There are no cheap tricks or cheats with running: the vast majority of people can't just rock up to a race, totally unprepared, and expect to do well or for it to be easy.
Similarly, the only real way to run further is to just run further - even a 100 metres more at a time. The same applies to improving your pace.
Fundamentally, your body needs to tolerate the stress of exercise at the limit and it is only through recovery that it gets stronger.
Obviously, sustained effort comes at a price! As I said the other day, my ankles and shins have been sore and, although wearing my compression socks has worked to a degree, tonight's fast five miler has left me in considerable pain.
Desperate times? Desperate measures: the bucket of ice cold water!
I honestly wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy, such is the bone shattering cold that grips you when you plunge yourself into it.
Needless to say, I could only tolerate it in short, sharp bursts but, perversely, there was a feeling of sweet relief and maybe even pleasure afterwards!
Yes, I know I'm weird.
Anyway, 11 miles await tomorrow evening, followed by track intervals on Thursday, so it's vital I feel ok and don't make matters worse. Then there's the main event on Saturday: Spen 20 - The Dress Rehearsal!
Oh yeah, one other thing, Sam and I got a mention in the Spenborough Guardian paper after our good times at the Liversedge Half.
Like I said: no pain, no gain!
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