This year I’ve decided to produce a short summary of my training at the end of each month. I want to look at the positives and negatives of my training. I’ve also decided to share some of my experiences as a small (in terms of readership) fitness running blogger.

What worked well? What were my running related achievements? What would I do differently given the opportunity? I’ll then draw a line under each month and look ahead to the next month.

Double injury…

March started really positively. I completed 10 and 11 mile run for four minutes and walk for a minute and repeat training sessions, my right knee felt great afterwards.  Happy days! Although due to a lack of transport I missed the Mash March Madness in Cannock Chase, I completed my first official race of 2016, the 7 Pools Run, on March 20th. Unfortunately, due to a knee injury I haven’t been able to run since. Running a 10k cross country run clearly wasn’t a very smart move. I also had to postpone my 1,500m swim for Swimathon due to an elbow injury. At the age of 36 I’m falling apart.

According to my Strava stats I managed to complete seven runs covering an approximate distance of 68 km during March. With less than a month to go until the London Marathon this lack of mileage is not ideal. Luckily my knee is now feeling 99.9 per cent fixed and *fingers crossed* I’ll be heading out for a short run tomorrow.

Although March wasn’t a great month from a running perspective, the highlight was completing the challenging 7 Pools Run without having to walk.

Running costs

March was a relatively expensive month. I purchased a secondhand Garmin 220 for £70. Due to my knee injury I’m yet to test out my new toy. Typical! I also entered the Hill West 10k (£10) and bought some Ibuprofen capsules (£0.99) in an attempt to fix my right knee.I was about to purchase a hydration pack for my longer runs when I received an email informing me I’d won an Ultimate Direction Wink Hydration Pack. That’s one way of saving money!

Blogging experiences

Recent experiences with a family member have made me consider giving up blogging.  I’ve reached the conclusion that my life is pretty dull at the moment. Without running in my life I have very little to say. Who really wants to read about the trials and tribulations of a 36 year old Brummie?

Looking forward to April

The first week of April will *fingers crossed again* see me return to running.  The focus for the rest of April will be getting to the start line of the London Marathon. I’ve got my train tickets for the expo and for the marathon booked. I’ve arranged my accommodation. My Samaritans* charity vest has arrived and doesn’t cause any chafing. The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 16 trainers Brooks kindly sent me fit perfectly. Although my training has been far from conventional, I know that I can complete the marathon distance. It won’t be fast and it won’t be pretty. I just need my right knee to settle down.

Here’s to everyone remaining injury free, completing the London Marathon and a successful April!