MARATHON runner Jo Stephenson dragged herself out of bed at an unsociable hour on Sunday morning, ready to face the Great Bentley Half Marathon.

She said: “At 7.30am I was sitting having my porridge (good pre-run fodder) listening to the wind and rain, knowing it was going to be cold too, thinking that I’ve softened over the years and actually all I wanted to do is climb back into bed.

“However I was taking part in the Great Bentley Half Marathon, I’d paid my entry fee and I was designated driver for friends running it too, so I knew I really ought to just toughen up and get it done.”

The race was part of her marathon training schedule, an unorthodox plan that the mum-of-two is trialing alongside other members of the Stowmarket Striders,

Following the plan, Jo went for a nine-minute mile pace.

“It’s always good to work a few races into a training plan; it helps get you used to the big day - your A race,” she said.

“My running partners and I were laughing during the week that it’s “only 13 miles” this weekend; last week it was a 20 mile run.

“The mileage on the plan for the weekly long runs so far has been 13, 13, 15, 17, 20, 18, 20 miles.”

Before setting out on Sunday’s half, she said: “Today marks the end of eight-weeks training and by the end of the race, including all the other training runs during the week I have run a total of 220 miles.

“A typical more traditional training plan would have started at a six-mile long run at the end of the first week and would have gradually increased by a mile or two over the weeks to be at about 14 miles this week.”

Jo, who is training for the Brighton Marathon, her third marathon race, added: “The plan I have decided to experiment with this time is called the FIRST 3 + 2.

“That’s three runs a week made up of two good quality speed sessions and 1 long run, all performed at a calculated pace, and at least 2 cross training sessions which are structured spin cycle or rowing machine sessions.

“Also thrown in there are some muscle strengthening exercises and some good stretching. I also use a foam roller constantly, which is a substitute for a sports massage. However I would really recommend a sports massage several times during the training and already have a massage booked for the day after the marathon.”

Going back to Great Bentley, Jo, who has been successfully treated for cancer twice, concluded: “So after standing on the start line in freezing temperatures and strong winds, wondering what on earth I was doing there, I am really happy to report that I had a really good race.

“Not a personal best, but the best race I’ve had since finishing all my treatment and done at a pace that I really didn’t think I had in me anymore and I felt comfortable doing it. A really good confidence booster.

“And to top the week off with another cause for celebration, I was really pleased to find out I have managed to secure a place on the very first RideLondon-Surrey 100 mile cycle challenge. Training for that will start as soon as the marathon is over.”

Share your marathon stories by emailing natalie.hoodless@archant.co.uk

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