Good morning everyone. I know we’ve all been immersed in the #FrankOut news and wondering who the new Tottenham Hotspur manager will be. For those of you who read yesterday’s hoddle, you’ll remember that I was absolutely furious during Tuesday night’s run after the defeat to Newcastle. During that run, an idea came to me: a new, temporary feature for my marathon training progress.
My next marathon is April 4, 2026. Goal: New personal best. Not just surpass the one before me, but crush it. My actual estimate now is 3:07 (30 minutes faster than my current PB). Considering that my personal best half time is 1:26.00, I think it is not impossible to score 3 points, but it will be difficult.
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I don’t like training for marathons very often. I think “running influencers” are dangerous and selfish, forcing people to run is dismissive of other people’s fitness and health goals, and comparing times doesn’t help anyone.
I’m currently in week 9 of 16, which is my most recent training period. The point of this exercise was for me to provide a very honest insight into the highs, difficulties, and challenges of marathon training. At the risk of sounding like a hypocrite, I’d like to say that it was also designed to help me understand the challenges I faced.
Also, I think you want to read about people who actually produce results, not the dumpster fire that is Tottenham Hotspur HQ.
I may make some adjustments to the format, so please bear with me. As always, you can jump straight to the comments. Anyway, with the lengthy introduction over, let’s review Fitzie’s fun running activities:
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Week 9
This was by far the most difficult training I have ever experienced. This DC winter has been terrible. Temperatures were below 22 degrees Celsius, with wind gusts of up to 45 miles per hour. I try to layer as much as possible. My water bottle is frozen. The guy running around my neck froze. The roads are icy. Too cruel.
Sunday run: 20 miles
This is my second 20 mile run. That means I’ve done two 16-mileers, two 18-mileers, and two 20-mileers so far during my training. I’m very happy. But today is difficult. My legs didn’t feel good, my toenails were falling off before I even got out, and the wind was blowing hard. To make matters worse, my running watch wouldn’t cooperate.
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The icy roads forced me to adjust my route and I found myself on the Capital Crescent Trail. very beautiful. I took a moment to admire the splash of a red cardinal on a snowy bank, with the Potomac River in the background, and then almost tripped over a pile of snow next to the trail.
I occasionally doubt myself, and I certainly did today. Nothing seemed to go my way and I wanted to turn around at mile 2. I soldiered on, I waved to the other runners and most of them waved back to me. Someone gave me a high five. Another fist hit me. I farted in front of the third (maybe fourth) one.
I completed the run in 2 minutes and 25 seconds. It was about the same pace I imagined, a little slower than marathon pace.
I’m not sure what the secret to long distance running is. There are a few things that help me. First and foremost love running, otherwise what’s the point. Finding a place you enjoy running is another great approach. I didn’t have my phone with me so I couldn’t take photos, but it also helped me disconnect. Instead, I just observe and appreciate everything around me. I like to listen to footsteps, the wind, the chirping of birds, the constant inner dialogue.
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I also like to imagine myself struggling in those last few miles. I like to imagine myself out there alone, struggling, and what I need to do to get through the final period of pain. I think this helps. I hope a run like this helps build mental strength that will pay off in April.
Monday: rest day
And it’s well deserved.
Tuesday: 7 mile recovery run
The pace was about 89 seconds slower than my half marathon pace (about 7:54/mile). Not about running fast, but about getting out, breathing, enjoying the outdoors and running. The first two miles were not fun. I don’t like darkness. I want to make it bright again. Regardless, this run felt effortless, like a recovery run. Do some good stretches when you get home.
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Wednesday: 7-mile tempo run on treadmill
One mile warm up. 800m, slightly 10 times faster than HM pace (6.22/mi), with a 90-second rest in between. One mile cooldown.
Hate it. I hate treadmills. I hate listening to podcasts with headphones on. I hate when my headphones slip out of my ears when I sweat. I hate this day. I hate this winter. I felt terrible all the time. “I’m totally obsessed with it,” I imagined my future self saying after failing to complete the 7 miles. I thought I would only be able to complete 4 total, then 5. I ended up finishing 7 of them.
It was late at night. Didn’t sit down for dinner until 8:30pm. I was making pasta and one of the vents above the stove fell into my pot. I only had the meat sauce. Not having an easy time. Wondering why I put in all this effort. I just want it to be light outside again.
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Thursday: Easy 10 miles
Ten miles is an easy distance for me so I don’t worry about that. I was more worried about the evening hours because I knew I would be tired and the sun would be setting. I’ll wear an LED light.
Friday: Gym
Expect deadlifts to drive a full-body workout. Keep it light. It’s all about stability, flexibility and injury prevention. I have no interest in doing anything that will interfere with my Sunday run.
Saturday: Easy 7-8 miles
Don’t worry. So happy to be out again.
Estimated total weekly mileage: 52
Fitzie Track of the Day: “Youth Gone Wild” by Skid Row
Now for you the link:
the times: “Thomas Frank’s lessons bore players – he only rated Pedro Polo”
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Matt Rowe: “De Zerbi, Pochettino and Keane on Tottenham Hotspur shortlist to replace Frank”
Alasdair Gold: “10 moments that led to Thomas Frank being sacked by Tottenham Hotspur”
Jack PB et al($$): “Thomas Frank was meant to bring stability to Tottenham, but was ultimately unpopular with fans and players”
Miguel Delaney: “Tottenham Hotspur are in shambles after sacking Thomas Frank, responsibility is clear”
Sami Mokbel: “Frank’s downfall: How he struggled to get players and fans on board”
The Guardian: “Sean Dyche sacked by Nottingham Forest after Wolves draw”
