MY TOKYO MARATHON - 4 WEEKS TO RACE DAY

This week I received the Tokyo Marathon race pack e mail which made it all real. The e mail came through on Friday afternoon and it included the Bib confirmation and instructions for collecting the Bib at the expo, the runner handbook and runner’s only special offers from official partners. The e- information was concise, easy to read and download. Now all I must do is to finalise my travel plans pre and post marathon as I have 10 days to explore this amazing country.

My training unfortunately didn’t go quiet to plan this week. I only managed 3 short runs due to work schedule and general fatigue from a cold and flu.

On Sunday I finally managed to attend the R4AP recovery run with the Run 4 a Purpose running group. As many of the club members had completed the Dubai Marathon and the 10km Dubai Marathon run on Friday. It was really inspiring to see so many marathon finishers show up for the recovery run. You can follow the group also on Instagram @run4apurpose for details of the club runs and how to join. We met outside the Dubai Mall beside Salt on the Dubai Marina. Club captain asked if there were any new runners and introduced us newbies to the rest of the club. There were to distances a 7km and 10km route. I went at a good steady pace and opted for the 7km option as it was my first club run and I find that I’m more tired in the evenings and only do shorter run in general at night. We had a group warm up and then headed off around the Dubai Marina. Embarrassingly I took a wrong turn after the 5km mark and ended up running in the opposite direction of the group and only realised when I saw the 10km runners running past me. I promptly turned directions and followed my fellow club mates. After the run we all did some warm down stretches exchanged a few details with fellow runners and I was determined to be back again next week as I really enjoyed being part of a group run even though I managed to get lost along the way.

Monday I took a rest day as I was feeling a bit tired from the weekend running. Did my morning yoga and meditation only.

Tuesday I did a 5km in 30 minutes run on the treadmill and a 30 mins on the exercise bike.

Wednesday there was no Supersupfit class this week so I took a rest day.

Thursday I was feeling a bit of a head cold and sore throat. The change of weather and the air conditioning finally catching up with me. I opted not to run today.

Friday morning I went for a run 10km around the Marina before work. Was slow and steady pace chest felt tight and breathe was not so good, legs were fine and I managed to get round the Dubai Marina with some effort.

Saturday I did not manage a run before work but did an hour of yoga. I really enjoyed the morning stretch today as I can feel my hips and shoulders open up and can feel the tightness easing and my core balance improved. I did some breathe work as my chest was feeling a bit tight from the coughing.

Training was not quiet to plan and I didn’t increase the mileage I intended in fact I ran less that the previous week. As I nurse a chesty cough, sore throat and flu symptoms I am hopeful I can complete the Rak Half Marathon. As it is the time of year for cold and flu here is an interesting article I read recently from Runners World on training with a cold.

I have learnt from the past when marathon training does not go to plan you just listen to your body and rest. Resume the training when you physically can.

Happy Running!

Chrissy x