A big weekend!

In four weeks time, I will be taking part in the Dulux London Revolution Trails event aiming for ultramarathon distance on a route that starts in Marlow, loops around the Chilterns and then follows the River Thames down to Windsor. The route is described by race organisers as "a diverse mix of hilly trails, historic woodland paths and flat riverside running past Thameside towns"... sounds idyllic apart from the distance!

I entered a few weeks ago and have gradually been getting my mind and body prepared for the challenge; building up my weekly mileage and adding in hills, trails and solo runs to my weekly schedule of running... I knew that this week was a crucial one in my training to give me a bit more confidence for the challenge ahead.

Having struggled through a 3-mile solo run after work on Wednesday, Thursday's run was designated as "fun hills" with the Potters Trotters - a good combination of hills and trails making use of the University's nature reserve... run up, run down, run up, run down... don't give up. Given that I'm the little sister in my family, I'm sure my big sister Jenni can relate to this quote I found about hill training:

And then to the weekend; I set myself the goal of running approximate race distance over the course of runs on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. After work on Friday, it took lots of effort to change into running gear and head out of the door for run number 1... I even sat on the stairs for a while summoning up the courage/energy. Eventually I got moving and after starting over slowly and feeling sluggish, I got into my stride and even managed a personal best for running up Birches Head Road.

Run 1 - 6.5 miles - done!

Then to Saturday... leaving home at just before 8, my goal was to complete a few miles before Hanley parkrun, then make up the distance required with a little bit extra afterwards. As with Friday's run, the first mile seemed to be a real challenge for both my mind and my body; tired legs and an anxious mind. I thought back to previous running adventures and achievements, bringing back good memories and reminding me of what's possible - for some reason, it was remembering the London Enduro Run in 2014 that did the trick and I was moving well again. Catching up with friends before, during and after parkrun helped with motivation too - special thanks to Kirsten and Julie for their encouragement. After another couple of miles, I had time for a little break and joined some of the Potters Trotters for coffe and a chat.

Run 2 - 10 miles - done!

Home for a couple of hours and refuelling with crumpets and a Mr Kipling's Lemon Bakewell (the food of champions clearly), when Mr T set off to watch Stoke, I set off for 5 more miles. It felt like I was running around in circles a little bit, especially when I followed some of the same route as earlier in the day but I actually enjoyed this run and felt much more confident running solo this time.

Run 3 - 5 miles - done!

More refuelling - pizza for tea and then a good night's sleep - and I was actually up and ready early on Sunday for the final run of my big weekend. I was joining Liz, Jane and Emma for a few miles along the canal and it was definitely my most enjoyable run of the weekend. It was a chance to catch up, breathe deeply and enjoy a lovely sunny Sunday morning. Thanks ladies for your company.

Run 4 - 10 miles - done!

It's been a big weekend, but I've got through it.

Same again next week.