2018

[marathondan]

Into the new year, and I suppose Post Marathon Maintenance Program becomes Pre Marathon Maintenance Program.

After some uninspiring slogs and putting on a few pounds over the Christmas break, I have got back into my weekly pyramid session. The bar is now set at 9:45 for the first mile, increasing to 7:45 for the last. My first two attempts at it were woeful, but as I returned to my weekly pavement route to Windsor, I was delighted to find that I was just able to squeeze out the target time at the third attempt. Brutal, but I made it. And then remarkably, the next week was a bit easier, and the following week a bit easier still. Four successes and I move the bar higher. So, it seems it is possible to keep on improving on just one well-chosen run a week.

However, I have a recurring swelling on my left heel, close to where I had a dodgy Achilles a few years back (which kept me out for a whole year). I think this stems from some runs last summer in old shoes that had a worn lining. I run, it rubs, it swells up, therefore it rubs more; vicious circle. While I'm only running once a week, a bit of ice and rest is enough to keep it at bay. But in about 3 months time I will need to up my game, and I need it completely gone by then. So, sadly, two or three weeks off for me I think, to see if it improves. A shame, as half term is coming up, and I was looking forward to getting off the beaten track a bit. Still, must look at the big picture.

Jan: 29 miles