The Virtual Runner Running Blog

Another Sunday and another long run.  This one had me cover over 18kms, but at a slow pace of just over 6min per km. 

My legs were very tired at the end of this one and my knees felt very puffy.  I’ve been on the paracetemol and ibuprofen since the run…

One thing I need to look into is the hydration during the run.  How much should I be drinking?  How do I carry the fluids I need with me?  What do people do during a marathon?  Do they carry a water bottle with them?  Do they take water or an isotonic drink whilst running?  Which is better?

So many questions… any ideas from other runners would be greatly appreciated!

long run, marathon training, pains and niggles, training

Allllllllll aboard!

So far so good with the running; and I mean that sincerely.  Especially since I’ve been sick with a cold off and on since around Christmas time.  In fact, I’m only now just getting over my most recent one which was especially nasty.

Last Sunday I did a long run of over 16km so the build up of distance is going okay.  However!  The pain.  I keep getting pain in my right foot across the top and I end up having to have the laces on that shoe/foot quite loose or it drives me nuts.  Also, I’ve recently bought some off the shelf ortho inserts for my running shoes because the Kayanos do not offer enough arch support and my right foot (again) was hurting on my long runs from the constant pounding. 

I think I see a new pair of running shoes in my future.  I may have to go back to some old favourites like the Adidas Supernova Sequence or even waaaay back and get a pair of Nike structure triax.  They were very cushioned when I last had a pair with loads of arch support. 

So I don’t bore you with all of my runs, here is my long run from Sunday and an overview of my runs since end of Jan:-

Overall summary:-

Now, I suppose you’re wondering why I’m not posting that much?  Well, I’m just busy lately.  But I’ve been running and that’s what really matters.  As for this site, I’ll be making more of an effort to keep it updated over the next few days and updating my spreadsheets with runs and working out the total distance I’ve covered on my run across Canada.

canada run progress, long run, marathon training, pains and niggles, training

The running is still going on.  I must say, it was a bit difficult at first but it is getting easier each time.  In fact, today was my long run and I managed 14km (even though Garmin only recorded 12km).

Here is a summary of the runs I’ve done recently from Garmin Connect:-

Today (31/01/2010)

28 January 2010

27 January 2010

24 January 2010

21 January 2010

I’ll keep running and I’ll let you know how things are going. 

I was wrestling around and playing with my wife earlier today and I think I’ve thrown my back out a bit.  Same side (right) where I always get the sciatica.  I’ve been stretching it all evening and it’s feeling okay-ish.  I’ll just keep up the stretching and ibuprofen and it will be fine.

As far as the Fredericton Marathon (09 May 2010) is concerned… I’ve registered!  $60.00.  I have no idea what that equates to in good ole British pounds but I know it’s pretty cheap compared to some marathons over here!

Fredericton Marathon, garmin forerunner 405, long run, pains and niggles, training

Really.  I am!  I may not be considered much of a blogger by many, but I promise you I’m still a runner.

If you check out my current running log here:-

http://thevirtualrunner.org/blog/about-me/run-across-canada/

You’ll see that I have definitely still be running and maintaining a steady and non-exciting training regime.  That’s the thing, it’s non-exciting at the moment.  I mean, I know I’ve got a half marathon and full marathon next year but in my mind the real training won’t start until after xmas.  Is that wrong?

Santa Dash

There is only another two weeks and I will be off to the Look Out in Bracknell, Berkshire with some work colleagues.  We’ll all be dressed as a very pathetic looking Santa and walking/running to raise money for the Thames Hospicecare.

My Fundraising

I haven’t really focused on it yet, but my total fundraising at the moment is a whopping zero.  That’s right, nought.  So, feel free to donate.  I mean, even £2 is nice!  £2 is nothing?  I’m done begging now…

Traumatising Movie

I watched The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas the other day with my wife.  Very, very, very good movie.  I give it 10 out of 10.  Would I watch it again?  Never.  I simply found it way too traumatising.  If you haven’t seen it then I won’t ruin it for you….

Visiting Family

We had family visit from Belgium for a week.  It was really nice seeing them and we had a great time.  We even took them to Legoland with us for my son’s birthday! 

Growing Up

Not me, my son.  He’s three!  I can’t believe it.  We took him to Legoland for the whole day and stayed for the fireworks display in the evening.  He loved all of it.  He’s such a good boy and he was so tired by the end of it he was falling asleep on my lap during the fireworks.  Happy Birthday little boy!

Swine Flu

I’ve seen a lot of people in Canada posting things about the swine flu and everyone seems to be doing a bit of mild panicking and scare-mongering when it comes to the flu and the jabs.  Frankly I think everyone should just calm down.

As for me, I’ve been invited to have the swine flu jab because I’m considered “high risk”.  I have asthma.  So, I’m off this coming weekend to get jabbed… I’m not looking forward to it at all.

I’m very annoyed that my wife or son won’t be having it but there isn’t much I or anyone else can do about that.

This week

Some usual running going on, however I’ll probably be making an appearence back at running club with my mate Tony on wednesday.  It should be interesting, as long as it doesn’t pour down with rain!  Drizzle I can handle…

Top Gear

I’m off to watch the rest of it…

asics kayano, canada run progress, long run, non running, running club, running log updated