MY last long run of my half marathon training schedule called for a 14 miler. To be honest I didn't quite manage it and I did exactly 13.1 miles in a time of 1.56.26 at an 8.53 pace. The Runners World SMART Coach training plan suggested a 9.09 mile pace so I was within this.
Next Sunday when it comes to the race will I be able to run a bit quicker? I just don't know. My prime target having not raced for so long is just to complete a race. I think I have already concluded that following the Runners World Smart coach plan has been a success for me. What I have got back is a core mileage base and a confidence to be able to go out and run 10 -13 miles. Before the plan during the second half of last year my long run was seven miles. As long as I run under 2 hours I will be happy having a new pb for 2010 , a new target to then try and beat.
For all I know it could rain heavily and be windy on Sunday and battling the elements will be the main focus. Again as long as I get to the start line and then finish I will be happy.Todays weather would have been ideal clear blue skies and quite cool at 7.30am. I visuted the villages of Fornham St Genevieve, Hengrave, Culford and Flempton on a circular run.
The first few miles were off road besides the river bank. As pleasant as it was besides the River Lark the ground was slippery and muddy in places. Getting back on to the road at Hengrave was actually a relief . On reaching Flempton I decided not to do and out an back run to avoid repeating the riverside run and instead returned to Bury St Edmunds via the grounds of Culford School and back to Fornham and home.
