I can’t say I’m sad to see the back of the first month of 2022… between endless class closures, strikes at school and everyone catching Covid-19, it’s been a really challenging few weeks from a family/organisational perspective.
For my training, it’s meant I’ve had to adapt. I’ve certainly done more mileage with the buggy than I’d anticipated, but that definitely helps build strength, plus it’s always wonderful to have company on my runs.
I’ve run with all three kids this month actually – the younger two in the buggy (yes, the 7-year-old had a ride!), a gorgeous memorable long run with my eldest on her bike and I’ve even had the little one along on her own two wheels at the start of some of my easy runs. When marathon day comes, I will remember these precious family moments and think of them each contributing to my race.
So I’m finishing the month with 335km on the clock (110km of which were pushing the buggy) and a real sense that I’m making progress.
I’ve done a lot of “serious” marathon sessions, where I’ve had to incorporate a series of efforts (say 16-14-12-10-8 minutes) at paces starting at about 4:25/km but increasing to sub-4 pace. Not easy as the fatigue builds and I’m proud of myself for managing to get these done as they look pretty scary on paper.
It’s also the coldest January I’ve known in my ten years in France, so I’ve felt pretty tough getting out there in below-freezing conditions and ticking the kilometres off.
Best of all, my bad knee is holding up so far (touch wood!) and I mostly feel strong and smooth as I’m running. My motivation is super high and I hope I can carry these positive vibes into February… though it would be nice if the rest of life could return a bit more to “normal” too!
