Progress Update Link to heading
As of today, it’s been just over two months since I started training. In such a short time, I think I’ve achieved more than satisfactory results. From the runner’s diary, here are the first and latest training sessions:
| Date | Distance | Pace | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16/05 | 11.85 | 6:10 | 60 |
| 09/03 | 12.06 | 8:22 | 0 |
It looks like the classic example of beginner improvement, but it’s still remarkable. I’ve managed to maintain fairly consistent training despite working all nights. I train early in the morning, around 5, as soon as I get back from work — exhausted from the whole day. This makes me think that in a situation of complete rest, I’ll be able to perform much better.
The Problems Link to heading
Shoes Link to heading
The first problem that came up from the very first training sessions was calf pain and sciatic nerve discomfort that appeared roughly from the halfway point onward. After some research, I decided to see a podiatrist, and after an examination I was told my posture had no particular issues, so the problem could be in my shoes. I admit I ran for more than a month in gym shoes that were at least 6-7 years old… so I decided to open my wallet and buy a pair of Mizuno Wave Skyrise 2 from a specialized store.
I have to admit, the difference is abysmal — not so much in times but in running comfort. Every discomfort disappeared, the experience itself became much more enjoyable, and I can focus better on breathing and engaging my muscles correctly.
Times Link to heading
If you look closely at the table, you can easily notice that after the initial period of unmistakable improvement, there’s a near-stagnation phase and even regression in some sessions.
The reason could be that the body needs more time to adapt. In the meantime, over these 2 months I’ve lost 7.5 kg, so a settling period is more than justified.
A friend pointed out that during preparation I should include at least one interval training session per week. In short, it consists of doing at least 5 cycles of 1 km at maximum speed with a 2-3 minute rest. Next week we’ll try this too, to see if we can reach the much-coveted threshold of 5 min/km.
The Races Link to heading
Obviously, the marathon I want to run has to be a proper race and not a solo goal to achieve, so I started looking for events around Italy before August. Needless to say, in COVID times the search was particularly difficult, but I had found the perfect race for me: Chianti Marathon! It seduced me simply because the registration package included:
official event technical t-shirt (collector’s edition) + bottle of Chianti Classico wine + 100 ml tin of Chianti Classico extra virgin olive oil from Frantoio del Grevepesa for the first 400 ultratrail and trail registrants + box of Tuscan chocolate cantucci by Ghiott + lunch + steak dinner + medal for all finishers
It seemed perfect until I found out it had also been cancelled.
So, searching around, the only appealing race with a low chance of being cancelled was Run Rome, taking place on September 19, when the situation will hopefully be more manageable. It’ll happen after my 30th birthday, but unfortunately COVID interferes with our lives more than we’d like.