Rest
Dear Diary
4 weeks to CTM 42.2km
This week was all about enjoying a well deserved easier week after a very high mileage week where we finished on 30km! After that monster run I was SO ready for it. An easy week means less mileage, not no mileage.
Resting is as important as running...
Hello OUTSURANCE Gun Run 21.1km. I have to laugh at how my life has changed in a few short months. Normally, I’d spend a few months training for a half marathon. This weekend I did one as a ‘training run.’ The joke is on me. Never did I ever think I would do a half marathon as a training run!
What a vaaaibe along the most spectacular route along the Atlantic Seaboard. Beautiful blue skies, views to soak up, endless crashing of waves and the sweet smell of salty sea air. It is fair to say that coastal runs are a firm favourite of mine. The mansions are glorious and expansive and fabulous to enjoy. The race started in Green Point near the McDonalds, a loop within the area before we head out along Beach rd, up hilly KLOOF rd and back onto Victoria to finish back near the start point. The supporters were so encouraging and marshals were great. Special thanks to the Spartans and Midas who really BROUGHT the gees! And, the Australian Speedo lads along Victoria rd were a welcomed refreshment. I stopped along the route and took pics and videos, turned back to gather slower runners, helped a friend with a sploshing bladder and such ended on 22km. Totally worth it!
I’m feeling a little tender this morning but no major stiffness. My body has adjusted nicely to the training load. Although I am still quite conscious of the fact that I missed out on 6 weeks of training.
It was a total vibe!
This week's runs:
Tuesday - 5km. I was still tired after the weekend long run but got through it.
Wednesday - rest
Thursday - 5.5km. Definitely a better run than Tuesday.
Sunday - 22km (supposed to be 21.1k) - 3:00:40 - GUN RUN BABY! A total vibe. I struggled the last few kms along the promenade. Apparently concrete paving is harder to run on that tar. My average pace was much better than the previous week. 8:34 on 30k vs 8:11 on 21.1k.
Funny story, I picked up a new peeve. I already have a few but I discovered another. I’ve mentioned before how sensitive I am to repetitive sounds. I discovered that it also includes repetitive patterns. I’m not sure if it's getting older or spending this much time on the road but there was this one dude just grating my nerves. We were running slow but consistently and kept catching up to this one guy when he walked. As we caught up to him, he would take off at a pace but would soon be walking again. It wasn’t a walk run strategy because those usually require way less walking than running. This happened repeatedly within the first kms and at one point I offered for him to run with us. Even though we were slower, we kept catching up to and passing him. At the very least he would be running more than he was walking. He kept this up every few hundred metres and we eventually lost track and sight of him. He eventually finished the race as I saw him come in. Kudos to him for getting it done but there is nothing wrong with slowing your pace to keep up a consistent run!
Overall an epic day surrounded by beautiful, strong women in the most gorgeous city in the world!
I’m happy to report that the droewors is working nicely as a snack. Energy drinks are working and protein shake is also doing its job. Overall, I think the fueling is on point. Final test is this weekend when we head out for 32km!!! I ran both of the shorter runs with my full Rock Rabbit trail pack with water so I can get used to the weight. I almost find wearing the trail pack easier than wearing the belt. Everything is much more accessible.
Invest in your own Rock Rabbit and get 20% off: Haylee20
GUN RUN #3 is in the bag.
Next stop: 32km. I’m grateful it's a public holiday so I can put my feet up for the rest of the day.
Top tips for the week:
Rest is as important as doing the miles.
Running slowly is still running.
Intentions for the upcoming week:
Ease back into the heavier mileage
Upcoming runs:
Here is my list for the rest of the year and some others you might like.
Cape Town Marathon 42.2km October 16th Sunday (0) (entered) Landmarks Half Marathon & 6km Fun Run/Walk 21.1km November 6th Sunday (0) Winelands Marathon 21.1km November 26th Saturday (0) (entries open) The Slave Route Challenge 21.1km March 2023 (1) Cape Peninsula Marathon and Half Marathon 21.1km February 2023 (2) Two Oceans Marathon 21.1km or 56km April 2023 (10) SAFARI Half Marathon 21.1km May 2023 (1)
Festival of Running July 2023 (1)
The Gun Run 21.1km September 2023 (3)
Fueling:
32gi Sports Chews, Endure Sports Drink and Hydrate for running/snack fuel
HMT Vegan Protein - post run recovery. I loved chocolate for years and now love combining the strawberry and vanilla flavours. Takealot: https://tinyurl.com/25n6s7d6
HMT L’Glutamine - amino acid replacement and before bed to aid recovery. This stuff is the bomb! Takealot: https://tinyurl.com/2p9ep5nb.
Hasta la próxima
XOXO
Haylee
