Edinburgh Marathon Training - Week 7

Monday: Rest
Due to me not doing another long run last week, I did think of doing it today instead. However, as I have had to change my running schedule at the end of the week, it would mean six days of continuous running and I don’t think my knees would be able to cope!!!

Tuesday: Rest
I am not happy. This was not meant to be a rest day, but I had no choice, unless I wanted to stay in the gym until closing time!

I got into the gym to find that every piece of cardiovascular item was being used. I thought if I did some weights, surely a machine would come available sooner or later.

After a hour of weights, I was ready to do my exercises and then got on the treadmill. But there was a problem, there was no where to do my exercises and still none of the machines were available.

After 10 minutes of walking around like a headless chicken, I decided that it weren’t going to happen.

It’s not as if I could even go out for a run either, because it was pissing it down and getting dark, so I stormed off home in a mood.

And to piss me off even more, some bint in a car decided to drive through a puddle and splash me. Grr!!!

Wednesday: 60 Min Run
I didn’t have any problems getting a machine today, and what’s even better they have got a new foam roller in the gym. I am so easily pleased.

I wasn’t intending to do a 60 minute run, but I felt totally comfortable and relaxed that I carried on.

The knees never gave me any pain, so I was really pleased.

I was also a little faster than previous sessions, but was not at all out of breathe. Now is that what you call an easy run?

Thursday: 35 min Tempo session
Speed seems to be the killer thing for me at the moment. Maybe I need to get someone to look at my running technique to see if I am doing something wrong. How do you train yourself to run a different way? Is it possible?

Start of the run, everything was fine, but as I started to build speed up the pain in my knee started to return. Slowing the speed down reduced the pain.

Friday: 30 mins
I had another disappointing run today. I tried to get some more speed work into my run today, but the pain came back within minutes of starting my run.

After 30 mins I decided to call it day.

I also got speaking to one of the Personal Trainers at the gym who has seen me doing my exercises. He is more of a sports therapist, so I have got a session with him on Tuesday to see what other exercises I can do to strengthen all my core muscles.

Saturday: 20 Min run
As I knew I was going to be having a heavy night on Saturday, I brought forward my long run to this morning to make sure I didn’t miss it again. Unfortunately, within 20 minutes I had to stop because my knee was starting to hurt.

I was really looking forward to this run, as I do enjoy running along the promenade in Blackpool.

As I ran down to the South Pier, within 10 minutes I started to feel the pain in my knee. When I turned round to head back up the promenade, the pain in my knee became crippling that I had no choice in stopping. I also don’t think it helped that I was also running into the wind.

Even after putting ice on my knee, I had severe problems walking for the rest of the day.

Sunday: Rest
After a heavy night the rest was much needed. Wise move to try and move the long run to Saturday, shame the long run didn’t last that long!!!

Edinburgh Marathon Training - Week 6

Due to one thing or another, I have not had time to write my blog for a couple of weeks. However problem is, as soon as time goes by, I actually forget what I did, so I apologies for the scarceness of this weeks blog.

Monday: Rest
Monday is my ritual rest day. In all honestly, I don’t think Mondays are a good day for me anyway. I am always tired and just not in the mood for anything.

Starts to sing ‘I hate Mondays’ by Boomtown Rats

Tuesday: 45 minute run
Completed a 45 minute run today. In all honestly I can’t remember how I did with this run, whether it was a comfortable run or I was in pain after a short period of time.

Wednesday: Speed Session
Speed session and no doubt I was in pain. I just always seem to be whenever I do speed sessions or tempo runs.

Thursday: Rest
A little bit of sun comes out, and it was off to the pub for a pint…or two. Okay, I am slacking, but the intention is to go on Friday instead.

Steve goes away for a couple of months, so the after work drinking sessions wont happen until after the run when he returns. So I am making the most of it while I can.

Friday: Run
I can’t remember anything about the session, although I believe it was an easy run for around 45 minutes.

Saturday: Rest
For whatever reason, I can’t remember why I didn’t do a run on Saturday.

Sunday: Rest
I had full intention of going for the run yesterday, but what turned out as a couple of drinks ended up being a big night out.

I got up at 12pm to do the family thing. Well it is Mother’s Day after all.

My stomach was not in a good mood the full day, and I felt like I was gonna vomit. I am getting too old for this drinking malarkey!!!

Edinburgh Marathon Training - Week 5

Monday: Rest
I have booked a session with the physio tomorrow morning to try and sort the problems with my knees out. I am kinda scared. Not of being told what is wrong with me; but being told I can't run.

Still, I shall take my gym kit with me...just in case.

Tuesday: Speed Session
The day started off with a trip to physio. I was a little apprehensive and was waiting for him to say no more running. In fact, it was the total opposite. He told me to continue running, just not the long distances for the moment. What a relief!!!

I knew that the problem with my left knee was due to my iliotbial band, and the physio confirmed that I was suffering from ITBS. I was told that the other discomfort that I was feeling in my knees was nothing to worry about (phew).

After a painful massage, I was given some exercises on how to use a foam roller (which was more painful than the massage), bending exercises and an exercise to strengthen my gluteus medius (some muscle on the side near my butt).

Good news coming out of the session was that the physio says that overall I have good strength and flexibility.

At work, my knees started to play up again, and I was in two minds about going to the gym or not. However, off I went and I am glad that I did.

I got in my usual weights, and then used the foam roller to stretch my iliotibial band. The sides of my legs feel tender and bruised (which I have been told to expect).

I wasn't going to push myself on the treadmill today. I had decided that I would do a speed session instead of what was planned. Something the physio said would be best.

After 6km which included 4 x 1km speed sessions, I decided that this was the best time to stop. So overall the speed session was the same as last week.

