7 Week Half Marathon Training | Beginners Running Blog | Week 1

Welcome to my 7 week half marathon training journey! You may be saying ‘7 weeks, that’s a little unusual, Michelle’ and you’d be right… however, that’s the amount of weeks I’ve got left after neglecting my training! Originally I scheduled my training to start with 12 weeks until race day but things have got a little hectic. Not only that, the weather has been absolutely scorching and I’m sure as heck no hot weather runner…

Sunday 5 August | Trail Run at Cannock Chase
Today was a race day! It felt so good to be going back to a race that I adored last year and easing myself back into things, mostly because I never consider trail running to be a PB kinda thing, I like to think of it as a ‘beautiful scenery leisurely run’ kinda thing (unless the terrain is difficult and I’m falling over… it happens).

Cannock Chase is a bit of a trek for me at 2 hours away but I think it’s totally worth it. The trails are beautiful with woodland all around you and the occasional lake. When I ran this last year, my absolute favourite part was going over the stream! You could either run through it (like a nutter and get soaking wet feet for the entire race) or go over stepping stones. I thought ‘this is what trail running is all about’.

The weather was scorching hot at around 30 degrees but because you’re running under cover from the forest, you’re not in the blazing sun and the temperatures are more bearable.

I went in with zero time goal, I wanted to go around the beautiful course and I stopped a few times and took pictures (judge me, I don’t care) and my final time was 6 minutes slower than last year. If you want to hear my in depth race review from 2017 read about it here.

I did have somewhat of a minor injury with my left ankle. At times it felt a little unsteady especially on the uneven trail that was more rocky than gravel. I really need to do some work on my ankles, that’s going to be one priority over the next coming weeks.

When I ran Chew Valley a couple of months ago, the redeeming factor about running up a ginormous hill is that the last mile is entirely downhill. Because the downhill is so steep it takes a bit of a toll on your joints and I couldn’t push myself much because my ankle was too sore, yet it had been no problem the rest of the race.

Monday 6 August | Ouch Day
What happens when you haven’t run properly for 3 weeks the day after a trail run? You feel like you’ve been beaten with a stick is what. My shoulders were agony today and I hurt all over!

Tuesday 7 August | Work day
Had so much to do tonight, I really don’t know how people manage to workout, work full time, keep a clean and tidy house, have relationships and a social life, prepare healthy meals and do a side hustle… if you know, please tell me the secret! I feel that most of the time I’m doing lots of things… badly.

Wednesday 8 August | Work day
Another evening spent working. Help. Me.

Thursday 9 August | Productive day
I had a half day today and was fairly productive taking an exciting trip to the local tip to get rid of some things… How the other half live.

Friday 10 August | Day off
I had the day off today so that I could get a cosmetic procedure! I was a bit scared that it was going to hurt but it was absolutely fine and the lady was brilliant. I thought I might be able to sneak a run in this afternoon but that probably wasn’t the best idea.

I spent the evening working on the blog, drinking strawberries and cream Baileys and getting my house rabbit to like me!

Saturday 11 August | More cheese Gromit
The answer is yes always more cheese! Nearly 22,000 steps, 2 proseccos, 2 cocktails, 1 cider and a dissarono and coke later, we went on the hunt for Gromits around Bristol. It was a rubbish rainy day but we still had tons of fun. Needless to say, today wasn’t a rest day but wasn’t really a workout day either but I am knackered and went to bed pretty early!

Also, props to me, I got on a bus from town which I don’t think I’ve done for over 10 years! I’m usually an Uber girl but it was kinda nice and made me feel sleepy unlike an Uber when I try and avoid making conversation with a stranger the entire way home.

If you don’t know what the Gromit trail is, here’s a description from the website, raising money for Bristol Children’s Hospital. https://www.grandappeal.org.uk/trails-exhibitions/gromit-unleashed/

In Gromit Unleashed 2 Nick Park’s Academy Award®-winning character Gromit has returned to Bristol for his second starring role in the award-winning charity’s sculpture trails, but this time he’s not alone; the loveable pooch is joined by his pal Wallace and arch nemesis Feathers McGraw! The trail features over 60 giant sculptures designed by high-profile artists, designers, innovators and local talent. Sculptures are positioned in high footfall and iconic locations around Bristol and the surrounding area, perfect for a family day out around the city and beyond.

Sunday 12 August | This day went wrong
I literally had so much to do today and didn’t manage to do any of it which is very annoying! Before I knew it, it was 7pm and I’m starting to get ready for going back to work tomorrow. Time to plan for next week’s running goals, the only way is up after this week!!

Overview
This week as a first week back was a bit of a disaster. While I did manage to run a trail run last Sunday, I haven’t done much else! This is now taking me to 6 weeks for training. I have a 10 mile race at the beginning of September which will be a good gauge of where I am (or not), I need to get this thing going! Jesus take the wheel…

This week total miles | 6