Marathon/Ultra Training Begins......

Some might wonder why my blog is called 'Ultra Running Ali' when in fact a half marathon is my furthest distance to date. It's because, in 2012, I am aiming to complete an ultra race, not just because it will be something that not everyone (of sound mind!) attempts and a mega challenge for me, but I like the idea of being able to run/walk in some of the most beautiful parts of the country and not be looked upon as a slowbie as it's about completing the distance....in your own time! An ultra is more than just the distance, it's also about mangaging your pace so that you make it to then end, managing your nutrition and hydration, and your feet! Yes, if you don't look after them properly you won't make the end so I have bought a really good book (yes, really!) called 'Fixing Your Feet'. Now it's not something to settle down with for a good long read but it's full of good information on the various foot problems that may occur. Anyway, back to training, my (nicely printed out) plan for the Brighton Marathon and beyond atarted on the 1st November, but it didn't go too well as fatigue hit me like a brick for 5 days, the result of a combination of things - stress, doing too much and being very upset at being portrayed as someone who couldn't possibly have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome AND run. This week has been a better one, having done a very fast (for me!) two mile run as a test to see if I was recovered then training with my running club. Tomorrow I will do Coventry parkrun then next week back to the plan and longer distances again. All of my long runs will be on a run/walk basis as this helps me manage my fatigue and will help with training for the ultra. First focus is of course Brighton which I would hope to do at a much faster average pace than the proposed ultra - I haven't decided which one to do yet as i will wait until nearer brighton and see how things are going and whether I will be up for one sooner.......or later in 2012!