tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13273897.post8621506515368396070..comments2024-02-06T10:16:40.971+00:00Comments on Diary of a Rubbish Marathon Runner: SplitsThomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07802380462713592586noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13273897.post-72338630745593156292014-04-17T09:02:18.740+01:002014-04-17T09:02:18.740+01:00I have a bit of back strain too... not from runnin...I have a bit of back strain too... not from running but moving and building stuff around the house. Like you I can do a tough run and my back won't bother me, feels like good therapy.<br /><br />As for the splits, apart from the dip when you had a tough patch the final half marathon was done at really high level of effort, the HR trace shows just how well you were able to push on. Given this strong finish I suspect most of the extra split time was down to the terrain and wind, in fact wouldn't be surprised if your effort level would have seen a negative split on flatter ground and lighter winds.<br /><br />The influence of terrain and weather is why I now prefer going by HR to judge the appropriate effort level rather than splits.<br /><br />For your own racing working out what caused the low point and seeing how you might avoid this in future races will likely be useful. At Connemara I expect the low point the lower HR actually helped your body digest fluids and energy which once you got into a better mental place you could then use. However, time lost in this low point will likely be greater than the time recovered in the subsequent charge. Perhaps eating a little less would have stressed your body less, not slowed you down so much, but still been sufficient for a strong finish.<br /><br />Robert Osfieldhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16960356368117573952noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13273897.post-1338230248193047342014-04-16T19:43:36.872+01:002014-04-16T19:43:36.872+01:00People might scoff at the gardening being the caus...People might scoff at the gardening being the cause and not the running but it's probably the most physically demanding and damaging type of activity there is. Sitting down in front of a PC/laptop comes second. The wife's shoulder is hammered from the latter while I have found running to be a relief after a day spent digging garden beds. Best of luck with that Thomas. A trip to the physio and a massage awaits?cathalhistoryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04722281301610566026noreply@blogger.com