A sunny Sunday long Run in Warwickshire and the next Marathon training plan begins!
I wanted to re-ignite my blogging on my running in and around Warwick for some time so here goes. This is spurred on by two things.. Warwick and err…running 
Well there have been distractions..mainly down to career manoeuvres, additional sports massage training, my own sports injury and so lack of time and motivation. However I have a marathon plan starting this week to prepare me for my first ‘off-road’ marathon. I had a long week-end up in the Lake District last week-end as a ‘toe in the water’ and inspiration for starting my training.. and I am truly inspired despite previous reservations following the tendonitis injury and ITB problems I had in the run up to the Snowdon Marathon in 2010. Running up and across the snow-topped mountains, across the famous Catbells, taking in the breathtaking views down to Derwent Water and across the North-Western Fells was enough to get the bit between my teeth (and serious DOMS in my legs afterwards!) I can totally understand why Wainwright loved Lakeland and was so considered in his descriptions. I plan to Blog about my journey to the Marathon… any niggles, injuries, remedies, lotions, potions, gels, blisters… it will all be BLOGGED. So be warned!!!
So my long run today, which is often the Sunday routine and is my base builder for the next ‘Matthews Marathon’, was 15 miles and included some typical lovely countryside routes around Warwick. Out of the town and up to the Village of Hampton on The Hill, then across the country lanes and towards Hatton Park. Beyond this up Beausale Lane…where it appeared a local cycling group were also out training and I quickly jumped up onto verge to avoid 3 large groups of 40 or so cycles! This then joined the back of the Kenilworth Runners Half Marathon Race route. I must add…it was glorious sunshine and the first time I had worn my (lovely) new red Pearl Izumi running vest which I bought on sale in Keswick the previous weekend at Planetfear…awesome shop (and town). My thoughts did turn to several Kenilworth Runners club-mates who were running half marathons today ..Bath Half, Silverstone, Mick n Phil and Blackminster – a little on the warm side for racing, but I always think of those I know racing when I am doing a long run..it makes my pace feel a little easier to cope with knowing they are putting so much more effort in!
I had a couple of High5 ISO gels – which are very easy to consume (used to get in such a mess with SIS Go) and my trusty water belt.. also new Adidas running capris – also new bought at the County Cross Country Champs in Cofton Park (marshalling the day before) for a bargain tenner! The lanes then swept round Deer Park Wood and behind the Wedgnock Rifle Range (where clay pigeon shooting practice was occurring… which I always find a bit of a concern when running through what sounds like a ‘War-zone’!) I then made my way back through Warwick and the race-course which was busily preparing for a much awaited race meeting! So the highlights of today’s long run… sunshine, wearing nice new running clobber, not getting shot, not getting cycled over ..but still enjoying the Warwickshire countryside!
This pic was taken last Summer and is one reason I LOVE running in/around Warwick…
On returning from the long run..I made sure I had a good stretch. Quads, hamstrings, glutes and calves were the priority! I then had a Rego Recovery shake, a hot shower, a walk around the supermarket (I find a good walk helps recovery) and some lovely home-made potato and leek soup
