Looking back on last weekend's cancelled race, I think it has been something of a blessing in disguise, as it has allowed me to press on with my training and working towards my longer term goals.
Yes I had wanted to race at Inskip, but it is not a disaster in the long run that this one got called off. In reality, considering the conditions and the fact I was not long back from a lay-off, I probably would have been hard pushed to achieve what I would have liked to from that one anyway.
The short term set back may well prove to be a longer term blessing, as I have had a very satisfying week of training in the week gone by. I managed to increase my mileage back to the levels which I was at before Christmas. I also got pushed extremely hard on the track on Tuesday, with a big session of 20x400.
Along with the usual Thursday night tempo, I was also delighted with how my long run went on Saturday morning. I did a 17 mile out to St Anne's and back, and had a great consistent pace throughout - I would go so far as to say it was probably the best I have felt on a long run since Palma last year.
The longer term goals which I speak about include the Intercounties in March, which I will now be working extremely hard towards, after being given the nod that I will be part of the Lancashire set up for the event. This in particular has been a massive boost for me, as it gives me huge motivation to continue my efforts in training. Representing my county last year was an absolute honour, and to have the opportunity to do so again for a second time around is amazing. I hope to build on from last year's effort and perform to a higher level this time around.
Furthermore, I am also building towards the Cardiff Half Marathon, which takes place two weeks later. It is a race that is incorporating the World Championships, so is sure to provide a fast course and highest quality field. I will be looking to try and improve on my pb at this race.
Finally, another two weeks on from that I will hopefully get a good crack at the 10k distance at Cheshire, as my Lancashire call up will clash with Trafford unfortunately.
So there we have it, the next few weeks will be all about building momentum, fitness and form to try and peak for these 3 races in March and April.
Considering I lost two weeks of training over the festive season, I feel very good about myself and how I am running in training. With a few more weeks of pressing ahead with more hard work, I am hopeful of achieving these goals and continuing to improve.
In the shorter term, I will still be keeping my eye in with races of course, and I look forward to the Northern Championships crosscountry at Witton Park next weekend.
Weekly Mileage: 78
Average pace for the week (m/pm): 6:29
Total mileage for the month (January): 242
Average daily mileage this year: 10.1
