It is 12 weeks to my first ultra of 2020, Hardmoors 55, on Saturday 28th March so I have a training plan to take me the race. I have posted my training plan up to the West Highland Way Race in June but I find it easier to work towards the next race her is my plan for the next 12 weeks …
So I plan to do a summary of each week’s running in the build up to the race.
Week 1 went to plan so that was a good start.
Monday 6th January 2020 - Club Fartlek Session
- 8.00 miles in 1:16:10
- Session: 1min (30sec recovery), 2min (1min), 3min (90secs), 4min (2min), 5min (2min), 4min (2min), 3min (90sec), 2min (1min), 1min
I was back with the ‘A’ group but was one of the slowest but I was happy to complete the session and I was happy with my effort over the whole run.
In the past I have often aimed at running 5miles for the 30mins of ‘fast’ running and it has become a benchmark for a good session. It has been a while since I have reached 5miles which would be 6min per mile.
This week I only just reached 4miles so it was a reminder of how far I have slipped in the last few years with my basic speed and fitness!
Wednesday 8th January 2020 - Lunchtime Tempo Session
- 6.20 miles in 55:43
I’ve decided I want / need to do a weekly tempo run rather than just an even paced run to see if I can improve my pace a bit.
So at lunchtime instead of a steady pace I ran alternate easy mile / tempo paced mile. I worked as hard as I could but the tempo pace leaves a lot to be desired but at least it gives me something to work on!
I’ll have another go each week and hopefully my temp pace will improve.
Thursday 9th January 2020 - Lunchtime off road run
- 6.04 miles in 1:04:29
I ran round my normal off road route around Pollok Park but it must have been one of the muddiest and wettest underfoot that I’ve done so I had to walk more of it than I wanted as it was too difficult to run.
Saturday 11th January 2020 - Long Run on the Gleniffer Braes
- 12.07 miles in 2:55:16
I normally aim to run in the morning but it was our turn to host to cafe at our church after the Queen’s parkrun. The weather was very wet and windy in the morning but by the afternoon it had died down a bit.
I set off at 12.20pm and ran round my 12 mile loop. I say ran but again it was so muddy and wet underfoot that it was very difficult to run as much as I wanted. There were sections that I had to walk as it was so slippy.
I took my radio with me and listened to 5 Live about the day’s Football so that kept me entertained on the way round.
Sunday 12th January 2020 - Easy run
- 5.26 miles in 50:26
I wanted to get back into the pattern of running 5 times a week so it was good to get out before breakfast and church and have an easy run.
The discomfort in my chest seems to have almost gone completely and it is good to be able to run without having to walk but it is a very easy pace at the moment.
Cycle
I also cycled to and from work on Tuesday and Friday so I either ran or cycled everyday this week.
2020 miles in 2020
I was 174.68 miles short of 2019 miles last year so I’m keen to have another go and see if I can make it this year. So far I have ran 68.24 miles which is just ahead of the red line.
