For those joining us now at Week 9, I am a Two Oceans Superstar! This means that I was selected as part of a group of seven to receive training and support (and a “virtual” coach) to ensure I am fit and ready to do the Old Mutual Two Oceans half marathon on 7 April next year.
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These weekly pieces are about my progress towards that goal, hoping perhaps to provide ideas and inspiration for you to take on running 10km or 21km.
Nike has just given us running shoes and a whole heap of awesome running gear. It is amazing how motivating it is to have brand-new kit to run in. You feel like more of a runner immediately!
This week’s training on the 12-week Optifit programme:
9km forest run with hills
5km time trial
8km road run
Wow, now we are pushing it, but I seem to have better energy this week and enjoyed all three runs. Constantia Nek to Kirstenbosch and back through the forest with drizzling rain - we must be getting really hardcore!
We did stop a few times and walk a bit, but this is apparently 9km, so I was quite chuffed with myself, and the difference from when we ran from this point three weeks ago, is really noticeable. We went a lot further, but I still managed the hill on the way back better than before.
Wednesday we did a time trial, and we were told to push it and try and take 1 min. 15 sec. off our time. Our trainer Juliet helps by setting the pace. I always worry about pushing it too fast in the beginning and then struggling, so someone that knows about pacing really helps.
I did 27 min. 30 sec.! That is a good 4 minutes faster. We really are getting fitter!
Thursday we did an 8km in about 50 minutes - just the traffic lights that gave us a few stoppage breaks. I really am enjoying this. I think we have good and bad weeks. I was perky this week, perhaps next week will be harder again, so focusing on the progress made to stay motivated is working for me. - (Maryann Shaw)
Follow our online programme to run 10km in 11 weeks. Here is week 9.
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