Today was the day to do the long run in Hal Higdon’s Marathon Training Program.
Based on my last post about struggling to get out and do this I can confidently say that today was:
Struggle (to get put of bed): 4/10
Bounding (to get out of bed): 6/10
So it was relatively easy to get going. Plus the FBH promised me a short macchiato when I got back! (I am easily pleased!)
I may be learning something too. I struggle to run s-l-o-w-l-y. So I find myself either running at around 5-odd mins/km or walking ‘cos I’m buggered. But in the last 3 runs (5k, 7k, and today’s 8k) rather than walk if I am feeling tired I just slow right down. This way I seemed to have learned to keep running the whole distance.
The next thing I did was ran around a park that I think is equivalent to about 1km. I have heard that running on the softer surface of grass is better for your knees and ankles (which makes sense as it has to be softer to some degree!) That helped break up the run a little and the only danger was from some friendly beagle who wanted to make my acquaintance! 
I am also finding that the pace is relatively good. Today’s pace according to my Garmin was 6.26 mins/km. That is about the pace I want to train at so that seems to be working.
Another win is the lack of alcohol over the past 4 days. These little babies taste extremely nice but, being the sugar fix that they are, not good for weight control. And not good for my diabetes. It is quite amazing how the slump can hit after a beer.
The Spifire is an English Ale and pretty easy to drink. The Hoegaarden Grand Cru is my favourite. It is from Belgium but is not a Trappist (made by Trappist Monks) beer, but I think is an Abbey Beer. It is also a wheat beer which for me is interesting because I don’t normally like wheat beers! The last is the St Sebastiaan – Dark. Not a bad brew. I really only bought it for the container!
(Disclaimer: If alcohol is a problem for you please do not go and buy these beers. I take the view that most things in moderation, and some things not at all!)
Please don’t misread me, I do not drink a lot of alcohol but tend to have something at night, maybe a Drambuie or a Sambuca (Molinari!).
The FBH suggested that I cut it out for a while and I will admit that I think it is helping with the weight control and energy levels during the day.
Diet is also back on track with salads during the day at work and watching what I eat at night. (e.g. salads and not two bowls of home made pasta last thing!)
Hope you are all having a great weekend.
