While most of the country has been brought to a standstill by unprecedented amounts of snow, and training for many of those running in the MdS has been seriously curtailed, hardly any snow has fallen in Blackpool and training has continued unaltered. In fact apart from an odd flurry and a superficial covering lasting for a few hours only, we have been snow free and the last two days have seen clear blue skies and lots of sunshine.
The training has followed a similar pattern to last week. The intention was to head to the Lakes again on Friday but in view of the weather and the resultant tragic deaths of two climbers I decided to use some common sense. I changed my plans to two long local training sessions. The intention was to spend about 10 hours on the go on Friday with a full rucksack and to cover probably about 40 miles while leaving enough energy in the tank for an 8 hour session on Saturday covering about 30 miles.
Set off about 7.30 on Friday and went via Weeton, Plumpton, Westby and Ballam to the front at Lytham. Turned and headed north along the beach for about 14 miles until I got to Rossall. Unfortunately while heading of the beach had to walk through a lot of water which was deeper than I realised. Even my excellent waterproof shoes can't cope when the water is past my ankles. My feet were soaking and I stopped and changed my socks (which I could wring out) for a dry pair from my bag. My shoes were wet through and I was concerned about blisters, but had no need to worry as no blisters after two hard days of training. Headed back along the River Wyre where I saw the boat in the picture. I am sure it was aptly named "Good Hope" at one stage, but the dreams have now turned into a wreck. Hope that's not some sort of omen! Returned home via Poulton and then finished off by taking the dogs for a 4 mile walk.
I was walking / running for 9hours and 57 minutes and covered 38.5 miles. Slower average pace than I expected. However, when I got home I thought my bag was rather heavy and so weighed it. I had obviously made a mistake before setting off. I thought my bag was underweight and had put another 2 kg weight in. However, the actual weight when I set off, with water, must have been about 13kgs. As I expect to be no more than 11.5 kgs with water on day 1, and as this will drop to about 9.5 kgs by the time of the 50 mile day, I was obviously training with a heavier rucksack than I will be carrying. So actually felt very pleased.
Was the third intended outcome achieved - that is to be able to do another long day on Saturday. Again delighted that I was able to do 30.2 miles in 7 hours 32 minutes. Bag weight was reduced to about 8kgs, and felt really good at the end, and have recovered well by today (Sunday), and feel could do it all again. Training well on course.
Last week was the highest mileage at 105 miles that I will be doing. Although I will still be doing high mileage for another 3 to 4 weeks I will drop it and concentrate on quality (tempo and intervals) along with gym sessions. The back to back sessions last week have confirmed my training is on course and was psychologically important, but I don't feel I will gain anything by more similar sessions at this stage - apart from an unwanted injury.
The itinerary has arrived this week, along with a request for the final payment of a security deposit - to be cashed if I don't finish or if I infringe the rules! Not sure if it pays for the body bag if I need alternative transport home, or if that's already payed for!
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