The motivation to train has been severly lacking as tiredness and just plain frustration and being worn down from injury take its toll.

I’ve practically given up on Comrades for 2010, and 2011 may have to be the better option. It’s not as disappointing this time around as I am not really prepared whereas in 2008 I was ready to run.

It may be time to change my training schedule, consistency and building back up are the keys.

This morning I at least managed 6km, but is is definitely not comfortable and the chances of doing a long run this weekend don’t look hopeful.

Disappointment.

This morning I was only able to run 2km before I had to stop as my legs were too sore. Not sure exatly where the pain is, but again I struggle to put weight through my legs and clearly my back is not right.

Possibly the end of the Comrades dream for 2010 as time is ticking by and the preparation is woefully inadequate.

With time ticking away I’m starting to feel the pressure and the pain!

This morning I ran 10km, doing some intervals to try and help my speed. However the first 6km was very uncomfortable, with my shins feeling sore and my Left groin feeling quite tight. It’s always tough having to run through the pain, but at least I was able to finish stronger.

I then finished off with some calf raises and squats.

In the evening I did another ab session and a 30 min cycle. This was followed by some acupuncture to try and settle the shin pain down.

“What distinguishes winners from losers
is that winners concentrate at all times
on what they can do, not on what they can’t do”
Bob Butera

Resting HR (average): 56

Injury status: Both Shins 3/10

Neural stretching (knee to nose. averages in cm): 32/27

The week started off well, with full training days. Unfortunately it probably had it’s effect on me towards the end of the week, coupled with working 6 days in a row and just feeling exhausted.

Unfortunately I didn’t get to do the long run I needed to, but by Sunday I was very tired and had a little sniffle so rest was probably a better option and ensuring I am fresh for the next week.

I can feel that I am getting more relaxed when running, and becoming more flexible again which will be one of my biggest hurdles when running the distance of Comrades.

Next week has to be a full week, and I have to do a minimum of marathon distance…

“Only those who risk going too far
can possibly find out how far they can go”
T.S Eliot

The Comrades “Down run” is all about pain management and pushing through one’s pain and physical limits.

The theme for the 2009 Comrades was, “This is my story.”

This is Michelle’s story. It gives a great account of the sort of courage and determination required to complete the Comrades marathon, and the rich rewards for those who do.

This is a fairly detailed description of the Down run in the Comrades Marathon.

It’s 10 minutes long and you get tired just by looking at it!

What it doesn’t highlight is just how steep and long the hills are, and the “bone jarring pain” one can expect to encounter.

Speaking to Comrades runners, the Down run is all about Pain management.

Just watching this video gives me goosebumps, and I hope it inspires you to gives the World’s greatest Ultramarathon a go one day!

Saturday morning I noticed my heart rate was elevated quite significantly.

I did some ab work, and then a fairly lengthy total trainer strengthening session for both the upper and lower body.

By the evening I was very tired and fatigued. I’ve worked 6 days in a row and trained quite hard and my body needs a rest and more sleep.

I went to bed at 6.30pm on Thursday night hoping to do a long run on Friday morning. I was out the door at 12.30am, but quickly decided I was better off not running.

My legs felt very sore, and I could not put my weight through them comfortably. I have been pushing hard , and I’ve been getting a bit of neural pain in the legs as I get  used to running longer distances.

Neural pain is not a sharp pain or even an ache. It’s a deep feeling that’s hard to describe, and it’s very difficult to point where the pain is. The muscles gets inhibited and you can’t run freely, and it feels like the legs are going to give way. So after a stretch at 3km, I decided to pull the plug at 5km.

Usually I feel better as I keep going and it can take 6-8km to get warmed up, but you also have to determine when it is better to rest, and my dilemma with Comrades is doing enough mileage, but not hampering my chances before I even get there.

This now throws my plan a little, but I still have enough time to build to 50km. I might take a rest and try a long run again on Sunday, but I’ll see how I feel.

The morning started off with a 6km tempo run. It was not very fast, and the shins are still a bit tender, although I am starting to get more relaxed with my running again.

After some ab work, it was time for a quick upper body session with the total trainer.

The evening was free, my body definitely feeling the effects of training as it is not used to it!