Week 17, it's that week I never would have even thought I'd ever be able to do, and it's over, and ....... I did it!
I remember putting together my training program and thinking, man, that is a lot of kilometres. The total number of kilometres for the week was 67. I did have some doubts, during the week, I changed my mind a number of times about the distance of my longest run. Unfortunately it does not take much to have someone totally throw you off your plan,a small word in your ear saying "ooh, I'd never run 37km in my training plan!"
And yes, someone did say this to me and it did throw me off track. And then I spent numerous hours researching the net only to find that most people don't run that far, so I guess I was wrong. But my one issue is, once I decide on something, I generally will at least give it a go, I try to stick to my plan.
So I went into Saturday's run deciding to cut back to 36km, yes, I know it's only 1 kilometre! But of course, in my mind I pretty much knew what I was like, and chances are, I would run 37km. And, yes, of course I did run 37km. Mentally, I think I had to.
As for the run, it wasn't as pretty as my 34km run, but I think that probably came off the back of a pretty solid week where I did some nice paces on my shorter runs. So really, the 37 was pretty good. My overall pace was 5:59/km, so quite solid.
The main thing I took out of this run, was I kept going, even when my hamstrings felt like they were about to explode. I stopped, had a little stretch and then just ploughed on. The thing I liked most about my run was that I added the extra distance in at the start of the run, so rather than having to do extra laps at the end, I'd already completed the extra distance by the time I got to the 10km mark. My 10km mark of this run was where I'd normally be at 4km.
I saw lots of friendly folks along the way again, and also some really cute pooches, they kept me happy and motivated.
I also have to mention that today was ANZAC day, so there was no way I was giving up today, when the going got tough, I just thought to myself, imagine how hard it was for those diggers Megan! This is nothing! The ANZAC spirit kept me going.
As for the rest of week 17, I did a 10km, a 12km and an 8km. All very nice runs and again, it was a pretty good week weather wise. A little bit of rain around, but nothing to complain about.
For my long run the weather was not great, but I only got a tiny bit of rain at the 7km mark and then managed to stay dry. There was a bit of rain when I was in the pool recovering after the run, but that did not matter.
So, that was week 17. Now it's taper time.
Today I also want to mention all the people who have been so encouraging to me on Facebook and Twitter. It's so lovely to get such nice words of encouragement, it really motivates me.
Well, that's all for now folks. I'll update you all next week on the status of my first taper week.
Until then, enjoy yourselves folks and remember to take some time to think about the ANZACS, those who sacrificed there lives through war, so we can live the life we do today! Lest we forget.
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