Kit

One of the things about new hobbies that makes them so fun is the kit.  Thinking over the things I like doing in my spare time, many of them are kit-dependent.  All that camping stuff, walking stuff, camera stuff.  Mostly you can add one extra little bit of kit every so often.  Playing the tuba is perhaps the only different one, where there was one enormous piece of kit.

I didn't think there'd be too much for running - it's just me, outside, running after all and I was inspired by natural running.  That said, I've certainly bought new shoes, new socks, extra sports tshirts and shorts, a (£10) running watch, an arm band to carry my ipod, a magazine or two about running, and I'm currently looking for a good app on my phone.  I haven't yet found myself lusting after the equivalents of my icebreaker walking tops or my lovely macro lens yet though.

But watch this space.

London morning, from Grange City hotel to tower bridge, past work to London bridge. 1.83 miles, 17:46

Well at least I got out there.  An unexpected second night in London this week and after lazing off yesterday I got out today.  There's always been a bit of a resistance to running in London, and particularly past work (even though I was out at 6, not many work people around then).  Just so many people around.  But it was lovely to be out, it felt good to be stretching my legs and to overtake a few runners.  I wanted to do half an hour but my loop only took 17:46 and it was too easy to stop once I got back near the hotel.  A reminder to plan a 5k route in advance rather than running to a 30 minute schedule.

Up the hill to Northcliffe, across to the swings, and back. 2.44 miles, 27:21 minutes

I actually ran all the way up Moorhead Lane to Northcliffe Park!  I was walking up there the other day and thought it was runnable - long but not too steep - and it turns out that it is.  I did have to stop and pant at the top, and the rest of the run was hard and I felt winded, but it was great to go up there.  I've never managed to get to the park in the past year so nice to see it too, and there are really nice views.  It's a run that I can see myself doing again, so it's good to get a time in.

Running back down, my knees started hurting by the end, which is a first.  The way back was 5 minutes solid downhill running on pavement so that probably resulted in quite a load through my knees.

My breathing is just about normal now so time for a shower and then work.  What a great way to start the day!

West to the river and round to the woods, 24:40

A run for learning what not to do. It was good to get out as I felt tired from all the driving today without feeling physically weary alongside that. First mistake was running after a big Sunday lunch. Many hours after, but still, I was running with a stitch most of the time. Second mistake was to run down the footpath past the cemetery. You can't really get that way in the summer out turns out, very overgrown with a lot of nettles. And lastly, the woods are very muddy after a wet period. Oh, and one more positive learning is not to give up. I thought about stopping after the woods but kept going up the hill and felt much better for it.

Coach road, bird cage, reservoir, 15 minutes

The sun broke out at lunchtime so as I was working at home I went for a run.  It meant I got out and about in the best part of the day, and felt happy to be out.  I couldn't really be bothered with the running though, so only did a short run.  It feels like I do need a new target...

Up the glen and back through Roberts Park, run/walk, 2.22 miles, 25:02 mins

A tired run before I started, but it's been a week and the weather was good so I went out.  Come mid afternoon today after walking around much of the day with Marisca on my back I'm now sure it was a good idea, but of course it was good to get the exercise in.  I did run up the glen again which is quite a lot of up, but I needed a sit on a bench once I got there.  I then walked home from Roberts Park.

I need to think about hydration.  I don't like the idea of having to take a bottle with me when I run, but I do need to make sure I have enough in me before starting, especially from first thing in the morning.  At such point, if I reach it, if I even want to reach it, that I'm out for an hour or so and especially further from home, I can see myself running with a camelbak or similar, rather than carrying a tiny bottle in my hand.

No running

It's been a week since I went for a run and it feels like it. With bad weather, friends visiting, sleeping in for the long weekend, and a bout of stomach sickness, I've just not been out and about. Working at home tomorrow so hopefully will get out at lunchtime.