I have a commitment contract out to run 5 days out of 7 at the moment. There's no other reason why I would be running tonight. It would have been easier to slump in front of the telly. I'm out partying with the running club tomorrow night and I've got the kids tomorrow. So really I had to run.
I finally get the baby to sleep and whilst dinner cooks in the oven I head out. I seem to have left all my running shoes at work apart from my super light racing shoes. So I get the joy of wearing them.
I run the bumpy course to Beckenham Cinema and back. It's about 5km. It is pretty chilly and a light frost is forming. In Beckenham High Street it is party time with all the youngsters 'glammed' up. I float by.
Having this commitment contract to run has definitely worked. I wouldn't have run tonight, but glad I did.
5km 27:15
Friday, 30 November 2012
Thursday, 29 November 2012
Not 5k with the interval group
It's 5km time trial time with my Thursday lunchtime interval group. Samuel was meant to be coming but in the changing room realised he didn't have his coat or shirt or something.
We warm up with the usual drills. I commit to running 5km. I focus on running a negative split as the course is two "laps" of 2.5km. I run the first lap in 10:49. If anything the second lap is better. I can really feel my core muscles engaged and I concentrate on this.
I sprint towards the finish. I look at my watch and exclaim ****! It's a quick time. I ask Paul what distance he has. He has near 5km. But everyone else has around 4.6km. Normalising the time it's probably more like a 23:00 5km, which is fine just not the excitement I first felt.
4.6km 21:17
We warm up with the usual drills. I commit to running 5km. I focus on running a negative split as the course is two "laps" of 2.5km. I run the first lap in 10:49. If anything the second lap is better. I can really feel my core muscles engaged and I concentrate on this.
I sprint towards the finish. I look at my watch and exclaim ****! It's a quick time. I ask Paul what distance he has. He has near 5km. But everyone else has around 4.6km. Normalising the time it's probably more like a 23:00 5km, which is fine just not the excitement I first felt.
4.6km 21:17
Wednesday, 28 November 2012
Gentle run to find the secret bike route
A quick 20 minute run today as I had biked to work. I had an idea of a short cut on the bike. But best to go and look at it via foot.
I run down to the docks and look for the National Cycle Route 1. There maybe potential I'm not sure. At the far end of the run my shoe lace keeps coming undone. In the end I give up and do a double knot.
I sprint across the bridge remembering last night and back into the warm
4km 21:00
I run down to the docks and look for the National Cycle Route 1. There maybe potential I'm not sure. At the far end of the run my shoe lace keeps coming undone. In the end I give up and do a double knot.
I sprint across the bridge remembering last night and back into the warm
4km 21:00
Tuesday, 27 November 2012
The fastest I have ever run
Out with the club tonight. I consider stepping up a group but they are running 8 minutes miles. In reality it will be more brutal than that and it's not a group that worries about people dropping off the back.
I decide to go with James, a guaranteed joyful hour of running, though I know in my heart of hearts slower than I should be running.
We run through Chislehurst and up Old Hill. Most people race away up the steep hill. I hold my pace and catch more than half of them up. We catch our breath at the top before heading back down towards Petts Wood.
On the run down St Pauls Cray road I end up leading the bunch. I slip into a beautiful balanced running state where I am simply running well. Then my shoe lace comes undone. I stop and everyone zooms past. I get up and fight my way back to the front.
Someone has run off the front and I set off after them as we are near the finish. Someone else tries to come with me but I drop them. The other person peels off back towards their house. I think it's the next turning back to the rec. I slow down to check and I can see the sign.
Then I open up. I start sprinting. And then really sprinting. My feet are hardly touching the ground but they are turning over at a huge cadence. But my stride length is massive. Then I get faster and faster still. I am convinced that this, in this moment, it is the fastest I have ever run. Strange.
8.4km 55.30
I decide to go with James, a guaranteed joyful hour of running, though I know in my heart of hearts slower than I should be running.
We run through Chislehurst and up Old Hill. Most people race away up the steep hill. I hold my pace and catch more than half of them up. We catch our breath at the top before heading back down towards Petts Wood.
On the run down St Pauls Cray road I end up leading the bunch. I slip into a beautiful balanced running state where I am simply running well. Then my shoe lace comes undone. I stop and everyone zooms past. I get up and fight my way back to the front.
Someone has run off the front and I set off after them as we are near the finish. Someone else tries to come with me but I drop them. The other person peels off back towards their house. I think it's the next turning back to the rec. I slow down to check and I can see the sign.
Then I open up. I start sprinting. And then really sprinting. My feet are hardly touching the ground but they are turning over at a huge cadence. But my stride length is massive. Then I get faster and faster still. I am convinced that this, in this moment, it is the fastest I have ever run. Strange.
8.4km 55.30
Monday, 26 November 2012
Mushroom Run
I was going to run part of the way back from work but bottled it in the end. When I got home we needed mushrooms for our dinner. I run for 25 minutes, past Tesco's and back. I get the mushrooms and everyone stares at me in my running kit.
