm injury free, however the last couple of long runs I've done I have suffered from stomach issues (tecchy term - gi distress).
I'm using a different energy drink (asda's own brand because that is what they are going to be dishing out at the marathon of the north) so I don't know if it is that, or my food intake beforehand. On a positive note, because of this my on my 18 miler last week I only drank half a bottle, and this week only a quarter of a bottle without hitting the wall so I guess indirectly I'm training my body to use its energy stores well. As long as race day isn't too hot I'm pretty sure I can get round in water and energy gels alone so hopefully it's not a big problem.
I'm really looking forward to race day now and enjoying my running in general - plenty more racing to be had this year :-)
On a more sombre note i was saddened to hear of the passing of caballo blanco aka Micah true aka white horse, star of Chris mcdougals great book born to run. He was a great inspiration and will be sorely missed.
