I woke up on Monday post Manchester marathon with the sorest quads I’ve ever had in my life and an inability to move my neck- not sure if that was marathon related or sleeping awkwardly! I did my usual stretching and had a short walk, but other than that it was pretty much feet up, resting. 
Mon: Rest
Tues: 3 mile Walk
Weds: 3 mile Run + 2 mile Walk
Thurs: 4 mile Run
Fri: 8 mile Walk
Sat: 10 mile Run + 2.5 mile Walk
Sun: 8 mile Run
My quads will still pretty sore on Tuesday but thankfully the neck pain had completely gone! I went for a 3 mile walk to really stretch the legs out, and they actually felt fine, my only problem was going down the stairs and sitting down.
Wednesday saw my first shake out run post marathon, the quads were still a little sore, but they loosened up over the 3 miles. I went out fairly early and it was already pretty hot out there as it has been all week.
Nick was working from home on Thursday morning so we headed out for a run together. It was the first time he’s been running in months, and we took it slowly as my legs aren’t really up to anything fast yet! I did 4 miles and it was a really enjoyable gentle jog.
On Friday I had my nutrition lecture and walked to and from the lecture, totalling 8 miles of walking for the day. With that, the studying and live below the line, I was feeling pretty drained by the evening.
Saturday I had a lovely 10 mile run, I ran 4 miles to Finsbury Parkrun, did that in an enjoyable slow jog with my brother, and then ran the 3 and a bit miles home for 10 miles for the day. I was pretty pleased with the 10.12 average pace for this one, and I’m really happy with how my legs are feeling right now only a week after the marathon when I felt pretty dire.
Yesterday I was up at 6am to get my run in before going to cheer the London Marathon. It was the most beautifully peaceful morning, and I had a stunning run along the canal. I did 8 miles, in the exact same average pace as the day before! Couldn’t do that again if I tried. That is my first back-to-back long runs since before the injury, and I actually felt really good, especially as I was still doing live below the line. I’ve really enjoyed my running this week and hope that carries on for the next few weeks of training, it’s just nice being able to run on my own terms again.
Going to watch the London Marathon was absolutely amazing, it’s the first time I’ve ever been to watch it in person. We had a good little cheer squad going around mile 23, and Kiera made an awesome sign: “Smile if you aren’t wearing any underwear” that got a lot of love throughout the day! Watching Mo and the other elites was incredible, and it was so great to cheer on all the amazing runners. I have tried to get in the ballot the last 4 years, so I am hoping next year will be the one!
I’m hoping to put in a really heavy training week this week, including a very long run in Cardiff over the Easter weekend. I’ve also signed up for the Milton Keynes marathon on May 5th as my final long training run before the ultra on May 25th. I had 26-28 miles on my plan on that weekend, so it worked out really well. Hopefully will be enjoy it a bit more than Manchester!