If you are ever looking for an alternative instead of a weekend long run which will have very similar training effects then look no further. I can confirm that their is absolutely nothing that will replicate the effects of that good old long run. Due to the icy conditions we had experienced for some time and my injured ankle it has been some time since my last long run of twenty miles or so but that didn't stop me from jumping straight back in at the deep end. The first ten miles were ok and by fourteen miles I was really finding life hard as my legs muscles decided that they would work better if they stiffened up and by twenty miles I was almost on all fours crawling home.
I have now hit a five year lowest ever fitness level which seems unbelievable as I was going so well not so long ago at the end of November, but seeing as I have never really been injured before could explain a lot. My ankle feels stiff as chuff and I'm just hoping it will be ok by tomorrow morning if not then it looks like I have committed the cardinal sin of doing too much too soon. The picture of bewilderment says it all. The new Nike top should help me recover faster and the new Adidas vest I got should help my training come along much faster, that's what I've convinced myself with anyway.I will be back at the gym tomorrow for some more cycling and weight training and besides I just need to give my legs a bit of extra time away from running to get them recovered before they are called upon on Tuesday when they will be needed for a fourteen mile round trip to and from work.
4 comments:
So sorry to read that you are feeling low at the moment, I'm sure you'll be back on form soon. Take care of that ankle, and it will see you once again victorious.
I agree that nothing can replace the long run for a strong fitness base. It is useful for any distance over 5k. Not sure if it's true, but I once heard Steve Ovett trained long by doing regular half marathons and his race distances were 1500 and 800 meters! I can't wait to get out and run a long 17 miler myself but I haven't done one for about 6 weeks. It may have to be a few 10-12 milers until my legs can take it.
I'm sure that most runners were hit hard by the bad weather in late November.
Best of luck with your recovery from injury and all the best for 2011.
dont be too hard on yourself Gary...It'll come good. Your a man not a machine. Wish I had half your motivation. Best wishes Jill x
Thanks for the comments. I find it harder sitting about than running. A running addict needs a daily fix,take that away and it feels like the world is coming to an end. Thankfully my ankle is feeling much better today.
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