After last night's poor run I decided to run early, after school drop-off, to see if perhaps yesterday was down to food intake.
Three weetabix for breakfast (didn't want to take any chances), about 3 hours before I ran, and a bottle of water about an hour before.
I didn't look at my Garmin until I finished, and I'm still not sure of the mile splits, but I ran just under 4 miles at roughly 9:20 pace. Felt that I really had to push myself, could easily have given up and walked home. Verdict: better but not great.
Friday, 26 April 2013
Thursday 25th April: lethargic legs
Back to running club tonight, chest has finally cleared, so it was a tentative "see how I am/blowing cobwebs" sort of run.
Began with a 2 mile run-walk with three ladies just starting out running. We ran 2 minutes and walked a minute. Route was lovely, along the River Ivel. Felt good and it was great warm up.
The advanced group run was the first mile time trial of the year; we do these to get an idea where runners are and to gauge improvement. On the mile warm up to the start of the trial I started to feel slow and shaky. I wasn't sure if it was nerves or lethargy, but by the time we arrived to start I didn't feel up to anything. Since a lot of runners didn't know the route, I offered to act as "halfway marker". Managed 7:21 pace for the half mile, then 7:50 on the way back. Definitely wasn't up to a sprint.
Began with a 2 mile run-walk with three ladies just starting out running. We ran 2 minutes and walked a minute. Route was lovely, along the River Ivel. Felt good and it was great warm up.
The advanced group run was the first mile time trial of the year; we do these to get an idea where runners are and to gauge improvement. On the mile warm up to the start of the trial I started to feel slow and shaky. I wasn't sure if it was nerves or lethargy, but by the time we arrived to start I didn't feel up to anything. Since a lot of runners didn't know the route, I offered to act as "halfway marker". Managed 7:21 pace for the half mile, then 7:50 on the way back. Definitely wasn't up to a sprint.
Wednesday, 24 April 2013
Wednesday April 24: return to circuits
I've not done any training for almost a week, and no circuit training for over 2 weeks, so I was a bit nervous about tonight.
First though, swimming. Took my children to their lessons and had a quick 15 minute swim myself. Managed 14 lengths, which is 450 metres. I didn't push today though.
Next, circuits. Layout was 4x4, with every "4" repeated (so 8x4 really). Started with side planks, jogging, and inverted row; next, ab curls, star jumps, tricep dips, and lunges; then Russian twists, calf raises, kettlebell swing (16 kg), and bicep curls; finally, skipping, press ups, back extensions, and plank.
Focused on technique tonight rather than progression or speed, but was pleased to discover I hadn't lost that much fitness.
Exhausting. Sweating profusely from jogging onwards. Really must remember to take a towel... But I burnt 300 odd calories at circuits and around 100 swimming, not too shabby.
I've started logging food and exercise on myfitnesspal again, and I've lost 3lb so it's definitely useful.
First though, swimming. Took my children to their lessons and had a quick 15 minute swim myself. Managed 14 lengths, which is 450 metres. I didn't push today though.
Next, circuits. Layout was 4x4, with every "4" repeated (so 8x4 really). Started with side planks, jogging, and inverted row; next, ab curls, star jumps, tricep dips, and lunges; then Russian twists, calf raises, kettlebell swing (16 kg), and bicep curls; finally, skipping, press ups, back extensions, and plank.
Focused on technique tonight rather than progression or speed, but was pleased to discover I hadn't lost that much fitness.
Exhausting. Sweating profusely from jogging onwards. Really must remember to take a towel... But I burnt 300 odd calories at circuits and around 100 swimming, not too shabby.
I've started logging food and exercise on myfitnesspal again, and I've lost 3lb so it's definitely useful.
Monday, 22 April 2013
Monday April 22nd: return of the cough
Blinking cough has returned. Decided to immediately visit the doctor. She told me I'm not infectious but I have to stop running this week to make sure the exudate (great word) has chance to clear. Lots of fluids and I should be fine to run on Sunday. I told her about my upcoming half marathon. She did that "hmm" noise which means "that's not a good idea" but very kindly told me I would probably be OK. New favourite doctor.
