On coming last (Week 4 - 27 to go).

I've set out to do this challenge in the full knowledge I am likely to come last (this totally assumes I WILL finish), so some may find this a little demoralising.  However coming last isn't all that bad. I've done a few short races (cani-cross and ruff dugger) and happily know I am only running against my own time and no one else's.  It also means I often run with a full support team at my heels as they follow the last runner in, so should I need assistance they will be on hand, it also encourages me to keep running no matter how slow.

Coming last with a support team behind!

The only thing I find frustrating is the inability to keep running up hill - does it get any easier? Thursday's long run had a good amount of up and I set off well but as the steepness increased my legs and lungs refused to work together, despite trying all the techniques I've been taught.  So again I walked parts, this time trying for 100 paces slow run / 100 paces fast walk.  My calves objected but I reached my target point and then just added some mileage along the tracks.  The distances are getting easier and I seem to be able to get into a rhythm so all is not bad.

The weather takes a turn for the worse 

The weather however took a turn for the worse and the rain was fairly persistent, so I now have a house full of wet kit and I found the wet rocks difficult on the faster downs, especially as there are a lot of leaves around. And I'm not convinced on the benefit of a waterproof jacket as most rain seemed to run down my neck.

Really great views!

Weeks activity 31^st October - 6^th November:

Saturday – No training

Sunday –  MTB session, hilly out for 50 minutes.

Monday – No training

Tuesday – Coaching session, intervals, lunges, squats and various other exercises.  Finding these sessions tough so they must be doing me good.

Wednesday – No training

Thursday – Hills & tracks 10.73km / 354m height gain.  Disappointed at my uphill efforts, but really pleased to get over the 10k distance.

Friday -  Short hilly walk (feeling yesterdays efforts).

(Goatfell Race 15.5km / 870m)