Seemingly the "real" training starts next week!

On Monday, it will be only 14 full weeks till marathon day, and I've been told by Rachael that as of next week, the "real" training starts...

So the question is, what have I been doing until now.

Well, as a non-runner really, it was all about getting used to run regularly, getting stronger and fitter.
But also, get to a point where I don't dislike running.

Yes, you heard it right. In the past, I went out and hated it. If you ask me how I feel about my half marathon I did in Edinburgh, I will always say that I hated every minute of it, and all the time I was running I was wondering why I even entered in the first place.

So hopefully now, that I don't dislike running as much, I hope I will be able to enjoy the next 14 weeks.

I have 2 races planned until the big day. My first 10k will be on Sunday Jan 25th, and my half marathon on February 22nd.
I'm a little apprehensive about the half, as it's quite soon. I know that as per normal programme, I could have done it a week or two later, but I couldn't find any that was convenient and not a long way away or super expensive.

I also know that until the half, I don't have any free Sundays due to birthdays, family visits, golf competitions, etc.
So the long runs will have to happen on a work day, which doesn't make it easier.

So serious things are coming up.

Now going back to my last update, I haven't done a huge amount of running. 

Last Sunday I went to a running workshop organised by Rachel. It was a long day, getting up at 5ish to get to Manchester for 10am.
But it was worthwhile.
I even managed to say that after the marathon, I am retiring.....
No seriously, after the marathon I want to focus on my 5k speed.

We learned a hell of a lot about the POSE running technique and why it's so good so as to avoid injury.
We did lots of drills, and even had to do quite a bit of running!
Looking forward to get the video analysis of the before and after.

But we also learned why strength training while training is so important as well as stretching.

On Tuesday I went to an exercise class, which was followed by a 30min stretch class. I have to say, it was a fabulous class, and I felt amazing afterwards. Working on mobility is super important.

And when I did my short interval session yesterday, my legs were totally fine. It was the breathing that was tough. Definitely going back for more of that class next week!

Curious to see what my next months plan will look like. But first, there is one more strength session planned for today, some long intervals for Friday, and a long tempo run on Saturday.