It is now raining hard. I love autumn but this autumn is wet, wet, wet. I scoot home mushrooms in my backpack
5km 30:00
It is now raining hard. I love autumn but this autumn is wet, wet, wet. I scoot home mushrooms in my backpack
5km 30:00
Sunday, 25 November 2012
Hayes and Back
My mind starts to turn to my marathon training. My main focus is getting back and running after the disaster that was the Beachy Head Marathon. I will need to start building up my long run. Tonight I decide to do a nice hour long evening run. I get the kids in bed and head out.
I decide (eventually) to run to Hayes and back. Throughout the run I maintain a decent pace. I still feel a little rusty but at this point in the cycle it's all okay.
I used to live at the top of Hayes High Street and so I go and have a quick look at my old house. I run a bit further to make up the half hour and then turn and head for home. It's downhill on the way back but I've probably slowed down.
No rain and semi-clear sky. I've currently got a commitment to run 5 days out of 7 each week for the next month. That definitely inspired me today.
10km 57:20
I decide (eventually) to run to Hayes and back. Throughout the run I maintain a decent pace. I still feel a little rusty but at this point in the cycle it's all okay.
I used to live at the top of Hayes High Street and so I go and have a quick look at my old house. I run a bit further to make up the half hour and then turn and head for home. It's downhill on the way back but I've probably slowed down.
No rain and semi-clear sky. I've currently got a commitment to run 5 days out of 7 each week for the next month. That definitely inspired me today.
10km 57:20
Friday, 23 November 2012
Day off Water Fountain to Water Fountain
I have the day off but have a little gap in the middle of the day without kids around. Inspired by the midweek cross country I decide to do the Water fountain to Water Fountain run on Hayes Common.
It's probably still wet so I put on my cross country shoes and water proof socks. It is beautiful on the common and I run well. I know this route like the back of my hand now. There is one tricky turning on the way back. I notice the council have put up a new sign making life easier.
On the common by the pub someone is training their dog. I run past and the dog does not flinch. I touch the water fountain and head back. I manage to keep the pace up all the way back.
At the finish I check the time and it is pretty quick. I had extended the route previously to try and get it to a nice round 5km but given the time today it can't be.
4.5km 23:12
It's probably still wet so I put on my cross country shoes and water proof socks. It is beautiful on the common and I run well. I know this route like the back of my hand now. There is one tricky turning on the way back. I notice the council have put up a new sign making life easier.
On the common by the pub someone is training their dog. I run past and the dog does not flinch. I touch the water fountain and head back. I manage to keep the pace up all the way back.
At the finish I check the time and it is pretty quick. I had extended the route previously to try and get it to a nice round 5km but given the time today it can't be.
4.5km 23:12
Wednesday, 21 November 2012
Inter Financial Services Athletics Cross Country
I've done this a couple of times before and it is great fun. Proper old-school. 5.6 miles round the hilly bits of Richmond Park then back to the Bank of England sports club for pie and chips.
Martin has assured us that it will be sunny by the time of the run. After getting change at the BOE sports club we look out. It is blowing a gale and there is torrential rain.
At the start in Richmond Park everyone stands huddled and wrapped up to the last minute. Eventually I strip off and within minutes we are away. Even at this point peoples numbers are getting wet and falling off. I get caught in a crowd but gradually pick my way through. The drops of rain being accelerated by the gale-force window hurt my bare arms. Some people are trying to dodge round the mud and puddles. I have my seal skinz socks on and am realistic. I plough through.
After a short while I am in a rhythm and running well. It is beautiful despite the weather with a carpet of leaves. The long slow drag up to the far point is a struggle. My number blows off and I manage to catch it. I hold on to it all the way to the finish. As we crest the top of the hill the wind almost brings me to a halt. As we turn back on ourselves to go down hill with the wind at our back, it become peaceful and easier.
There are some short sharp hills before starting the second lap. I shorten my stride and pump my arms. I remember the way I didn't quit at Beachy Head despite being sick and use this to inspire me.
The second time up the long drag Charlie overtakes me. He thinks I have blown but I hold on and follow him up the hill. I then pass him on the downhill. He then passes me again at a later point. I hold on and follow him. On the last steep hill he stops and walks the last bit. I think he has blown and set of in pursuit. Alas on the other side he picks up pace again. Back on the flat, in the run in to the finish he edges away again. A couple of hundred meters from the finish I look behind hoping not to see anyone I'd have to race. But it is all clear. I still pick up speed and do a token spring.
A great afternoons work. I love running in the autumn among the leaves. Would be nice for it to be a bit warmer! Later as we sit in the bar, and after is dark, we look out the window. The sky is clear, free from clouds. Martin was right about it clearing, just not about when.
9km 48:00 TBC
Martin has assured us that it will be sunny by the time of the run. After getting change at the BOE sports club we look out. It is blowing a gale and there is torrential rain.
At the start in Richmond Park everyone stands huddled and wrapped up to the last minute. Eventually I strip off and within minutes we are away. Even at this point peoples numbers are getting wet and falling off. I get caught in a crowd but gradually pick my way through. The drops of rain being accelerated by the gale-force window hurt my bare arms. Some people are trying to dodge round the mud and puddles. I have my seal skinz socks on and am realistic. I plough through.
