Sunday 28 February 2021

Trust the data

In last weeks blog I wrote about training tired and did something I don't normally do, I told you about my next couple of sessions - rookie error!  Tempting fate.  On Sunday night my coach said she'd been looking at my numbers and there were a couple that were too near the limit she doesn't like me going over to avoid injury or too much fatigue.  As a result, Monday became a day off and my body appreciated the break as I was back on it on Tuesday and ran six days in a row.
This consistency of running helps me build the foundation as the distances get longer.  On Saturday I ran 16km (was actually 17 as my watch turned off after 1k) at a decent pace, for this stage in my season, followed by 24km on Sunday.  The 24k didn't turn into the 31k of last weekend but could have as we were caught out with a road closure,  even runners weren't allowed through and fortunately I consulted my phone and didn't go on instinct or it could have been much longer!
My diet seems to have gone ultra healthy in the last week and this is my body adapting to the fuel I need with the increased miles - burned 1,454 calories on that run today.  Maybe it's because spring starts tomorrow, I've no idea as it's not a deliberate shift but it happens every year.
Measuring your data, or having a coach monitor it, is important.  You should listen to your body but sometimes the data is shouting louder.  Avoiding injuries is key to having a good season and I don't want any time spent recouperating because I've over trained.  Remember rest is a training session and as soon as I've signed off, I'll be snoozing with my feet raised - one of my favourite training sessions!  Have a great week and stay safe.