I dressed for rain but was treated to a clear sky at one point. The parks are waterlogged so I was taking it easy.

I’m still trying to work out how fast I should be running on these weekday runs. I’m following the training plan but it feels a bit slow because I know I can go faster. I’m tempted to switch the plan from “Novice 1” to see what it does, but then I’m worried I’d lose my progress and get in a mess. Hmm...

It was the London Marathon “Meet the Experts” event on Saturday and I went along. I’ve been surprised about how much there is to think about around how to prepare for the big day. Training, nutrition, how much water to drink, how not to get injured... and there were a bunch of folks there giving helpful talks across all of it. Very helpful indeed!

I took the opportunity to get myself a couple of bits of branded gear. I’m not normally someone who likes wearing logos, but I’d like to have some things to wear after all this has happened to remember it!

So, tried the new leggings out on a run, and they’re great. Two pockets and zips at the bottom. Ace.

So, today, feeling strong. Not hurting very much anywhere and excited about the progress I’m making. I just run a 10k and didn’t even really think about that being a challenge!

Very sadly the London Winter Run is cancelled tomorrow because of the incoming storm. So I’ve switched my long run to today instead.

Keeping it steady and paying attention to my new virtual coach Hal via the Running With Hal app. His advice was to aim for 22.5 at 5.55-6.20 pace. At points I was finding I had to slow myself down, particularly downhill. But I got it just about on the button. I’m learning a lot in the process!

I’m finding these runs really meditative and I’m loving being able to really listen to two hours of music each weekend. This time it was Max Cooper on Nemone’s Electric Ladyland on BBC6 Music. A really great episode this week.

Thanks to Matt K for recommending I get a hydration vest. I found a half price Arcteryx one that I tried out for the first time - it was really helpful.

Stay safe tomorrow, everyone. I can’t imagine seeing much activity on here until Monday!

Working from home today so two hours of travel saved and I’ve swapped one for a gorgeous run in three parks.

I’m really pleased with Run With Hal, so I’m sticking to whatever he has to say about my training now. Today, a “marathon pace” run. I might change my target as I go but at the moment this would see me aiming for a 3.30 time which I realise is ambitious.

It was gorgeous outside, and the crocuses are already coming out. Seems a bit early but it certainly helps me feel a little calmer given there’s some work stress at the moment.

Thanks to Matt K, I’ve found a great marathon training app called Run With Hal. So I’m following the advice and this is a short, easy run. The idea is to exactly match the distance and pace that the disembodied Hal (no he’s an actual person, not a space station AI) tells you to do in the plan.

I was quite relieved that today’s run was a short one because my knee is still feeling it after Sunday. But I feel really good now after a simple jog around listening to Brian Cox and friends.

It’s pretty stressful at work at the moment so it was nice to tune that out for a bit.

Interestingly, by going slower I was able to think about my stride, and I tried to lengthen it whilst still not landing on my heels, whilst maintaining the same pace.

Anyway, no photo today - it was pitch black out!

I’ve been thinking about this run since Sunday when I ran 21k for the first time. My knees were complaining for a couple of days afterwards and I was worried it would be painful if I ran a similar distance again today.

Turns out... I was right! I’m feeling okay now but at a few points I thought about stopping, not because I was feeling tired - just my right knee was really quite painful.

Anyway, I stuck with it. Tried some gels for the first time, had extra water, and stuck to the plan. 💪