Tuesday 1st May

The week leading up to the marathon, what a week it was! Unusually I had a series of migraines and then on Friday and Saturday just didn’t feel well at all. I was even wondering if I was going to be able to run the marathon the next day. The thought of all that training and then not being able to race was not good!

However, early Sunday morning, I felt all right, as far as you can tell at 5.30am before you are thinking of running 26.2 miles! I decided to go for it.

My friend very kindly offered to get up early and drive me there even though she wasn’t running herself. We arrived in rain and some hail and then the rain and wind continued for the majority of the race which all added to the challenge. I think it was even wetter and colder than the Snowdonia Marathon in 2010.

I broke the run down into sections. I tried to convince myself it was only 3 lots of 7 miles up to 21 miles then only another 5.2 miles after that. Actually the first 18-20 miles seemed to come round relatively quickly. However, the last 6 miles definitely felt a long 6 miles and I was very pleased to see my family and my friend at the finish line with a time of 4 hours and 9 minutes. I had hoped to do it in 4 hours or slightly under but I am just so relieved that I was actually able to run on the day.

Will I do another one? Never say never hey!

One more week to go before the Greater Manchester Marathon. No more need for really long runs now, in fact this last week of training has been very low on mileage.

I ran with one of my friends on Tuesday when we did a reasonably brisk 7 mile run. I played squash with my son on another day and did a gentle cycle ride on Friday. Today I have run a steady 10 miles which included a run on Pwllheli beach which was lovely. Managed to avoid the torrential rain early morning and ran in sunshine and a breeze. Lovely views. Somewhat different to those in London where some of my friends were running today in the London Marathon.

Next week, my final week of marathon training, I’ll only be running short distances again. I also need to make sure I drink and eat well this coming week, especially the few days before the marathon rather than just the day before.

Three more weeks of training done! I’ve had more limited time over this last 3 weeks but I think most of my runs have been quality runs. If I’ve only had time to run 4-8 miles I’ve managed to run them at a faster pace and included some hills as well.

Our long run on 28^th March was a useful experience. We managed to run just over 20 miles and actually did the reverse route of a previous 20 mile route. Being just before Easter it was still really hot.  Although I felt as though I was drinking regularly, by mile 14 ish the level of water in my water bottle was surprisingly still quite high. I did consequently increase my frequency of sips and certainly made sure I drank plenty once we’d completed our run. However my friend and I still felt as though we’d got a mild handover the next day, without a drop of alcohol passing our lips!

The second important lesson I learnt was my need to regularly use my energy gels. I had one from about mile 7 to 12 (I can never face one all in one go, much to the amusement of my running companion who can down hers all in one go!) However, by the time we got to mile 14, I felt we were on the homeward stretch so didn’t bother using a 2^nd gel. I felt a little nauseous for the last few miles so lesson learnt!

At the end of that week we were in Bala for the weekend and I was let out for a run. I ran 13 miles around Llyn Tegid which included a bit of off road orienteering to avoid the main road. A field of gorse and brambles did nothing to help my pace but it was a good run and just when I was admiring how well sign posted the path was, it promptly disappeared.

I was again short of time during the 2^nd week but squeezed in a couple of speedy sessions. I also chose to run  a rather hilly route from Bala sailing Club which included an excursion up to a small village called Parc via Rhy-uchaf where there’s a house with masses of Christmas decorations. As a guide book would say, a steady climb which is rewarded by lovely views! The other aspect of this run which was different is that I had to run it without my geeky GPS watch. It made me realise how used I am to checking my pace and seeing how far I’d gone. That day I just had to check my phone to see what time it was having noted what time I started. Good to run without gadgets sometimes.

This last run lasted about 2 hours 40 minutes so I made sure I used 2 gels. I also wanted to try the type of gels that will be at the drinks station on the day of the Greater Manchester Marathon. The Clif Energy gels are quite sweet and a lot thicker than the SIS gels I’m used to using. Ideally I should have tried them earlier but I didn’t realise that they were on offer. I think I need to try them again before race day even though they had no adverse affects!

25^th March, Sunday.

Another 2 weeks of training for the Greater Manchester Marathon. During the first week my friend and I set out and completed a 20.5 mile run which I found all right. I was glad to finish but actually had the feeling that I could have gone further if I really had to! Result! My other runs were shorter but a faster pace so generally a good week. I felt more positive that all was going to be well on race day.

