Dumfries Marathon (or not)
Having never managed a good time in any of my previous marathons (PB 3:50 when my PB for a half is 1:32) I decided to set a ten week training programme aimed at running Dumfries Marathon on March 19th.
I have been going to a circuits class twice a week with Sally, Karen and Rab and most of my long runs have been with Sally whereas before I always trained on my own. Training with ‘my team’ really helps as we all push each other on but it can get a bit scary when ‘Sergeant Henry’ joins us.
So, everything was going well (even allowing for a twisted ankle that put me out of action for a week) I have still averaged 40 miles per week and was feeling fitter and stronger than ever. I was really looking forward to the Lasswade 10 mile last weekend as I was confident I could run a good time. Then, on Friday 3rd March, disaster struck, the Shingles virus (that I have now had six times in the last two years) has returned. The Doctor says I might still be able to run in Dumfries as I started my medication the day the Shingles returned so I am still hopeful!!. I am not writing this looking for sympathy but to point out the importance of looking after yourself when you are training hard. Anyone who has had Chickenpox is carrying the Shingles virus. It has flared up in me when my immune system has been low, something which will affect all of us who train hard. Eating properly and resting after hard sessions is very important. I have learned from previous times when I have had Shingles but obviously I still have more to learn!!
I can put my finger on exactly when I made my mistake this time – I ran 22 miles on a Saturday Morning, went to the football (on a freezing cold afternoon) then went straight out and had 12 pints of Magners and nothing to eat over the evening – BIG mistake.
I have taken my last tablet, am feeling a bit better and am still hopeful of running next weekend. I have also visited a Herbalist and am now taking some weird potion twice a day to boost my immune system, the only problem with this is the side effect that causes me to repeat myself, and you might have already heard me saying:
Vests £5, Fleeces £15, T-Shirts £5, Gillets £13 and long-sleeved Tops £9!!!
I might not be able to run Dumfries next week but there will be other Marathons so it might get me down but it won’t beat me. I look forward to whatever my next race is and seeing all the Porty runners with their club merchandise on at the starting line – and the finish line!!
Alan Aitchison
While out for a run on holiday in Florida, I ran past this sign. I was going to send in a picture of my own ‘shingles creek’ but I didn’t think Peter would give me the exposure!
During my non-racing period I’ve had time to think about all the excuses I have used and heard – it must be a running thing. Maybe some of the new members would like to use some of these or better still, come up with some new ones?
EXCUSES:
- I’m just getting over the shingles
- It was too hot/cold/windy
- I’ve had a cold all week
- I couldn’t sleep because of the baby crying in the room next door
- I’m just getting over the shingles
- I couldn’t sleep because of the traffic/birds/party downstairs
- I’ve got a blister
- My race number doesn’t add up to or have a 7 in it
- I needed the toilet all the way round
- I stopped for the toilet
- Every time I increase my speed I need the toilet (ladies only)
- I’m just getting over the shingles
- I haven’t put in the miles
- I have over-trained
- A dog licked my hand at the start
- I spent too long on the sunbed
Hopefully I will be doing the Glasgow Half next week but I will have to make sure I have my ‘lucky’ safety pins
Alan Aitchison