A rest week
I’ve just completed week 12 of my marathon training program. This is a rest week in that the mileage is stepped back to give your body a bit of time to adapt to the extra stresses of the longer runs. As such I’ve only done 60 km this week and I think I’ve been glad of the rest.
I ran a half marathon distance for my long run today. I find it very amusing that my rest run is a half marathon nowadays. I really love the longer distance running just because of things like this sometimes!
I had a beautiful run this morning. Auckland turned on the fine weather and you can really tell that it is spring here. This row of Cherry trees is in the Auckland Domain and I had to snap a quick picture as I ran past:
My comfortable pace is definitely improving as I’m now running at an average of 10 kph and still managing to keep my heart rate low. For quite a long time I’ve had to run a bit slower than that if I wanted to keep my heart rate under my target of 145 (180 – age for men; 185 – age for women).
Today I did 21.31km in 2:07:26 and I felt good. I could quite easily have lifted my pace (I think) but just wanted an easy run. It’s funny how some days it is easy and other days it is all you can do to put one foot in front of the other.
Here’s today’s map:
Overall a very enjoyable run. It was especially nice to see so many people out running with their Auckland marathon shirts on. There’s always that nod or friendly smile when you see a fellow runner out training.
This coming week is the big one. My first 20 miler of this training cycle. You can tell the marathon is getting close! I’ve got a 20 miler this week, then a 12 miler, then another 20 miler and then the taper down to the race proper starts. 6 weeks to go!
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September 21st, 2009 00:43
Glad for the rest week?
We’re getting ready for Fall here, so I’m envious of the fresh blooms. I’m always amazed at the beautiful places you find to run. Only wish I had that much variety…
Greg´s last blog ..On Little Boys, Adventurers, Creators, And Warriors
Twitter: livefitblog
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September 21st, 2009 21:31
Yep, your running is definitely getting impressive. I’m hoping you’ll be reading reports on my blog of distances like this again next year! Knee allowing.
Andrew(AJH)´s last blog ..5k at MM
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September 22nd, 2009 09:04
Before I open your blog, I said to myself “Brace yourself Ted, get ready for any beautiful pictures on Andrew’s blog.” I was right and will always be right. It is mind boggling to think that you guys are having a beautiful spring right now. Fall will arrive tomorrow and getting ready for the changing color of leaves.
I have to say that your pace is astounding !!! Keep it up dude !
Ted´s last blog ..Last Day of Summer !
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September 22nd, 2009 18:15
I’m still in awe of how far you are running even in your ‘rest’ week. Well done and keep at it. Sounds like you are very much on track to being able to knock off the Marathon in November – far more so than me! Good stuff!
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September 24th, 2009 01:46
Nice picture and have a great rest week.
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September 25th, 2009 09:33
I’m just reading through your blog and I’m so impressed!
Nice training and great pictures, too.
Thanks for showing the maps, that makes me almost feel the pain.
phil@mermaid costumes´s last blog ..Ondine
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September 25th, 2009 12:48
Glad your training is going so well, all we need now is for it to stop raining!
Good luck on your 20 miler
Michelle´s last blog ..Running around in circles
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September 26th, 2009 10:11
Good stuff there Andrew – like you I find it hilarious when a recovery weeks long run calls for a half marathon! Six weeks to go on Sunday – I’m starting to get nervous
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