Over the following week I didn’t have time to do a particularly long run. I attended a Running Conference in Kettering on Wednesday 21^st March, which was excellent. It covered various topics including hamstring and groin injuries. Obviously a certain amount of rest is required after an injury but it did emphasise the importance of early strengthening and core stability exercises to assist in the healing process. The importance of specific muscle strengthening and core stability work was also discussed in the prevention of injuries.

I did mainly shorter speedier sessions last week including a 3 mile run for Sports Relief with my 10 year old daughter today. She decided that a 1 mile run wasn’t really long enough. I wonder if she will be saying that about a marathon in a few years’ time. Watch this space.

Sarah Guinan

On the Wednesday I managed a 19.5 mile run which went all right even though there seemed a lot more uphill than downhill. We ran on country lanes, grassy footpaths. I had problems with slight nausea over the last 3 miles which I think was related to having sports drink as well as sport gel. I think a combination of water in my bottle and a sports gel works better for me.

Friday’s run was a faster pace (tempo) run along the canal when I ran at a comfortably hard pace for 10 miles. Saturday I ran for fun, just 3 miles along a lovely beach in Aberdovey. The sun was just setting, the beach was empty and the surf was impressive. After some hard runs during the week, it was good just to run as I felt comfortable, without bothering about how far or how fast.

This last week has also seemed quite hard. I confidently began my Tuesday run, planning on doing a tempo run of about 7 miles, only to find that my legs had other ideas. They just felt really sluggish. I did hope that the reason for this was that I was going so fast but alas, my geeky GPS watch never lies, and sadly my average pace was not as impressive as I’d have hoped.

The next day was when I planned to do my long run so I suggested to my mate that we should go for a slightly shorter 16.5 mile run but aim for a flat route along the River Dee. Always good to have a slightly easier week, I thought, if I was feeling tired after a tough week. Well, there had been rain the night before so parts of the route from Eccleston to Holt were quite muddy and therefore quite slippery. That in itself was tough at times. As we crossed the bridge at Holt, ready for the homeward stretch, the wind hit us. We then had a 4 mile return journey against a strong headwind. Crossing what seemed like endless stiles was an added challenge with tired legs.

I have to admit to feeling a little disheartened after this last run.  I kept reminding myself that although I might still have to deal with a headwind during the actual marathon, stiles and mud should be minimal!

However, a bike ride on Friday with my husband made a refreshing change from running ,followed by a steady 11 mile run into Chester yesterday, along with a 3 mile gentle run with my 10 year old daughter,  have helped to  restore my enthusiasm to run again next week.

Sarah Guinan

Suffice to say as part of the Aston Martin Racing Team, I have had the pleasure of working with some of the world’s top physiotherapists.

On my return to the UK I needed to find a physiotherapist who understood the nature of my work and in whom I could trust.

Katie and her team are undoubtedly the best in the business. I put blind faith in their knowledge and attention to detail.  I can’t speak highly enough about the level of service they provide and I always know I am in safe hands when I work with them.

Thank you for keeping me on the track!

Andy Meyrick (Aston Martin Racing Team)

Marathon Blog Part 6

Week Commencing Sunday 19^th February.

It was a better week this week but I am still conscious that we need to make our longer runs longer. However, having had a quiet week last week due to half term and not feeling well, , we thought it would be better to gradually build up this week in preparation for a longer run next week.

At the start of the week I ran in snow which was lovely and discovered a new path. I just ran at a steady pace and managed to cover 11.5 miles.

During our first run of the week together, which was 6 miles, one of us unfortunately began to feel sick and we decided that she was perhaps dehydrated after not having drunk as much over the last few days. It’s not just important to keep up your fluids whilst running but it’s also important to keep drinking plenty before a run, especially if it is a long one or even your race day run.

On the Wednesday we did an hour and a half run but around Llandegla forest. I’m sure there was more up than down! Only ran 9 miles but it was tough. Fridays run was 12 miles but flatter.

Total mileage this week:  About 40 miles.

