2010 Progress Entrant - Iola Wilson

Contents:- -Intro- Report -1- -2- -3- -4- -5- -6- -7- -8- -9- -10- -11- -12- -13- -14- -15- -16- -17- -Final-

Report 17 - Week beginning 03/05/10

The X-ercise Files - Diary of a 'wannabe better' long distance runner

We are now at the end of week 17 and I am writing this update a week before race day. As I was hanging out the washing this morning I was surprised to find that I felt nervous about the 10k, but I'm pleased I feel this way as I'm sure it contributes to a better performance! I've found myself thinking about race day often, how I will feel if I do or don't achieve my goal, how I will cope in different weather conditions, who else will be there and even how Neil will get on.

This week has been a lighter one in terms of both mileage and number of training runs. Other commitments and tiredness have meant that I only made it out 3 times. On Tuesday I went to the gym and ran 5 miles on the treadmill. It was really hot and sticky in the gym and I got bored very quickly but I was pleased to have picked up my pace significantly since my last treadmill run and I had no aches and pains after.

On Wednesday I decided on an endurance session as I hadn't made it to the Tuesday evening session in Thurso. I ran down to the river in Wick and then did 6x 800m reps with 2 minute recoveries in between. I was aiming for 10k race pace or a little faster on my reps and was delighted that my average pace over the reps was just under 7.30 per mile. My overall distance was 5.8 miles.

I didn't make it to the hill session on Friday as it was my birthday and I'd been at work all day so fancied a relaxing evening at home with the family! On Saturday morning I went out for my long run. It was a lovely morning, sunny and warm. As it is just a week until the 10k I reduced the length of my run to 8 miles but decided to run it faster than I normally would. I went up Newton Hill and out to Tannach as usual, but made an effort to push harder up the hills. My average pace for the run was 8.18 per mile which is a bit off the pace I'm hoping for on race day, I'll need to go under 8 minutes per mile to finish in 50 minutes. I really enjoyed the run and although I was tired when I finished I recovered very quickly and felt great for the rest of the weekend. It's a hilly route and fairly exposed along the top so it's always windy, but the flip side of that is the amazing view across the county and over towards Orkney. And it is certainly great training for any race!

As well as running this week I did a few pilates sessions in the mornings and today we took the kids swimming. I managed to sneak off and swim 16 lengths, alternating breast stroke and front crawl. I've also been gardening and sanding window frames and am about to tackle the ironing so I'll have stiff arms tomorrow!

This week I'll probably run 2 or 3 times, nothing too long or fast but enough to keep me from feeling stiff and tight! I'll also have a few early nights and keep myself well hydrated in the 2 days before the 10k. Thanks to everyone who's been asking about my running and wishing me well, your support has been fantastic and if you spot me on race day (I will be running in number 137) feel free to shout something positive in my direction, it will help!!