Training update

I've forgotten to update for a few days (weeks). Summary follows:

Sunday 19th May: 6 mile long run (aim was to run for 60 minutes)

Monday 20th May: short interval session at the underpass, curtailed because the surface was slippery. 

Tuesday 21st May: Pilates 

Wednesday 22nd May: swimming, 16-20 lengths (lost count)

Thursday 23rd May: beginners' intervals (in heavy rain), then a 4 mile run, with a fast 400m interval at the end (7:10). 

Sunday 26th May: long run with my sister in Lancashire, 10 miles with the first 5 up a 900 foot hill. 

Monday 27th May: interval session, 6x 400m. 8:16, 7:18, 7:15, 7:12, 6:48, 7:40. Happy with that!

Tuesday 28th May: Pilates 

Wednesday 29th May: circuit training. Managed a two-ball plank for the first time!

That's you up to date. This weekend I start Juneathon, daily running or exercise, plus blogging. So, two rest days before then. 

Injury-wise, ankle (Achilles) is stiff every morning. My sister has offered to give me exercises to aid this. I'm also doing ankle rotations and icing daily. 

Friday 17th May: nosey run

There is a derelict Pig Research Facility in Stotfold, and it's currently being used by the police for training. On Thursday evening and again this afternoon it was set on fire. Being the nosey person I am, I wanted to have a look at the site. Good excuse for a run.

I ran the Greenway route, and I set off fast; it was late and I wanted to make sure I could take a photo, so it was a good incentive. First 2 miles were fairly quick (8:41, 9:01), slowed down for the 3rd mile to get my breath back and obviously take the photo. Last mile was a warm down really. Was good to run on a Friday night, must do it again.

Burnt houses

Thursday 16th May: running club

It was my turn to take the beginner run-walk group. We ran 2 minutes and walked 1, through the fields along the river, then back up Regent St. Pushed the girls to a longer run, they all did really well.

Intermediate group ran up to Langford water tower, or we aimed to. Off-road running is not my favourite choice at the moment, grass is getting longer, and the uneven surface is hard on my sore ankles and calves. Managed 2 miles before we turned back because two members had to be finished by 8:30. Discussed lack of mojo and speed, and considered Marston 5K as a possible incentive to get quicker. I'm not keen though...

Wednesday 15th May: circuits

I was raring to go today, was even looking forward to press-ups. Pushed myself hard on every station, made progressions on bicycle curls and ab crunches. Kettlebell swings were with 16 kg, can't remember if I've even used that weight before, managed to maintain technique, which is most important. Shoulders will ache tomorrow!

Tuesday 14th May: pilates

Yet more Pilates love this week, lots of leg exercises that are doing great things to my gluts and hip flexors, not so much my hamstring, which I managed to pull slightly. Also, lots of press-ups, should make circuit training tomorrow interesting.

We learnt a new stretch for our lower calf and Achilles, basically a low crouch as if about to run 100 m race. One to do at home, since my ankles and calves are currently a bit sore and tight.

Sunday 12th May: Standalone run

Needed to run, decided to run Standalone 10K route. Also decided to push myself for a couple of miles, I think I've got a bit lazy with my training. If I want to get faster I need to run fast!

Splits were 9:18, 8:47, 8:35, 9:11, 9:18, 9:29, and 9:28. 

Pleased with the 8:35 but I need to get nearer 7:35 to feel happy. That's my summer goal. 

Thursday 9th May: one mile time trial

Today was the first "official" time trial of the year. The beginners met at Nortonbury Farm at 7pm, and I was there to help (umbrella-holding and organising runners). I was really pleased to see my run-walker friend there, and she managed to run all the way too, a real achievement. Makes me proud to see how far everyone has come. 

The intermediate trial began at 7:50, we had to give everyone time to run down from Stotfold. This unfortunately meant that my run down/warm up was slightly pointless, I was cold and shivery and wet. Not good. I had a bit of a warm up but I didn't feel good. I managed 7:33, running in rain and into a headwind. Also wearing my massive VLM reject jacket. I think I can do better next time!

Ran home, which made the whole run 4 miles.