92/100 - 15kms, eek!

Today was long run day, and I wanted to aim for 15kms. Last week I did 13.3kms, but for various reasons/excuses I've already kinda covered, I've not done any other running since then, so it was a little daunting. I set off with a vague route plan, an audio book on the iPhone, a small bottle of water, and a tiny wee bar of milk chocolate in a not-next-to-skin pocket, lol. As it happened, I hardly drank anything during the run - just maybe half a dozen sips when I felt I needed one - and I didn't eat the chocolate, it was really just there if I "needed" something.

So, two weeks ago I ran 10km at an average pace (and here I mix units, because it's what works for me, lol) of 13:54 mins per mile, then the week after ran 13.3kms at an average pace of 14:15 mins per mile. Today, I managed 15kms at an average pace of 13:42 mins per mile!!! Pretty surprised at that, though I did work hard today; loads of walk breaks of course, but it was all a bit better structured and focussed. I did the sums after, and maintaining that exact pace would bring me in to a HM finish line a few seconds under 3 hours! Eeek! It's going to be very close - and even though the race is only three weeks away, I'm finally fully decided on running it. It's only ever been intended as a get-round-and-kickstart-the-year, kinda thing, but the 3 hour mark is taunting me a little, and needs beaten. I'm significantly distant from my PB (which is around 2:44) but actually, the improvements i'm starting to see, together with the weightloss, and the gym work, are convincing me I'll smash that this year. I have three half marathon attempts at which to do it (maybe four, depending how the year goes) and although the first one won't be a PB, I'm definitely on my way.

Refuelled after the race with wholewheat pasta with tomatoes and basil-infused extra virgin olive oil, lambs lettuce, and grilled pork medallions. Loads of protein, carbs, and general all-round yumminess - plus the whole plate was just a little over 500 kcals, so I treated myself to that small bar of chocolate with a cup of tea afterwards. :-) Feeling good. Tomorrow will be active recovery. Check me out, doing "active recovery", like some sort of athlete!!!!! Hehehe.