Update on training

It's been a while since I last posted about my marathon training and I apologize about that. Since I last posted, many things have happened. One of the biggest things that happened is that I've been gradually increasing my mileage and mixing my training with cross training such as gym work. Some of my runs include 21km runs to 30km runs on Sundays and 10km runs on the weekdays. Since then, I've also encountered some injuries such as tendinitis (which was pretty recent. I've been using a combination of cross training and heel drops to help alleviate the pain. Since then, It has gotten better) and also some minor knee issues (which can be helped by sitting with the back against the wall as if you are on a chair, which strengthens your knee muscles).

There and back again

Nothing too special, I just did a 7km run going from where I usually go outward towards Vancouver and back. I didn't want to run too much because the weekend and my long runs are coming up!
Workout Summary:
7km
40 mins

Taking it easy

Today, I decided to do a smaller loop of 6.5km. I noticed that the soles of my foot is slightly hurting because the bottom of my shoes are worn out. Even though the outside doesn't appear to be broken or worn, the soles themselves are worn. I did however work on some speed today. I did a few intervals of sprints followed by intervals of my normal pace of jogging. Workout Summary: 6.5km Time: 30 mins.

Jan 15th Workout

Nothing too peculiar today, the weather was really nice, and I am more rested (compared to yesterday). The beginning of my run felt relatively simple and easy. However, towards the middle, I started to wonder when the run is going to be over. I didn't feel physically tired, but mentally I felt abit on the "bored" side. I read in marathon running books that this is very common, and is associated with loss of motivation. I guess this is just one of the obstacles that I will need to endure.

Workout Summary: 45mins 9.75KM.

Slightly Drained (Jan 14th)

Last night I got home abit late because I had a midterm (I know... a midterm on the second week of school... what is this insanity?!). The marathon program that I am trying to follow says that on average I must run 10km during the week days with a long run on the weekends. Today, I chose one of my classic routes. The thing about today that is different than the other days is that while I was running, I felt tired. Not physically tired, but mentally tired. I had voices inside my head telling me I should just cut the route shorter and go have a coffee or something... but I know I must finish the full 10km, so I pushed through it. That said, this short run felt really long.

Workout Summary
10.25km
45 minutes

Cross Training day (Jan 13th)

Today is a pretty long day, it's only the second week back at school and we already had our first midterm today. So I've decided that I am going to take today off and instead of running, do some cross training to give my running muscles a rest. 

Workout Summary:

35 minutes

Running outside

Before going out today, the first thing I said to myself was "OH MY GOD" because the moment I stepped out of my door to go to Downtown to meet my friend for a run, it was freezing cold. The rain was down pouring, and wind was blowing in all different directions. But I thought to myself "I never ran in this kind of weather before, might as well give it a try and see if I like it or not". 

When I got Downtown, I put on my compression t-shirt and my running shorts and I went off running. The beginning felt really cold because the rain was just pouring everywhere and it was hard to see with glasses on. As the run went on and my speed picked up after the warm up, it began to feel better to be running. 

Towards the end of run however, it was so cold that I couldn't feel my arms and hands. I think this was why some people were looking at me funny when I was wearing summer running gear when everyone else was dressed up in warm winter layers.

Note to self: get long sleeve compression shirts and compression underwear

Workout Summary:

10KM

50 minutes