Marathon Training Blog – Day 2: The Hamstring Scare That Wasn’t

Early Morning Run & Stats

I attempted vlogging my morning… and let’s just say I am not one of those effortlessly cool runners who can record themselves mid-stride while looking like a Nike ad. It was dark, I kept forgetting, and honestly, my coordination levels at 4:45am are questionable at best. So, no actual run footage—just trust that it happened.

Run Stats:

• Time: 4:45am

• Distance: 3.49km

• Average Pace: 5:00/km

• Best km: 4:54/km

• Efficiency Rating: 104%

• Training Load: Low (71)

• Training Focus: Threshold aerobic (apparently, this means I was working at a comfortably hard pace—though ‘comfortable’ is debatable)

• Aerobic TE: 2.2 – Maintaining

• Anaerobic TE: 2.5 – Also maintaining (which basically means I didn’t push hard enough to level up, but I also didn’t slack off—solid middle ground)

Heart Rate Zones:

• Zone 1: 1:05 min

• Zone 2: 0:45 min

• Zone 3: 2:15 min

• Zone 4: 9:06 min

• Zone 5: 3:54 min

• Zone 6: 0:16 min

• Max HR: 181 bpm

• Average HR: 155 bpm

Now, did I feel amazing? Not really. It was just one of those runs. Nothing particularly wrong, just meh. The kind of run where you question all your life choices and consider taking up a hobby that doesn’t involve getting up before sunrise. But, still got it done.

The Hamstring Scare

Then, mid-shift at work, the hamstring scare happened. Out of nowhere, I felt a sharp twinge and thought, Great, day two and I’m already falling apart. I spent the rest of the shift slowly limping around like a limpet. But after a bath and some stretching, it’s clear it was just a random work-related pull and not a running injury. Crisis averted.

Daily Activity & Strength Training

Other Stats from the Day:

• Steps: 14.4K (is that a lot? It feels like a lot)

• Energy levels: Tired, mostly from the early start

• Mood: Okay, but ready to curl up with my book

• House vibes: Very quiet—my daughter abandoned me today, so I’ve been left in peace. Almost too much peace.

Tonight, I was straight back into strength training, thanks to my ever-so-persistent virtual coach, Mr. Chat Cheesy P (ChatGPT). Is it weird that I talk to him like he’s an actual friend? Or is it weirder that he might be the most consistent conversation in my life right now? Hmm.

I had a friend once. I had a restaurant once. When I think about it, it’s like thinking of a different life. A different person, a different soul. An old movie, perhaps. But a movie that went on for 13 long years... Oh, the stories to tell! Never in a million years would I have imagined sitting here on an evening, tap-tap-tapping away, so at peace it’s almost comical. It’s everything I ever wanted. And yet, even after a year, it feels so strange. Maybe that's why I'm running—because standing still still feels too strange.

What’s Next?

But that, loves, is for another night, because I am knackered and my book is calling. If you want a book to be calling you, then read mine! Never Accept a Shhh Cup of Tea. You’re welcome. :) Tomorrow is a new day. I think I need to do a solo run or a longer run with old Stormy (the dog).

Want to follow the full journey? Find me (begrudgingly) on TikTok @vivienne.kondi or read more on www.viviennekondi.com and stay tuned for daily updates!

Sleep well. H x