I spent 4 hours on Saturday in Killarney doing a very big shop. I think from a recovery point of view that was a good move, though my bank manager would probably disagree. I managed to sneak into the Nike factory store, where I managed to find a new pair of runners. Just the day before I had read a glowing review of the Nike 360 shoes, and when they had a pair for the price of 95 Euros (reduced from 180 Euros), I couldn’t resist. I haven’t worn them for a run yet, and I am aware that the reviews are mixed, but for that price I was definitely prepared to give them a go.
I went back out on the road on Sunday for a nice and relaxing 6 miler, or so I thought, but when I came back I realised that the pace had been a bit fast. The HR was way down though, and I don’t want to run slower just for the sake of it, when the effort is very easy anyway. It’s a sign of how intense the week has been when a mere 6 miles over the entire weekend was enough to give me a weekly mileage of 70. We also went for a long family walk through the woods towards Glencar. The scenery there is absolutely stunning, and even the kids were so thrilled about walking in a magic wood that they didn’t complain once about being tired.
Monday morning was a return of the speed session, but the schedule called for only 5x600 repeats. I originally intended to run more than that, but after the fifth fast section it was HOK* time and I really had enough. I’ve obviously still got the 23 miles in my legs, and the fact that 2 of the repeats were up a hill didn’t help either.
When I came back home, Cian demanded paper and a crayon. What he eventually produced was this portrait of me – not bad for an artist of 2 years, 8 months and 26 days, is it? In the evening I agreed to play an hour of football (that’s soccer for those of you on the wrong side of the Atlantic). I know that Mike had warned me that football and marathon training are incompatible, but I didn’t want to miss the first game after the summer break. I probably should have heeded the advice though. After about 45 minutes I suddenly felt very dizzy. I had to lie down there and then, or I would have fainted. I felt my heart, and it beat extremely fast, and very shallow. Putting my feet up helped immediately, and I felt much better within a few seconds, but it was still a scary experience. Anyone with half a brain would have stopped there and then, but for some reason I went back for more after a short break, and for the rest of the game I was ok. I’m not sure what caused it, but I’ll think twice about playing football after a speed session again.-------------
* HOK = Hands on Knees
Weekly mileage: 70 miles
3 Sep: 6 miles, 52:45, 8:45 pace
4 Sep: 9 miles, 1:15, 8:20 pace, with 5x600
I'm steering clear of amateur football in Edinburgh for the moment. I live in fear of a badly time challenged (more likely by me than an opponent) which would leave me injured. But it definitely hits some spots that running simply doesn't - even after a game of 5s I usually fell stiff for a day afterwards. Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteEasy there Thomas!
ReplyDeleteGlad you recovered quickly from your dizzy spell but do be carful....
Hmmm, that does not sound good. You should get it checked if it happens again. I get dizzy on occasion after lying on the couch for too long and getting up quickly but that's predictable at least.
ReplyDeleteWatch out for those dizzy spells. A racing, shallow heartbeat and dizziness usually does not mean something good is happening.
ReplyDeleteThomas,
ReplyDeleteThank you for all the translating for those of us on this side of the water! Hopefully your dizzy spell was just a result of too much in one day...I guess one thing I wonder is if you refueled and rehydrated well enough after your run. Maybe it was good enough for walking around, but not good enough for more exertion. Who knows?
70 miles is an awesome week!
Sounds a little like you weren't eating and drinking enough - or perhaps a little low on salt?
ReplyDeleteHey,
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by my blog!
I have the Airmax 360's myself- havent run in them but wear them quite a bit and they are pretty comfy.
Re: your game, scary indeed- be careful out there!!
Maybe low blood sugar?
ReplyDeleteI am with you. I find it hard to resist the chance to play soccer. Andrew always gives me a hard time about it.
23 miles long and a 70 mile week. Well done.
That your 2y/8m/27d-old has drawn you laid out on your back should be a message that you've over done something; although it's cute, do be careful with your health. I'm selfish and would hate to see the number of running blogs I actually read reduced.
ReplyDeleteI have had a couple of HOK experiences while I am out on the run and they are a bit scary indeed.
ReplyDeleteAwesome week! Very cute pic!! Sounds like the footie was one exercise too many?
ReplyDelete