I’ve started and finished week 9 of my training cycle feeling great (with a slight wobble in the middle), and am feeling mostly strong during my runs. It still feels super fast to be running 8 min miles though. Here’s how this week’s training went down…

Monday – 10 miles on the cards, split into two sets of 5 miles at 8 min mile pace. First set before work, second set in the evening. Nailed them and felt great!

Tuesday – I was so excited to convince two friends to join me for my speed workout this week. We hit the Barnes Elm track at 6.30am for 4 X 1 mile repeats at 7.20 pace. I hit up a Barrecore class before meeting a friend for dinner in Chelsea- love taking advantage of the studios across London!

Wednesday – Barrecore pre-work class. My glutes and thighs did not know what had hit them with only 12 hours between barre classes!

Thursday – Another early morning barre with one of my fave teachers at Barrecore Chiswick, followed by a tense day waiting by the phone to hear about my Uni options. A post work 5K run with the Brooks UK team ‘Running Happy’ was actually exactly what I needed to give myself some perspective, plus it was a great opportunity to catch up with some friends whilst trying out the wonderful Brooks autumn/winter kit.

Friday – I was feeling physically and emotionally exhausted on Friday, so opted to switch around my rest days, and go to the cinema on a date night with Tom. We saw Inside Out and we loved it.

Saturday – 17 miles. The plan was to run the first 5 miles at 9 min mile pace, 6-11 at 8.10 pace, followed by 12-17 at 9 min mile pace. I completed miles 1-5 at 8.54 pace, 6-11 at 8.01, and the last 5 miles at 9.04. As I was finishing my final 3 miles I ran behind a woman running my pace, she asked if I wanted to run together for the last bit of our runs and asked me what pace I was going for. It pushed my to finish the final mile strong, wanting to keep pace with her and not trailing off. Afterwards I found out she is American and had just moved to London, and was keen for a West London running bud as she trains for her first marathon in November!

Sunday – A doubles tennis match with friends, Tom and I lost both sets but enjoyed the workout in the sunshine- it definitely helped ease my stiff muscles after Saturday’s long run. Followed by a great brunch at No 11 in Pimlico (they don’t even mind if you’re in sports kit!)

And on to another week!