Mark Mitchinson's
Firstly I would like to thank everyone who has made donations. It gives me a great deal of motivation to continue with the rigorous training schedule, knowing I have your support.
I have discovered a really interesting run near the office, which undulates over 6 miles. The only real obstacle on the run is the cross-breed Alsatian that likes to pick off stragglers at the back of the running group – principally me!
Having become accustomed to the friendly farmer’s dog, I was faced with an all together new obstacle whilst completing a 10 mile run this afternoon. That obstacle is known to us all as ‘White Van Man’. I can only assume he was a disgruntled LG Viewty user! Undeterred, I managed to complete the run in one piece.
I have probably done more miles this week than in previous weeks, but am still struggling in terms of distance and time. I appear to be cramping up and will look to get some physio over the coming weekend. It is a real issue maintaining the speed necessary to see me through. The upside is that I am marginally ahead of the guy who completed the marathon last year… in a diver’s suit!
February 6th, 2008 at 11:46 am
Kathryn Freeland says:
Mark,
* Support is vital during training and on the day as running is a solitary sport
* New running routes and different company be it friend, trainer or dog make the training more fun and more motivational
* Undulating runs or runs where the speed or the incline aren’t constant (often known as fartlek training) are higher speed and less time and distance ie: more intensity. These runs should be done 1 x per week to improve speed
* If your energy is low look at your hydration and your nutrition ie: drink more water and probably eat more complex carbs
* For cramps make sure you are well hydrated and stretching out properly after your run and try eating bananas (one of the best dietary sources of potassium and vitamin B6). Physio if you are worried is a good idea