So tired

The training is finally kicking in.  The benefits are starting to show with my running speed increasing and feeling a little stronger in the pool.

The downside is that I'm so tired.  I keep dozing off.  I'm currently sitting with my laptop trying to work but I've fallen asleep three or four times.  Admittedly, I'm trying to write a paper on the lack of male teachers in primary education and I'm reading some very dry literature.

I know I need to start getting to bed a bit earlier.  I'm not very good at that.  I start my second phase of teaching practice in two weeks which is going to wipe me out.

My swimming lesson was really good today.  We were doing a drill called catch-up.  Its like a full stroke but you keep flatter in the water and touch your hands together outstretched after each stroke.  Helps with gliding, being outstretched, being more streamlined and getting into a rhythm.  I really enjoyed it and felt my confidence rise a little.  Got to decide what to do tomorrow; either a long run (10 miles) or a long cycle (2-3 hours).  I'm tempted to cycle as I need to dust the bike down and get out there especially if the weather is ok.

Big Weekend

Normally, after running a 15 mile race, I'd take the next day off. Not today. It was my wife's birthday and we were going to her sister's for lunch. My youngest daughter had a birthday party to go to first but my wife suggested she go to the party and I run to her sisters.

So the choice was to stay in bed for longer and run 13 miles or get up and go to a kids party. Even though my legs were like lead, I chose the run option.

I had to run with a rucksack as my wife didn't take my change of clothes which didn't make things easy. The weather was fine, too warm if anything. I walked up to the Common just to stretch my legs and then set off. Nothing really hurt and I didn't have any pain in the usual places but I just had no energy. I couldn't get any speed and just plodded along. I quickly realised I just had to get through it.

I thought I might get a few waves of energy and be able to pick up the pace but it never happened. Hills were the worst parts and climbing up to Crystal Palace was torture. I did have a couple of short walking breaks but eventually made it to Keston in around 2 hrs 15 mins.

So that was 28 miles in two days. I'm not sure I've ever run that far before in two days. I haven't run the day before or after any of my marathons and when I've run 20 mile training runs, I've not run more than 5 before or after. I new record I guess.