Confidence- highs and lows

The last few weekends racing have left me feeling confident that I am in great shape for the Chicago marathon. Although my first race, 3 weeks ago, the Glasgow Half marathon, did not leave me feeling as confident as I am today. Having trained through it, I was pleased to post a 73.11, but also not sure of what my true form was. That is the problem when you train through an event, your legs feel heavy and you just can't run the fast pace your used to when racing. I did a good hour after the race in Glasgow, and hoped that when I tapered for the Bristol half marathon the following weekend, that things would come together.

I was not disappointed in Bristol, the easier week left me feeling more bouncy and ready to race. Although I lacked some confidence in my fitness, I decided to give the British Championships a good crack. I ran strongly; although I probably started a little too fast (5.01 mile 1) opps! I had some great help from the British men racing with me, helping me into the wind and up the hills.
I crossed the line behind the first lady from Kenya, winning the British half marathon championships in my second fastest time ever, 70.46.

On the back of this race I got back into my marathon training again, choosing to run through the hydro-active 5k race in Hyde Park the following weekend. I was quite nervous about racing a 5k, as I have been so used to racing the longer events. I was sure my legs would not have the speed, having done 21 miles the Thursday before. I arrived at the Park on a beautiful sunning Sunday morning, I saw the thousands of women getting ready to run, and just soaked up the atmosphere. This was just the medicine I needed to get me feeling excited about the event, leaving me raring to go. The race started fast, and I decided to hang on the lead group, 7 women, 2 of which were world champions, one European champion, Jo Pavey, recently 4th in the World 10k championships, and Kate Reed, a talented British runner. At 2k I was still in touch and feeling comfortable (ish) and thought well, just 3k to go. At 3k I was feeling it, but I still had some running in my legs, by this time 4 women had broken away, and I was running with Kate Reed. We ran well together, and in the final 300m Kate broke away to finish slightly ahead, my marathon training prevented me from being able to up my pace at the end. I was delighted to finish with a Road PB of 15.41. This was the boost I needed to my confidence, going into the last 3 weeks of my marathon preparation.

Building to a peak.

Although I was selected for British team in Osaka in the marathon I decided against it. I love competing for country and it's always such a great honour to be chosen to toe the start line in a major championships. That said, my personal goal has always been to improve my times over the marathon distance and Osaka wasn't going to be the place to try and run quick. The humidity and conditions as well as the tough course meant it was going to be a hard event. I normally thrive on toughness and would have loved this challenge but with my faster time focus and longer term Beijing Olympic ambitions I decided the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon would better suit my needs.

Typically from a base level of fitness I allow a 12 week marathon build up. This time I was cutting it quite fine as surgery for a hernia came at this time. I was very thorough with my rehab and sensible with my build up post op and slowly I've been ticking off the miles and banking the sessions. Recently I've been racing, infact, every week for the past 3 weeks!

Great North Run

Lucozade Sport’s inspirational new running ambassador, Liz has been a mainstay of the Great Britain senior team for a decade. A member of the Athens Olympic team she is now a fully focused marathon runner following an outstanding bronze medal at last year’s Commonwealth Games in Melbourne. In 2007 Liz ran 69.28 for the half marathon to become the 4^th fastest Briton in history and ranked in the worlds top 10.

Having won her first National medal in 1997 Liz made her International debut at both the World and European Champions in 1999 placing a magnificent fourth in the latter. Subsequent GB cross country teams have rarely competed without Liz and she has won two bronze medals at world level and one Gold, three silver and one bronze at the European Championships.

Whilst continuing to compete in a variety of world class events across the globe, Liz is also passionate about helping others achieve their own health, lifestyle and performance goals.