Week 5: Sunshine, Shorts & Zone 2 Discipline

Week 5 felt like a turning point.

Not dramatic. Not breakthrough-y. Just solid. Consistent. The kind of week that builds a marathon quietly in the background.

And we even saw the sun… twice. A miracle.

Monday – Easy Miles & Happy Legs

8k @ 6:00/km

After Sunday’s race, I expected the legs to feel heavy. But they didn’t. They felt… good. Springy even.

And the sunshine? It changes everything. After weeks of grey skies and puddles, running in actual warmth felt like a reward.

No pressure. Just moving.

Tuesday – Strength & Stability

Recovery day.

Single leg RDLs, calf raises, crab walks, resistance band work — all the unglamorous but essential bits.

I’m really focusing on keeping my hips and glutes strong. The older I get (let’s be honest), the more I respect how important strength work is for keeping everything aligned and injury-free.

Future marathon me will be grateful.

Wednesday – Double Run Energy

It hit 14 degrees. FOURTEEN.

Shorts were worn. Legs were out. Vitamin D was absorbed.

Run 1: Tempo

7k @ 5:35/km

The sun makes everything feel easier. I don’t know the science but I’m convinced it’s real. The pace felt controlled, strong, sustainable.

Run 2: Work Run Club

6.8k @ 6:20/km

First time this year we started and finished in daylight — such a mood boost.

We ran along the canal, caught up properly, laughed a lot. This is why I love running. Yes, the training matters. But so does community.

It felt like a proper “we’re getting into spring” moment.

Thursday – Rest & Pastries

Full day off. Coffee. Pastries. No guilt.

Rest is training.

Friday – Quick Between-Meetings Miles

6.8k @ 6:03/km

The rain returned (of course it did). But it held off just long enough for me to squeeze this in between meetings.

There’s something very satisfying about carving out 45 minutes in a busy day and just getting it done.

No drama. Just discipline.

Saturday – Zone 2 & Country Roads

13k steady

Objective: Stay in Zone 2 the entire time.

It sounds simple. It is not simple.

Holding back takes more control than speeding up. But I stayed disciplined and kept my heart rate where it needed to be.

The route was stunning — country roads, no cars in sight, just fresh air and wildlife. These are the runs that refill the tank.

I am nursing a slightly sore toe though — trying to figure out if it’s swelling, friction, or just mileage catching up. The glamorous side of marathon training.

Sunday – Roast & Reset

Rest day.

Harissa roast leg of lamb on the menu. Proper Sunday lunch energy.

Here’s the recipe if you fancy trying it…

Harissa Roast Leg of Lamb

Ingredients

1 leg of lamb (around 2–2.5kg)
2–3 tbsp rose harissa paste
3 cloves garlic, crushed
Juice of 1 lemon
2 tbsp olive oil
Fresh rosemary
Salt & pepper

Optional for serving:
Pomegranate seeds, mint yoghurt, roasted vegetables, I made a Harissa gravy, some Yorkshires and roasties, it would be rude not too !

Method

Take the lamb out of the fridge an hour before cooking.
Mix harissa, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper.
Score the lamb lightly and rub the marinade all over.
Add rosemary sprigs.
Roast at 200°C (180°C fan) for 20 minutes, then reduce to 170°C and cook for around 1 hour 20 minutes for medium (adjust depending on weight).
Rest for at least 20 minutes before carving.

Serve with roasted veg and something green. And maybe a glass of red.