Training Days

Running gets easier the more you do it! I have definitely increased my fitness levels over the last few weeks but the only thing that keeps me from going forward is the drink. I was doing so well until lately, what with the holidays and all the time off. It is nice to have an auld can now and again. But you definitely feel the effects of the drink on your training over time!! I have to reduce my alcohol intake over the next couple of weeks. I did go off it for over 3 months so that did help me on the road to fitness!
Over the weekend I think I've run at least 10 miles....We stayed with Aine over the weekend so that gave me the opportunity to go running Friday evening. I ran from Rostellan to Whitegate and back...I think it's a 5.5 mile round trip maybe.....tough but good....flat all the way so it was an easy run overall.....I completed that in around 56 minutes which wasn't too bad....
On Sunday I ran from Aines down the hill to Saleen church doing what they call the loop....a few long hills ....difficult run it was ....took a lot of effort but worth it for the hills....strenghtens the legs you see!! This route brings you back the road that Tom drives to the "Ferry".....I think its about 4ish miles.....so roughly about 10ish miles in 3 days....not a bother!!!
It's actually a great stress buster....not that I get stressed out or anything but it makes me feel invigourated....a sense of achievement you might say! So my goal for the next few weeks is to gradually increase the amount of milage I am doing.....not kill myself....real slow now...tip away at it like! I have to be able to run 10 miles without collapsing at the end of it like... I know its possible to do but I would like also to be able to do it in a good time.... between 1hr 15mins and 1hr 30 mins........with a long term goal of achieving 10 miles in 1 hour.....now that would be good...real good!!??
I have given myself the challenge of beating the 3 brothers in the Ballycotton 10, so there is plenty of time to do this! I'd love if you could see me finishing th race with the lads slowly trailing after me!!!! I dont think it's that much of a challenge ....even if I get a reasonable time I would be quite proud of myself. And the best thing about is that Niamh is leaving me off to do my runs in the evening....practically encouraging me...maybe she has a fancy man!!! She doesn't verbally encourage me as you and I know she would never do...not her style....but there is that little hint in the eyes that she approves of what I am doing......maybe silently she gives a little yelp of joy every time I go out the door.....glad to see the back of me for even a short period!!
Hopefully over the the next couple of months I should acquire the necessary gear to achieve my goals .....Say a little prayer for me every week just to give me the extra strength needed........Next year I will definitely consider doing the Cork City Marathoner...you may laugh ....watch this space or check it out on my blog www.returnofabsentfriends.blogspot.com . I'll try to log my training schedule to keep you up to date!!! I know deep down you care about my training plans for the future.