Thursday April 18: birthday run club!
After not running or training for what feels like 2 weeks I decided I had to go to run club today just for my sanity. My chest felt a lot clearer (slight congestion but nothing major) and my sinus blockage had gone. Also, I'd baked 42 cakes for my birthday and they needed eating.
Beginners group did a 30-minute interval session at the Norton Rd underpass. I jogged mine with a newcomer and then did a few sprints on my own, finishing with a slow jog with another new starter. Nice warm up.
Cakes successfully dished out, then it was the turn of the intermediate group. I decided on a slow-paced 4 mile run around the Greenway. It felt comfortable, but I was glad I hadn't pushed to 5 miles.
Total run today, just over 6 miles.
Beginners group did a 30-minute interval session at the Norton Rd underpass. I jogged mine with a newcomer and then did a few sprints on my own, finishing with a slow jog with another new starter. Nice warm up.
Cakes successfully dished out, then it was the turn of the intermediate group. I decided on a slow-paced 4 mile run around the Greenway. It felt comfortable, but I was glad I hadn't pushed to 5 miles.
Total run today, just over 6 miles.
Sunday, 14 April 2013
Sunday April 14: resting
I've not trained for a week now, cough has gone to my chest and I daren't push myself and risk it turning into something horrible. (Whatever I've got, it's horrible enough as it is.)
Hopefully I'll be better and back running in a few days. Else I might have to take up cycling or something.
Hopefully I'll be better and back running in a few days. Else I might have to take up cycling or something.
Tuesday, 9 April 2013
Tuesday April 9: Pilates love
Pilates tonight. I have a love-hate relationship with Pilates.
HATE!
First, I go to the class under duress (Physio instructions), so it's not my choice.
Second, it's blinking expensive (£7 a session!). I could join a gym for that.
Third, I still don't breathe properly, and I'm not sure I'm "aligned".
LOVE!
But, I like the instructor (I used to go to her aerobics class years ago, when I was Fat Sarah).
I'm not actually that bad at it, despite what I think.
And I am improving with respect to leg strength!
Plus I'm more aware of my posture now. It's definitely helped my running and other training.
So, even though I spend the hours before Pilates thinking "I'm not doing this class next term" and wishing I were at running club instead, I actually do like it really.
Tonight we did lots of leg work. (Possibly why I'm on a Love high at the moment.) I can do the leg stuff. And the back exercises. It's just the advanced core work I struggle with. And we didn't do that today :)
Other stuff: ankle/heel is OK today, only hurts if I press on it. I can't go to circuits tomorrow now so another rest day will be good for it.
Cough is chesty and now I'm sneezing everywhere too. Blinking cold! I blame the children. Does mean I'm allowing myself "medicinal whisky" in the evening. Cheers!
HATE!
First, I go to the class under duress (Physio instructions), so it's not my choice.
Second, it's blinking expensive (£7 a session!). I could join a gym for that.
Third, I still don't breathe properly, and I'm not sure I'm "aligned".
LOVE!
But, I like the instructor (I used to go to her aerobics class years ago, when I was Fat Sarah).
I'm not actually that bad at it, despite what I think.
And I am improving with respect to leg strength!
Plus I'm more aware of my posture now. It's definitely helped my running and other training.
So, even though I spend the hours before Pilates thinking "I'm not doing this class next term" and wishing I were at running club instead, I actually do like it really.
Tonight we did lots of leg work. (Possibly why I'm on a Love high at the moment.) I can do the leg stuff. And the back exercises. It's just the advanced core work I struggle with. And we didn't do that today :)
Other stuff: ankle/heel is OK today, only hurts if I press on it. I can't go to circuits tomorrow now so another rest day will be good for it.
Cough is chesty and now I'm sneezing everywhere too. Blinking cold! I blame the children. Does mean I'm allowing myself "medicinal whisky" in the evening. Cheers!
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