Valencia Marathon Week 8/12

October 30th - November 5th

Monday - 5 miles ez (8k) back up to Bohernabreena reservoir for some more peace and quiet.

Tuesday - 9 miles ez (15k) I enjoyed the run but was made aware of a slight niggle to my right calf. This was most likely caused by wearing my vaporfly shoes for last week's long run. For me it confirms these are only to be used for 5 and 10k races going forward.

This run brought October to a close and although I've felt pretty meh throughout, the volume of work is there, 224 miles (360k) the total.

Wednesday - 10 miles (16k) with 5*1 mile (1.6k) at half marathon effort off a 2 minute jog recovery. First session since Valencia half marathon, ten days ago. There was a little bit of dread leading up to this, my confidence needed a strong session.

Wore the Mizuno rebellion pro to help with my calf niggle and they did the job just fine. They've now covered 300 miles (500k) and they still feel nice and bouncy, however they do stink and are becoming quite squeaky.

Very happy with the workout, mile paces fell in the 7'00 -7'10 (4'21-4'27 km pace) region and for the correct heart rate effort.

Thursday - 9 miles mostly ez (15k) with RCSI group. This included 8*100 meter strides, concentrating on form, the recovery was a walk in between efforts.

Friday - 6 miles (10k) recovery effort. Early start and felt very sluggish in the beginning, pace was gentle, I didn't mind and I started to come alive in the second half.

Saturday - Planned for 20 miles (32k). Warm up was to be 13 miles (21k) then into 5 miles (8k) at marathon effort, finishing with a 2 mile (3k) cool down.

What actually happened was a disaster. It lashed rain from the start and for the first 7 miles (11k) I debated bailing and going again on Sunday. On mile 8 I finally started to get into the run, maybe the benefits of my first gel, when all of a sudden I let out an audible and painful yelp. I had ran over something hard and sharp, no idea what, but it was long enough to pierce through 30 millimeters of foam, two pairs of socks and cut deep into the middle of my big toe. I initially didn't know the extent of the damage and I ran on. I actually thought I was being soft and looking for an excuse to call it a day. The internal dialogue ended with a "quit or shut the f**k up".

I then ran through a flooded path and soaked my socks, one of which I thought had curled up, so I stopped to fix it, about 15 minutes after the spiking...

My Mum had to come and collect me. It continued to bleed for the next 45-60 minutes, and then we thought it best to go to A&E.

I ended up getting a stitch and tetanus shot and have to go back on Tuesday to make sure it's not infected.

Right now I haven't a clue what this means for the marathon, I can't get a shoe on or bend the toe and it hurts to walk. This Marathon is doing way more than just testing my endurance. Totally deflated.