Great Scottish Run – 13.2 miles, 1.48.14, 8.12m/m ave pace (pb by 4 mins)
8.52, 8.03, 7.54, 7.56, 8.26, 8.16, 8.10, 8.16, 8.14, 8.25, 8.14, 7.54, 7.57, 1.31 for last part at 7.21m/m pace
I did my usual and went on and on beforehand about how I would have a rubbish run but I have to say that I did feel justified this time. I was away for 5 weeks with little running, have done little running since I got back and of the runs I have done they have been 6 miles of less or longer and slower. I have only been to the club once, that been my only speed session in nearly 3 months, I have had the cold for the last two weeks and hardly ran and I got my period, which means killer cramps, this morning and travelled to the start with a hot water bottle over my stomach! Sorry guys reading this, but this are a significant factor for a lot of women!
The first mile was slow as it was pretty busy but after that I could not believe I was running so fast. I then slowed down just before entering Bellahouston Park and thought that that was going to be me just get slower and slower for the rest of the race. I has resigned myself to this and when I saw my sis-in-law and nephew I ran over to see him and give him a kiss. Far from this slowing me down, it then actually gave me a huge boost and I went on to settle into a steady pace for all but one of the next six miles. Even though I have not done much specific hill training recently I actually quite like racing on the hills as I have learnt to fly down them! It was also a great boost to see both Lesley and Robert in the park, although Robert was definately lying when he said I was looking good! I felt like I was really struggling by this time.
I was not sure if I was going to make under 1.49 so managed to speed up on the last two miles. I actually quite liked this years route as it felt like less to go by the time you left Pollock Park and there was less to do in Glasgow Green this year. Stamina wise I felt fine the whole way round but it was my legs that got tired.
I am more confident about Chicago now after that pb today but have to face facts that I still have long runs to do well and there is the small matter of the travelling etc which was definately a factor in New York. Sure I can do much better than this in a half too, hopefully it won’t be long before I am running about 1.43, especially if you take away the above factors.
Pacepusher wants to ban me from racing as I seem to be getting pb’s every time I run nearly (Irvine a couple of weeks ago is my only non pb since London I think), despite my moaning every time that I will be rubbish! Not quite sure how I am able to manage this, but I will have to start training properly again to see what I can actually manage to do!
1 1/2 bagel with margerine
medium skinny latte, light sandwhich, bread and olive oil and balsamic vinegar
homemade lasange, 1 potato waffle, 4 small bits garlic bread
