More longish distances done

stats of the week: run 38 km, gym 4 h

Now it's time to taper for Prague after a proper week with a record mileage since the incident. I was able to complete a continuous 15K with three very fit fellows (photo) and was happy with an average pace of 6:20 min/km. 3 days later I managed a 5 K at 5:55 speed and finally I escorted C on a 18 K walk-jog with a pace of 7:10 what by far would be fast enough to beat Prague's time limit of 3 hours for the half marathon. Anyway, I consulted last year's results and found 700 runners who took more than 3 hours to finish. The organisers don't  seem to be really strict. 

A glimpse of hope

stats of the week: run 28 km, gym 3 h

This week I managed a 5K in under 29 minutes, which marks a significant improvement on my previously rather modest performance. I also increased my longest run to 12 km, accompanying C and taking it cautiously with including several walking breaks. Nevertheless, it felt easy and comfortable for the first time since the incident.

I have also started another series of ten physiotherapy sessions. I am not entirely convinced they will make a decisive difference, but I am determined not to neglect anything that might help.

The plan now is to complete two slow 15 km runs before tapering for the half marathon in Prague. Two weeks to go.

Counted down to 50 days

stats of the week: run 21 km, hiked 20 km, gym 1.5 h

No news so far. Every time I feel some improvement, the next setback follows. For the first time, I experienced nerve pain while running and had to stop moving. Fortunately, after a short rest, I was able to complete another two kilometres.

While my performance level is slowly improving, doubts remain about whether I will be able to increase my mileage enough to be fit for the half and full marathon. To motivate myself, I designed and ordered a special shirt to wear while running in London.

Our plans for the spring in France are currently uncertain, as C’s best friend has become seriously ill and needs constant support. It may be that we spend April at home for the first time since Covid. I don’t mind, as being at home will probably give me a better chance to maintain a structured training routine.

Hiking instead of running

stats of the week: run 13 km, hiked 48 km, gym 1.5h

While still on La Palma, our main focus remained hiking, and any additional running would simply have been too much for our legs. We thoroughly enjoyed the island’s walks, although we had to refrain from tackling the more demanding routes as C was still taking antibiotics to treat her infection.

We can certainly imagine returning to La Palma one day, hopefully to complete the trails we had to forgo on this occasion. Unfortunately, we also missed the opportunity to admire the island’s famously clear night skies, as the final days of our stay were rather cloudy.

3 weeks now to Prague and urgent time to increase the distance to more than 10 km.

Photo: The new volcano who destroyed 10% of the island in 2021

A misty day on the volcano, but soon it cleared up

The pines were killed by Magma at their roots

Busy Santa Cruz harbour