In the fourth of her weekly journals, our Sport Academy runner describes her London Marathon training regime.We're halfway there!
I have nine weeks of marathon training behind me and nine more to go.
 The perfect start to the day...if you're not training for a marathon |
Completing the half marathon run last week was a real landmark. However the past seven days have been an 'off-feet' week.
That means no running, just rest and cross training as prescribed by my trainer Dan Brockhurst - and who am I to argue with that?
It's not being lazy - it's strategy!
The idea is to give my muscles time to recover from the half marathon in preparation for the next increase in mileage over the next few weeks.
Dan has drawn up a program of exercises designed to improve endurance during the marathon.
The program consists of a combination of lunges, squats, leg curls and extensions to strengthen areas where muscle fatigue kicks in during long runs.
Unsurprisingly when it comes to nutrition for marathon training, experts recommend a well-balanced diet including ample fresh fruits, vegetables and wholegrains.
 Rebecca hits the gym for a round of stretching |
Tragically when it comes to all things culinary I am a complete disaster zone - the original Undomesticated Goddess.
I survived university on a diet of cereal, tinned tuna, sweetcorn and tomato ketchup (not all at the same time).
I do love fruit and veg, but unfortunately I rarely make anything that can't be cooked in a microwave.
However, all this is about to change. My trainer will be analysing my diet and guiding me on nutrition.
I suppose I'll have to tell him about the chicken burger and strawberry milkshake the other evening then!
The physical training is only half the marathon story.
The reason thousands of normal people like me put themselves through the rigours of a marathon is because they believe in a cause deeply important to them.
I will be running on behalf of the Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital in London, which will provide ample motivation for my next stage in training. And this is where it starts getting tough.
But I love a challenge and finding out what can be achieved when you push yourself to your limits.
MMIX
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