A long run, 4.32 miles, 41:44, 9:40 minute miles

Another full run prompted by a failure the day before.  Delayed willpower...  With only 2 weeks until my 3 peaks walk I decided to test stamina by adding a mile to my previous furthest.  This is definitely the longest run I've ever done.

So, it was good to have the goal and to meet it.  I went down along the river (which was glorious) and then up the canal to the Bingley 3 rise.  I ache now, I think my hip adductors, and was conscious of it ever since turning back along the canal.  My right knee was also getting sore, which happens too when walking for long distances.

I am also aware that I was thinking about my speed.  Having read some blog posts and running magazines a lot of them talk about varied training, sometimes at your 5k pace, sometimes at your 10k pace, etc.  Clearly I don't have a 10k pace, given I've never run that far, but it made me look up my times so far.  I'd have expected to go slower on this one as it was long, but it was a 9:40 minute/mile, within 11 seconds/mile of the last 4 runs I've done (bar one, which was 9:01).  I never thought I knew how to pace myself slower or anything, I just expected to get slower as I ran.  Given that this didn't happen, apparently, it suggests I'm keeping up the pace as long as I can be bothered.  Or perhaps that I'm getting fitter and quicker, but also lazier on the shorter runs.

Next time I'll try out my mile pace up the canal as a few months ago when I did 8:45 (and 9:20 back).  Deliberately try to go quicker.  And then top it up to 5k if the will is willing...

Barely a run

I felt groggy on Sunday afternoon so decided to get outside for a run.  Not the right idea - I did about 8 minutes and then walked for a while through the woods.  Being out was the right idea, but my body wasn't right for running.  I did a couple of sprints which was fun and reminds me I need to start thinking about a mixed training schedule rather than just doing half an hour each time.

A hot run, 2.93 miles, 28:27

Annoyed with my failure yesterday, and working at home today, I decided to go out for half an hour before lunch.  It's a hot day but I wanted to be outside.  I didn't quite make it all the way - hoped to be able to get all the way home but I stopped at the locks rather than having to run up the hill back home.

Still, I feel better for having done it.

Not necessarily a route to repeat - down the main road to the tip in Bingley, then to the Fisherman's and back along the canal.  The full route would be 3.23 miles with not too much hilliness, but it's mostly along roads and pavements and my right knee felt weak on the pavement pounding.

Short run

First day back after holiday and I only managed 10 minutes before my brain gave in. 20 minutes walk back so I still got out for half an hour in the lovely morning but I'm not particularly impressed by todays willpower!

London run across westminster bridge and millennium bridge, 5K, 30:32

First 5 minutes were great, I felt strong and like I could hit my pb again. The rest was not so good and the last 10 minutes were really tough. Now my ankles and calfs feel really tight. Good news was that I did keep going. Hungry now...

Through Saltaire and down the canal and back, 5K, 27:58

I'm chuffed with the time, a new training best albeit on a route I've never run before. The last 20 seconds were a busting uphill sprint to get under 28 minutes... It felt like a good run too, so much better for having mapped out the route beforehand. The mind and lungs were willing and it was fun.