Good morning. Happy Monday. As always, I hope that everyone had an awesome weekend. After a slightly hectic week, I quite enjoyed spending a bit of time chilling out at home during the weekend.

Week four of my London Landmarks Half training plan recommended that I completed a steady 45 minute run on Tuesday, a 60 minute easy run on Wednesday, a steady 45 minute run on Friday and a longer 80 minute run on Sunday. After not running for a couple of weeks, my main aim was to complete at least a couple of runs.

So how did I get on during the fourth week of my half marathon training? Did I manage to get my training back on track? Did my virus clear up enough to let me run? Did I spend my evenings feeling guilty for not running?

Monday – Rest

Thanks to taking a flexi day, I managed to avoid being in the office on Blue Monday. Although I didn’t feel great when I first dragged myself out of bed, I had a pretty awesome day. Mum collected me in the morning and drove us to the café at Chase Farm Shop for a cooked breakfast.

I felt much, much better after working my way through a cooked breakfast, I could almost feel my energy levels increasing with each mouthful. Mum dropped me back home and I spent the rest of the morning and early afternoon completing a job application and some blogmin. After a relatively speedy journey back to Wallingford, I spent the evening packing my bags ready to move out of my shared house.

Tuesday – 45 mins steady Rest

After one of my housemates woke me three times, getting up for work was challenging. I’m ashamed to admit I popped into Greggs on the way into the office and grabbed myself a couple of sausage rolls. Such an unhealthy breakfast but I needed some comfort food. The weather was a little random; at lunchtime it was sunny then it suddenly went dark and started to snow. The walk back to my shared house was slightly hazardous in places. Once I got back to my room, operation pack up and move my belongings. I managed to leave on good terms which is always a bonus. I briefly considered heading out for a celebratory run but decided not to risk running and falling over on the icy pavements.

Wednesday – 60 mins easy Rest

Thanks to some incredibly icy pavements, the walk into the office was hilarious. Looking back, I’ve genuinely got no idea how I managed to stay upright.

A couple of interesting meetings meant that the day seemed to go quickly, and I was soon repeating my Bambi on Ice impression. I got back to my new room, lay on my bed and had a much-needed nap. The rest of the evening was slightly more productive. I think it’s safe to say I feel more relaxed now that I’ve moved out of the shared house of doom.

Thursday – Rest

Once again, the day seemed to fly by, always a positive. I escaped from the office when it was still light and called into the Boat House for a couple of drinks with a colleague. I’ve no idea why but BrewDog tastes better in Wallingford than it does in Four Oaks. We left the pub at a sensible time and walked the short distance to Delhi Brasserie for something to eat. If you ever find yourself in Wallingford – I’ve no idea why you would because there’s not a lot to do – check out Delhi Brasserie; the food is amazing.

Friday – 45 mins steady Rest

After a slightly bizarre week – I guess starting the week in one house and ending it in another is always going to feel a little strange – I was pleased when I could escape from Wallingford for a couple of days and head back home. I got home, stuck a load of washing in the machine, ordered myself a Chinese takeaway and relaxed in front of the TV. Not very exciting but just what this doctor ordered.

Saturday – Rest

I felt well enough when I woke up to attempt a short run. Unfortunately, thanks to an epic coughing fit, I had to head back home after 10 minutes. The rest of my Saturday was more positive. I popped into Sutton Coldfield and came away from TK Maxx with some yellow sticker sale bargains including three pairs of 2UX compression tights for only £2.50 a pair. I also bought some cheap running socks, a compression top with a built-in hydration pack and some smartish trainers for work. I briefly considered checking out the Birmingham branch of TK Maxx but decided to give my debit card a rest. The rest of Saturday was productive but dull; nothing beats ticking off loads of tasks on my things to do list.

Sunday – 80 mins comfortable Rest

Another day and another failed attempt at a training run. I only managed to run for 5 minutes before I had to return home. I really can’t imagine running a half marathon in a couple of month’s time. I can only hope that this virus clears up ASAP. So that’s the fourth week of my London Landmarks Half Marathon training not completed. I’m trying to remain positive but it’s getting quite hard. I’ve just checked out the weather forecast for the week ahead and it doesn’t look great.

Week five of my half marathon training plan is described as the mid schedule peak. To be completely honest, I don’t feel like I’ve completed enough of the plan to be reaching a peak. I’ve got to complete an easy half hour run after work, a 20-25 minute speed session on Thursday, a steady 50 minute run on Friday and a longer 90 minute slow run on Sunday. The thought of running for 90 minutes sounds completely unrealistic at the moment, but I’ll see how I get on.

Training totals

• Runs: 3
• Time: 1 hours 55 mins
• Distance: 10.83 miles

 Niggleometer

• Right knee: 1/10
• Left foot: 0/10
• Right foot: 0/10

Did you have much snow where you live? I’ve just checked out the forecast for Wallingford and the week ahead looks a bit dodgy.

What is your best running related bargain? I’m not sure I’ll ever beat 2XU compression tights for £2.50. I’ve been told that had I gone into TK Maxx later the tights would have been even cheaper.

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