Start as you mean to continue

So it’s been a month since I went out for a half-hearted run through the snow (as I’ve been concentrating on resistance work for the last couple of months), so what with it being the new year and the gym being closed, and being scheduled to do some HIIT, I decided I’d best go out for a trundle.

It would also give me the chance to try out the Chi Running techniques I’ve been reading about to sort out my running style from shuffling pensioner to actual athleticism.

So I went out for a spin around Tooting Common, 3.1km all told, in a frightfully slow 26 minutes. The Chi Running techniques, when I remembered to use them, were actually very helpful. I’m sure it’ll take a few more spins to get the hang of it but I did find myself able to run at a reasonable pace (14km/hr at one point – woosh!) without too much extra effort. Lovely!

So here’s to more than one run a month this year.

PS: also tried out some proper stretches and leg drain thing from the Chi Running book, and my legs feel fine. Amazing!

Day 1, Back At It (Briefly)

Today was day 1 of my new training plan, so I put my kit on and rugged up with an extra layer, stepped out the front door into snow! I hadn’t realised it had snowed (although it was a sprinkling really), but as I was already dressed I went out anyway.

I was supposed to be going for 45 mins, but lasted 10 before I turned and ran back home, with freezing fingers. Perhaps some gloves are in order. And warmer layers. (A chance to buy more running stuff, perhaps?)

But my legs held up much better than I’d feared, so that’s something.

Another 5k PB

My first run in two weeks went much better than I thought. I’ve been concentrating on gyming and HIIT in the last two weeks to try and drop as much fat as possible before the 10k on the 28th (last night’s Mexican dinner and tub of peanut M&Ms probably didn’t help though).

Anyway, went out today and was hoping to do 7km, just ‘cos, but only managed 6.25km (including the run/walk home), with a 5km PB of 39′08.

Very pleased.

5k PB (Unofficial)

Off I trundled to Tooting Common for what was to be a very, very determined effort to not only complete 5k but to beat my previous best effort of 44.06. That was the second 5k in my 10k back in May, when I was absolutely fucked, so if I couldn’t manage to beat it today I would have been very cross. As it happens, I beat it by almost two minutes – 42.25!

Is a PB ‘official’ even if it’s done in training? Or does one only consider a PB a PB if it’s done in an organised race? Perplexed, I am.

Another 10k, and a possible Half

I signed up for another 10k run today, this one being in Brighton on November 16. I am also looking at doing a half-marathon, again in Brighton, in February 2009.

That will give me three months after the November race to build up my pace and endurance – it will possibly be a 3 hour race if I don’t get faster (really, all I need to do is cut down on my walking; I think my running pace – somewhat plodding – is ok for now). My current average pace is around 8.20/km so a half would take me about 3hrs. Which judging by past results of the Brighton half, would have me competing for last place.

It’s all very exciting!

Hello, runners!

Here I am. If in doubt, start a blog – that’s my motto. With a week gone since my first ever race, a 10k through the streets of London which I struggled through for ninety – 90! – painful minutes, I have begun to get the itch again. Also, my legs have slowly stopped hurting enough for the idea of going for a trundle around Tooting Bec Common not to strike me as insane.

Tomorrow I am planning to begin a “5-week to 5k” training plan provided by the good folks at Runner’s World (since, honestly, I was nowhere near ready for the 10k to begin with!). I plan to attend a 5k time trial in Banstead with some workmates at the end of July, and have a 10k booked at Hampton Court at the end of September (paid for and all, so I have to do it).

JogBlog is what inspired to start this blogging-me-jogging lark, funny gal she is too.