Mileage: 12.5 miles
AM: 3.75 miles; PM: 8.75 miles
After yesterday's mile reps today was an easy running day. My usual run to work followed by a longer run home via the gym for some core and strengthening work. I felt fairly fresh again tonight and my usual mid week tweaks and twinges were no where to be seen. I managed to be a little more controlled on today's run and didn't have to reign myself in like I did on Monday night. I still ran pretty quickly for an evening recovery run with the first 8 miles in 55 minutes. I've felt really good all week, apart from some tiredness that comes with heavy mileage. I think part of the reason I have felt good this week (so far) has been down to the fact that after 4 hard weeks I had an easier week last week as I prepared for the 10k. It makes sense, as a lot of training manuals and coaches suggest that you do 3/4 weeks hard training and follow-up with an easier week. This allows recovery and strengthening.
I got home tonight and realised just how much of a running geek I am. There waiting for me in the letter box was my latest edition of Runners World. I swear I did a little skip and dance with it as I dashed to the living room to put the European Athletics Championships on. In order to sit on the couch I had to move two books, Dean Karnazes book and Paula Radcliffe's biography! Once sat down I tore into the plastic packaging that contained my magazine and got stuck into the interviews and articles telling me how to be quicker and for longer! It's moments like these that I realise how much running shapes my life. I must be a real bore to all those around me! Well apart from all those reading this who like me received their Runner's World and dashed quicker than Dwain Chambers to the living room to watch the athletics.
I have to admit I really enjoyed the athletics again tonight. The 100m, missing the three big world stars, was a fantastic and close race. The French guy that won did really well. I hope he moves up a gear now and starts to get closer to the big 3, it would be great to see 4 or 5 runners all aiming to catch and pass Bolt, although that will take some effort! I was really pleased to see Mark Lewis Francis get the silver too. I think in his early career he took a lot of things for granted and just expected medals and championships to fall into his lap, especially after Athens and the relay gold. It was good to see that after having the rug pulled out from under him that he still worked and trained hard and didn't give up. In many ways, very similar to Chris Thompson, who got the silver in the 10k yesterday. It reassures me that, as a late starter in this running game, hard work, dedication and solid training can bring results. Okay, I may never win international medals, but I certainly have a few targets and ambitions that I know I can get with that mind set and determination.
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