Hi everyone,

We are now two-and-a-half months away from the INEOS 1:59 Challenge and over the past two weeks - with the introduction of track sessions into the programme - we’ve entered a critical training phase.

As many of you will know; I’m a former track athlete. However, since stepping up to the marathon I have always continued to train on a hard-packed dirt 400m track in Eldoret.

The track sessions, which we carry out every Tuesday, are a great gauge for my current fitness levels. It also enables the body to become accustomed to running at a fast pace – which will be of paramount importance in my attempt to run a sub-two-hour marathon.

It is always a nice feeling to return to the track. The sessions went well but most importantly my body responded positively, which gives me confidence everything is on the right track.

In many respects, now the track sessions have been re-introduced into the programme, this is my most intense training period in the countdown to the Challenge.

Recovery from the hard training is also of vital importance. As I mentioned in my previous diary entry, I now carry out twice weekly core stability exercises.

Besides this, I also have three physio/massage sessions a week with Peter, my long-term physiotherapist. Meanwhile, twice a week - typically after the Thursday long run and after the fartlek session on a Saturday - I’ll also have a ten-minute ice bath in the camp. While the ice bath is not particularly pleasant, it is great way for the body to recover from a hard work out and to reduce inflammation.

Another important element to the training at the moment is the work I’m doing with a couple of the INEOS 1:59 pacemakers, who are based here in camp with me; my room-mate and long-time friend Augustine Choge and Victor Chumo.

The pacemakers will play a vital role on the day in terms of not only setting an even, constant pace but also protecting me from the wind.

Both Augustine and Victor are very aware of what we are trying to achieve and are keen to play their part in history. During some of the track and fartlek sessions they have practised pacing me, which has acted as a bit of a rehearsal.

The work we’ve done together has improved our co-ordination together and will certainly form a critical component of my bid to run a sub-two-hour marathon.

 

As told to Steve Landells