Peter's Virtual Marathon training - week 3

Sunday

It was forecast wet with a blustery South Westerly wind, so I went for a different route, heading down into Kingston then South on the Portsmouth Road to the Scilly Isles. The first four miles into the wind was quite hard, but after that was easier and the rain stopped. The 8 mile point came up on Barge Walk heading back to Kingston.  Crossed the Thames at Kingston Bridge, and headed up to Richmond. This section felt harder and the pace crept over 11mm average. The half marathon came up in Petersham in a time of 2hrs 23.19, 8 minutes quicker than last week. The last three miles, through Petersham meadow and Richmond Park were tough, with the pace dropping back sharply. Overall though a good effort and covered 16 miles at an average pace of 11.14 mm.  This training plan has a very steep distance ramp and I am targeting 18 miles next weekend.

Tuesday

I ran early in Richmond Park trying for a bit more pace. Had a good run, on a favourite loop up to the Ballet School and round the Pen Ponds. 5.57 miles at 10.35mm average.

Thursday

Another early start on a grey morning. Decided to push on and did a lap of the Park (in at Ladderstyle and out at Kingston Gate). Total distance 7.6 miles with plenty of Richmond Hills at an average of 10.29 mm). Stopped briefly at 6 miles to take a pic of the local wildlife. Hopefully these mid week runs will improve my long distance effort.