After a short while I am in a rhythm and running well. It is beautiful despite the weather with a carpet of leaves. The long slow drag up to the far point is a struggle. My number blows off and I manage to catch it. I hold on to it all the way to the finish. As we crest the top of the hill the wind almost brings me to a halt. As we turn back on ourselves to go down hill with the wind at our back, it become peaceful and easier.
There are some short sharp hills before starting the second lap. I shorten my stride and pump my arms. I remember the way I didn't quit at Beachy Head despite being sick and use this to inspire me.
The second time up the long drag Charlie overtakes me. He thinks I have blown but I hold on and follow him up the hill. I then pass him on the downhill. He then passes me again at a later point. I hold on and follow him. On the last steep hill he stops and walks the last bit. I think he has blown and set of in pursuit. Alas on the other side he picks up pace again. Back on the flat, in the run in to the finish he edges away again. A couple of hundred meters from the finish I look behind hoping not to see anyone I'd have to race. But it is all clear. I still pick up speed and do a token spring.
A great afternoons work. I love running in the autumn among the leaves. Would be nice for it to be a bit warmer! Later as we sit in the bar, and after is dark, we look out the window. The sky is clear, free from clouds. Martin was right about it clearing, just not about when.
9km 48:00 TBC
Tuesday, 20 November 2012
A new 5km run home?
During a spare moment at lunch, I spent some time looking for new routes home. I like a quick route with a 5km run at the end. I identify Sydenham station as an options (Different to yesterday's Lower Sydenham)
It's one stop on the tube and then an overground train from Canada Water. Until the last couple of stops the train is packed.
At Sydenham I am let loose. I hadn't really thought about the rain but it is drizzling. I am really trying not to plod. I have previously been guilty of banging out lots of aimless plodding miles. Today when I sense plodding I pick up my running..
The leaves are everywhere and the temperature is perfect. And I don't plod. I'm racing tomorrow so I try to take it easy. At Beckenham I see a bus that goes near my house. I resist the temptation to jump on.
Towards the end I slow down. I push up the last hump and trundle down the hill to home. I'm enjoying getting back on it.
5km 31:50
It's one stop on the tube and then an overground train from Canada Water. Until the last couple of stops the train is packed.
At Sydenham I am let loose. I hadn't really thought about the rain but it is drizzling. I am really trying not to plod. I have previously been guilty of banging out lots of aimless plodding miles. Today when I sense plodding I pick up my running..
The leaves are everywhere and the temperature is perfect. And I don't plod. I'm racing tomorrow so I try to take it easy. At Beckenham I see a bus that goes near my house. I resist the temptation to jump on.
Towards the end I slow down. I push up the last hump and trundle down the hill to home. I'm enjoying getting back on it.
5km 31:50
Monday, 19 November 2012
Back, back on it
I was going to run back from Grove Park but the trains have gone wrong at Lewisham. Fortunately a Hayes train comes along and I go to Lower Sydenham.
It's probably only 4km back from here, but I am planning lots of regular running so it's all good. I love running in the autumn and today was no exception
4km 21:50
It's probably only 4km back from here, but I am planning lots of regular running so it's all good. I love running in the autumn and today was no exception
4km 21:50
Wednesday, 14 November 2012
Back from Grove Park
It's been up and down recently. After the last run I had pain in the calf for a number of days. I picked up a bad back after holding my near-4 year-old son at the Lord Mayors show. My lungs are still not fully back to working order. On a more positive note, I won the club draw for a London Marathon Place and will be doing the great event this year!
Tonight, probably inspired by my marathon place, I decide to run back from Grove Park. I start off fine but the lungs still feel a bit scarred. Still it's good to be running. A few times I am out of breath. It may be a while until I am back and able to train hard, but I'll get there.
Suddenly, I realise that I have been running and flowing along without too much effort. Down the hill and I am home.
4.5km 28:08
Tonight, probably inspired by my marathon place, I decide to run back from Grove Park. I start off fine but the lungs still feel a bit scarred. Still it's good to be running. A few times I am out of breath. It may be a while until I am back and able to train hard, but I'll get there.
Suddenly, I realise that I have been running and flowing along without too much effort. Down the hill and I am home.
4.5km 28:08
Thursday, 8 November 2012
Back on it
After the marathon disaster I decided to have a break and try and shift the lung funk. So I haven't been running. Not sure if a good run will clear it out or whether I just need to recover.
So today at lunch, my twitchiness gets the better of me and I head out for a run. I run down towards wapping. And it feels fantastic. I struggle to reign myself in, and keep zipping off at breakneck speed.
Towards the finish I wind down and do cruise home. Good to be running. Bit wheezy and spluttery though.
4km 19:33
So today at lunch, my twitchiness gets the better of me and I head out for a run. I run down towards wapping. And it feels fantastic. I struggle to reign myself in, and keep zipping off at breakneck speed.
Towards the finish I wind down and do cruise home. Good to be running. Bit wheezy and spluttery though.
4km 19:33
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