The last few weeks have really been quite pivotal in my training up to now in more ways than one.  Mainly regarding the intensity and consistency of the effort that I have put in.  I've managed to stave off injury and have a great phase where there are no niggles.  Its interesting really, because when have an injury that's held you back a bit, for instance my hamstring and knee, its weird when you get back to any form of running because I found my knee or hamstring became sore or ached in other places or even my other leg and my first reaction is 'that's it, my knee are done I'll never recovery'.  Then within a few weeks, a miracle has happened lol!  I have no pain or aches or sores in my knee's nothing.  The truth is, its all about balance.  If one side is injured, the other compensates then you gain grief from the side that's overloaded.  Anyway, I'm just loving my current phase as no aches or pains just normal muscle soreness and fatigue.

I've managed to get the miles in which is brilliant I really feel I'm giving myself the best chance of success this time.  I've been following the program that Ronnie has sent through to me which involves different sessions, whether that be speed work, hill reps, or just plain hiking.  I don't think I have ever trained this hard for a race, physically just putting the miles in, but using the gym alongside it, swimming and now week 3 of body balance, with the added bonus of dropping weight.  I've not gone too manic at dropping the weight as this should happen naturally when training this much but I have been using 'Huel' as my lunch which does definitely help me with reducing.

Last week I set out on a training run with the one and only Mark Dalton.  After hearing many tales of this guys running and his ability to keep talking the whole time, I was now going to experience it for myself.  The plan was to run from Helmsley to Stape, along the Tabular Hills which is part of the HM160 route.  This was brilliant for me, not so for him apart from getting on the trail.  I was going to get his experience, most likely a faster pace than I'm used to or would make myself do and the mileage.  This was important to me because along this particular section of the route I want to be able to go quicker than I did last time, nothing crazy though, but quicker.  This helps if you have someone dragging you along.  Its a pace that's manageable for me but just outside of my comfort zone so win win for me!  It is always good to refresh yourself with the route to avoid silly little navigational errors that could ultimately cost you time.

If I can continue like I'm doing then I have a real chance of finishing this event which is my current ultimate goal.  If I can do this, then I can do the Lakeland 100 and I can the C2C.  Confidence from this is crucial so max effort to the end.  I've managed to lose some weight so I'm on track for what I believe is going to be a good weight for me to do the race, again a stepping stone to success.  I've not been drinking either, 6 weeks nearly 7 with only 2 beers and one glass of wine. This is really important for me as I can feel the difference in my legs when running, they have more endurance and stamina.  What am I going to start doing more of or add to my training?  More hill work.  My theory is, I know this is where I struggle and I'm not very good, so my mind set it 'go do more hills!!!'.  I have been doing and really benefiting but I need to up the anti here I feel.  I'm weak and feel vulnerable when I hit a hilly section and I don't want to think I didn't put the effort in to overcome this issue.

Disaster struck at the weekend...……. My body hit out and rebelled is the only thing I can think of to explain this strange occurrence.  After my great recce with Mark on the thurs covering 24 miles I gave myself the Friday to recover.  Saturday arrived with the opportunity to train before work so I took it.  The plan was just a steady 8 miles endurance run from my doorstep, nothing special just get out there and do it.  Off I went but before long |I knew something wasn't right.  My breathing became hampered and it felt like someone was sat on my chest.  My breathing and become more of a wheeze and I couldn't get enough air when my pace increased and my heart rate increased.  I thought nothing of it and decided it would get better once I settled in to the run.  It didn't.  I struggled the whole way round unable to get any rhythm or prolonged running periods. It seemed I was struggling big time.  This happened again the next day which then made me decide \I needed to have a break I'd possibly over done it and my body was sending me a clear message.  I took the hint and gave myself 2 days enforced rest.  Still went to work but no training only body balance.  Was this major or just a blip ????

Back out for a recovery run this morning to test the breathing situation before round 2 with Mark on Thursday.  The going was good although it took a bit to wake my legs up and remind them of the job in hand but all seemed ok.  I didn't push it so just did 2.5 miles and rested and stretched.  I am just happy my breathing was better and not hampered still as this would not have been good after so many days.

Rest wins again!