Some Random Thoughts

FLUIDS/FUEL

When Lorna and I decided that we were going to run Draycote a bit harder, I took a conscious decision to take no extra gloop or 'stuff' for the run.

The only marathon that i had used Gels for in the past, was Berlin. And although I ran a really good race, the whole timing gels and water stations and the like was more of a distraction than anything. And I wasn't convinced that it actually made any difference

Anyway - I wanted to do a little experiment with myself - just taking what was on offer on the course at Draycote - thereby minimising 'faffage' - and litter

So the fuelling strategy was this
Eat really well through Saturday and drink plenty
Porridge with banana and Maple Syrup 3 hours before - and 2 cups of coffee
No further fluid or food before the race started

This morning regime has been honed over many races, and I know is a formula that works well for me

- A visit to the toilet on arrival and just before Start

- Take the cups on offer at the end of each lap

I chose to take the High 5 drink only, stopping each time (because I didn't want my nice Fetch top to get all sticky )

I ran as well, faster, but not as hard, as I had at Berlin
Gels were definitely not needed for that effort level
I stuffed my face with the goodies on offer at the finish.

My total fluid intake during the race was 4 ½full cups of High 5 with about 50-75 mls in them.

No performance drop off - no low-sugar issues - and I drank as much as I felt I needed once I was done.

I'm not convinced by the marketing hype surrounding some of these 'essential' products that we are told will make us run faster, safer etc!
Of course, the difference at the 10 in 10 will be that re-fuelling is going to be crucial. And someone suggested that having SOME intake while running might help with that side of things. It’s certainly something to think about!!



RECOVERY

Once the plan to run Draycote at a hard pace - but not a Full-On pace had been made, it was clear that there was going to be a consequence in terms of the battering my legs took as a result.

I was also pretty certain that the pace that I was planning would not be easy - but as long as the weather conditions were kind, that I'd be OK with it as well.

And I was right on both counts. I was delighted with the metronomic pacing on a reasonably flat course - my legs hurt a bit at the finish, but once the Lactate Washout thing had gone (ably assisted by sugary tea and delicious munchies provided by the organisers) they felt reasonably OK.

And judging by the subsequent lack of Marathon Runners' Walk Syndrome, the effort level was hard enough - without being too destructive

But part of my plan is to run when I'm tired - because that WILL be a feature of the 10-in-10.

So..

By Wednesday of this week, I'd run twice each day since Draycote, purposefully at very low intensity.
(Apart from being very stupid to catch the John Lewis Delivery Man - which tweaked my Left Soleus!)

And while I could still feel the effects of the effort of running a marathon hard, about which I’m STILL smiling, I'm keeping runs really easy.

And by Wednesday I was still feeling a little tired in myself, as well as my legs feeling the same.

I've been concentrating on good form, at an intensity that has given me a kept my Heart Rate nice and low, and VERY aerobic
At the moment, there are very definite physical symptoms that say "Don't run too fast - You'll damage yourself" - and so I'm consciously running at a pace where nothing 'pulls' or 'twinges' or hurts.
No Central Governor Theory there - I'm just being careful

Why?

Because I want to get in decent mileage - and I don't want to 'over-train'

An early morning run today suggested that I ‘almost’ have my legs back, and I’m hoping that they will have recovered enough to have a bash at my 5 mile pb on Sunday!