The good news is I never felt any twinges in my left knee. I was conscious of the way I was running though. After physio and being told was causes the injury, I was trying to not put too much pressure by over leaning. So I was trying to run with my legs open. Think of Tina Turner running...it's not a pretty look. But it seemed to have worked.

I got the occasional twinge in my right knee though, but nothing to worry about. So I am looking forward to my run tomorrow.

Wednesday: 45 min run
Today has probably been the best run I have had in ages. And pain free!!! The exercises provided by the physio definitely seem to be working. I feel so confident in them; I have even bought a foam roller to do the exercises at home. Get me!!!

The run itself was approx 5-6 miles. The only problem I had was I forgot by sweat towel, which is not a pretty sight I can tell you. Apart from that it was relatively comfortable run.

I’m not pushing the speed though, as I just want to try and build up the distance first and then speed. At the end of the day I don’t care how long it takes me to finish the marathon, just as long as I finish it.

Thursday: Rest
As my brother was visiting, I decided to make today my rest day.

Saying that, I do prefer the gym on a Friday as it is a lot quieter and I can just plod along without worrying if someone wants to use the machine.

Friday: 30 Min Tempo Run
I was hoping to last a little longer than 30 minutes, but as I built up the speed in the tempo session, the pain in my knee started to re-appear.

Being overly cautious and not wanting to create any unnecessary damage, I stopped at the 30 minute mark and went home to ice the knees (a regular task after running).

Apart from the last couple of minutes, the run itself was relatively comfortable.

Saturday: Rest
Didn’t end up going for a run today; instead I went round to my mothers and helped Chris clear the garden out

Sunday: Rest
I woke up in the morning with no drive to go for a run. I think the problem is that I just don’t have the confidence to run alone. I really need to get rid of this ridiculous fear.

I promise that I will go for a run next Sunday. I need to get the long runs in quite soon.

Edinburgh Marathon Training - Week 4

Monday: Rest day
Half of me is itching to get back to the gym, and the other half is apprehensive. My knee feels fine, but I just am paranoid that the knee will ache once I start running.

Tuesday: Speed Session (3 x 1km with 3 min jog recoveries)
Come to do my training session and I couldn't remember how many 1 kms I needed to do. For some reason I thought it was 5!!!

The run started off superbly. Felt great being able to run and not feel any knee pains. Actually pains of any sort. I was doing a km in 4 minutes with my 3 minute rest.

The first 3 km felt great, however coming to the 4th the pain started to resurface near the end. When I slowed down for my job, the pain disappeared. Come the 5km, I tried to start running and the pain was unbearable, so I stopped there and then.

I am going to have sort this out, especially if I intend to do the run in 12 weeks time (eek!!!).

For the next week or so, I will build the strength in my legs but do less strenuous cardio to keep me fit.

Wednesday: X-Trainer
Instead of a 5 mile run, I got on the X-Trainer for 15 minutes. I just don't understand this machine. I loose less calories using this machine, but I sweat loads more.

I also did a few weights on my legs. Felt good after the session.

Thursday: Rest
Decided to swap my gym day to Friday, and I went to pub instead.

Well my excuse is that it's quieter on a Friday.

Friday - Sunday: Rest
With all intention of going to the gym on Friday I decided to cancel all training for the moment until I seek some medical advice.

I have noticed just recently that if I sit down for long periods of time, that I start to get a dull pain in both knees. Not good when I am sat at a desk all day.

However on Friday, the pain was continuous. I have to face the fact that I need help in sorting my knees out. Especially if I have any hope of continuing with my training painless.

My big concern, is that I am told that I can't run the marathon. To me this isn't an option. Even if I have to strap both knees up so they can hardly bend, I will be competing in the run.

Edinburgh Marathon Training - Week 3

Monday: Rest
My thighs were feeling a little stiff after yesterday's race. Nothing serious mind, but glad I have now made Monday's rest days.

Tuesday: 6 miles
Really disappointed with myself because for the first time since I started the training plan, I have had to cancel a run half way through.

I had forgotten my knee support, plus I don't want to get dependant on it, But within 15 minutes of starting the pain in my knee starting to heighten. Not wanting to risk injury any further I decided it was best not to continue.

And what is more annoying, as soon as I stopped running, the pain disappeared!!!

Distance: 2.5 miles approx
Time: 22 minutes

Wednesday: Recovery Day replaces Hill Session
Well this was supposed to be a hill session, but I decided to have a recovery day.

My knee isn't 100% and my shins are rather sensitive, so seemed the most logical thing to do.

I just hope that I recover soon, because I can't afford to be on the injury bench when I am supposed to be training.

Thursday: Recovery Day replaces 5 Miles
Decided that I would also rest my legs again today. They weren't as bad as the previous days, but I am still getting twinges, especially in my shins.

I have also noticed that the pain in my knee doesn't appear unless I have been sat down for a long period of time. Note to self, must stretch more often.

Friday: Rest
I feel a little bot of a cheat having a rest day since I haven't done anything all week.

Saturday & Sunday: Recovery Days replaces 6-8 Miles & 12 Miles
I have decided that I will have the remainder of the week off from running and see how I feel on Tuesday for me to start all over again feeling fresh as a daisy. Hopefully.

I could have made it to the gym and did other cardiovascular work, but in all honestly I felt kinda down that I couldn't run so didn't want to exercise on the whole.

Although next week, if I still have to reduce my running, I will make sure I do cardio work so I can retain my fitness.

I also found an application for my phone that can calculate distance and speed via GPS. It's alright if I run outside, but no use when on the treadmill. Maybe I should try and make my weekends outside sessions. Thing is, I have no idea where to store my phone while running. I will worry about that when it's time to run outside.