So this is the week where we find out if the harder training has paid off. Yikes, it's been a while hasn't it?
Training has been going well, bar a sore lower back which hopefully is sorted now. I've been focusing on the running for the past two weeks with some swimming and cycling for cross training. Thanks to Kate for repairing me over the past couple of weeks!
Running sessions have been pure speed work. My base fitness is as good as it is going to get for the time being, so work concentrated on race pace and improving lactic acid threshold. This meant doing reps at half-marathon race pace and 10km pace. An ideal session for this was a 10Km route from where I work. I did this four times in two weeks, each time breaking my 10km personal best. Hard work, but hopefully they have paid off.
I also did a 10 miler in preperation two weeks a go. I would have liked to have done one more but time was an issue. First four miles were awful but picked it up in the last six. Came home in 1hr 20, average of just over 8min miles which is positive for a mainly aerobic training run.
Picked up some racing shoes at the weekend, Saucony Fastwitch Endurance, and tried them out on a five miler this evening. They felt great, very light and fast, if a little hard. There isn't as much cushion in these as my Hurricanes, but that won't matter on Sunday! I'm turning into something of a running ponce (as well as a cycling ponce)!
So, predicted times and race strategy? Steady out of the blocks (I will have warmed up) and pick it up to 7.5 minute mile pace within a couple of miles. Once I'm comfortable (half way I reckon) I'l ramp it up to 7 minute miles with a couple of 6.5 minute miles to finish. Time - hopefull sub 1hr 40, 1hr 35 would be superb, 1hr 30 a dream race! Fingers crossed! Oh, and I'm looking forward to a great weekend in Bath!
Break from running starts next Monday and focus will turn to swimming and cycling. News on that next week!
Last week I did two gigs in a row - LCD Soundsystem and Arcade Fire (pics below). Both were out of this world. Got !!! on Thursday.
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