Back in the groove

Following my withdrawl from the Coventry half-marathon, I decided to take a short break from any excessive training. I say decided, as if I had any choice, but the truth is I was laid up in bed with a cold/chest infection that wouldn't budge, restricting my ability to leave the flat, let alone embark on a run. My fitness levels have no doubt dropped and a return to the gym suggested I've surrendered some strength too.

Fast forward about a week: the infection has gone and I am slowly but surely getting my mojo back. I've decided to focus most of my training on the other disciplines for the short term; swimming, cycling and gym work. My legs feel fresh but until I see a physio I don't want to risk a significant injury. I certainly feel an itch to get back on the roads and it would be futile to withdraw completely. So I'll embark on a couple of 10k runs every week for now, which should give me my fix without putting too much strain on the legs. I hit the roads this morning in chilly conditions; an early reminder of the tough training period ahead. Still, I have all the necessary gear to survive the wintery conditions, except gloves. A weekend shop should take care of that.

My training for the half-marathon was consistent and intense, but I never really felt I'd pushed my limits. I was only running 3-4 times per week and could have afforded far more attention to cross training. My diet improved, but it's clear I'm not getting enough protein. I'm approaching the full marathon with real intent; I will improve all aspects of my game. I will put in 2 sessions on most days; mixing it up sufficiently so that I don't burn out. My diet will become stricter and my runs much quicker. No more casual jogging; from now on it's fartlek, interval and tempo runs all the way. Swimming sessions will be shorter and faster; I hope that soon breast-stroke will be a mere luxury. Similarly with the cycling. Gym sessions will focus a lot more on the lower body; particularly in building up the calf muscles, which is necessary if I am to cope with the longer distances.

Whilst a full marathon remains the big target, there will be more emphasis on general all round fitness. I won't be delving into the longer runs until December at least. I hope that by then, my fitness levels will be above and beyond where they were last month.

I'll be seeing a physio next week to seek advice on how to protect my knees. Even though they feel fine, I'm well aware of how close they were to succumbing last month. If I am to regularly run distances over 10 miles in the coming months, I'd better not play the hero and refuse counsel.