Road to Sydney: Marathon Diaries Week 6
Sunshine, Canal Miles & Countdown to Reading
This week felt like the first real hint of spring. The sun was out, the daffodils were cheering from the roadside, and for the first time this year it genuinely felt like shorts and sunglasses running weather. Safe to say my mood improved immediately, but that didn’t last too long as the rain and grey skies did return.
Monday
13k tempo – 5:46/km
What a way to start the week. I headed out around the country lanes and it was absolutely stunning. Blue skies, sunglasses on, legs out, and daffodils lining the roads like little supporters.
The pace felt strong and controlled, sitting nicely at tempo effort. Runs like this remind me exactly why I love getting out early in the week — it sets the tone for everything else. Elevation was a bit spicy though !
Tuesday
Recovery + Strength
A recovery day but still time to put in some important strength work.
Today’s focus was on the legs:
Single leg RDLs
Calf raises
Crab walks
Resistance band work for flexibility
It’s not the most glamorous session, but these little exercises make such a difference in keeping everything strong and injury-free.
Wednesday
7k – 5:55/km with the Work Run Club
Another gorgeous day and the evenings are finally getting lighter. For the second time this year we actually started our run in daylight, which felt like a real milestone.
We headed along the canal — one of my favourite routes — and kept the pace fairly relaxed. There were a few stops for photos and plenty of catching up.
I genuinely look forward to this run every week. It’s such a great way to unwind after work and connect with everyone.
Thursday
6.25k tempo – 5:19/km
A quick one squeezed in between a busy day of meetings. The sun was still shining but time was tight, so it was very much a get out, run fast, get back type of session.
Even though it was short, the pace felt good and the legs responded well.
Friday
Rest Day
Proper rest today. No running, just a bit of life admin in the form of hair and nails. Sometimes recovery looks like stretching… and sometimes it looks like a good manicure.
Saturday
16k Long Run – Negative Split
Long run day and we headed back to the canal.
I ran the first 8k with my husband, which was lovely. This route is mostly trail so it feels noticeably tougher than road running, especially with the mud we've had recently.
The goal for the first half was simple:
keep the heart rate low and stay in Zone 2, sitting around 130 bpm.
Once we turned back I picked up the pace and ran the final 8k at around 6:10/km for a nice controlled negative split.
The weather was pretty grim — grey skies and muddy trails — but sometimes those are the runs that feel the most satisfying once they're done.
And of course… a post-run pastry was fully deserved.
Sunday
Gym + Recovery
A short gym session today with some weights, followed by the best kind of recovery:
jacuzzi, steam room and sauna.
Exactly what the legs needed after the long run.
Looking Ahead
We’re now two weeks out from the Reading Half Marathon, which is my next race.
This year is extra special because I’ll be running it with my husband, and it will be his first ever half marathon. I’m honestly so excited for him. There’s nothing quite like the buzz of your first race.
Training is feeling strong, the spring miles are starting to stack up, and I can’t wait to see what race day brings.
Sylv x