Sarah Guinan

It was all going so well! I’ve been managing to run regularly and I’ve been gradually increasing my mileage and then this last week I’ve not managed to run much at all. I’ve been full of cold and therefore not had my usual enthusiasm to run.  I have to keep reminding myself that a Marathon Training Schedule is only a guideline and sometimes you have to go with the flow and not worry that your trainers are gathering dust not mud for a few days.

There’s actually an article in the Runners World Magazine (March issue) discussing the dilemma of whether to run or not. There are certainly times when I feel lethargic and not keen to go out but then are fine once I get going. There are of course times when I do end up having to drag myself round but on reflection this is all character building stuff. It’s all preparation for getting through potential tough times in a race and during a full marathon there’s likely to be some tough times.

Running with aches and pains is another issue. Certainly if they consistently appear when running or they linger after the end of a run it would be wise to go to a Chartered Physiotherapist for an assessment. Some advice on stretches or specific strengthening exercises may be all that is required.

I think in any training schedule there are times when you lose a little enthusiasm and perhaps you need to assess why this is. Solutions may be as simple as changing your normal running route, even doing it in the opposite direction. Running with other people is also good for keeping motivated. Not only do you know you have to go out since you’ve made an arrangement but also chatting whilst running does make the miles go faster. Joining a running club is another option, giving you the chance to run with different people and also at different paces. They usually have people who run at a range of speeds so nobody is likely to get left behind.

Anyway, yesterday evening I had a window of opportunity and decided to brave the gym and run on a treadmill, not something I do very often! I much prefer to run outside. However they do serve a purpose at times. They are good for speed work because it’s easier to control your speed because you just set the machine to go at a certain pace. If it’s really icy outside and unsafe, I have been known to run inside rather than outside. On this occasion I thought it would be a good opportunity to try out my new trainers.

I carefully chose a treadmill next to a television and overlooking the pool so I’d got something to look at, having forgotten my iPod. The Sports channel was on so I settled myself down to a steady run.  I learnt a lot about fishing on that run and next week they are talking about “tight lines”. Can’t wait! Anyway, ran for about 45 minutes.  Enjoyed my run but looking forward to getting outside again.

To summarise, not a lot of running achieved this week but I have gone for walks with the children and cycled once with them this week, it being half term, so I’ve not been a complete couch potato. However, next week the only way is up!

Sarah Guinan

38 miles this week of just steady runs.

I ran 9 miles on Sunday followed by another 6 after work on Monday.

I set out in -3 degrees C on Wednesday morning really just planning to run as far as I felt able, since I was feeling a bit tired.  I’d judged my running clothing layers to perfection. I always think if I’m slightly cold as I’m setting out then I should warm up sufficiently to be ok. If I’m warm enough at the front door before setting off or too warm I need to shed some layers.

I took some water with me in a bottle and I had some rather old gel energy sweet wrapped in foil and a gel in a tube. I had the gel sweet at about mile 8 but had slight problems getting all the foil off so ended up chewing foil as well as gel sweet! Not ideal in a race situation. It would have ruined my stats!

I quite like to have the gels in sweet form rather than in a tube because I can never stomach a whole tube in one go. Consequently, I end up carrying it a long way, taking occasional sips of gel as I go. If I squeeze too hard, I then end up having to suck gel off my gloves.

Some gels provide just a load of concentrated energy and others contain electrolytes as well, which are good particularly if you are sweating a lot and losing salts. The sports drinks are another option to replenish either energy or salt levels, but again, you just need to try them out on your training runs to see which suit you. When to use your gels is always important. I benefit most from having them earlier in a long run. If I wait until a need them then I find it’s too late and I can have problems with nausea and stomach cramps.

Back to Wednesday’s run. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I started off on quite lanes from my house, set off along familiar paths nearby and then discovered new paths that I didn’t know existed. Before I knew it I had run 17 miles although I have to say by the last few miles I was thinking I was ready for my cup of tea and my hot cross bun (I know it’s not Easter yet!). Not a particularly fast pace but obviously a good pace for me since I only felt I’d had enough near the end of my run. Interesting how I found my 14 mile run the other week almost harder than this 17 mile one. I had felt anxious about doing 14 miles the other week since I’d not run that distance in a while but on Wednesday I’d decided I was going to see how far I could go. So much psychology involved in running. Not quite just one foot in front of the other after all!

Sarah Guinan