Week 9 Session 2

With a busy weekend coming up, I wasn't sure when or if I could squeeze a run in and it was quite last when I decided I would have to make the effort tonight in order that I didn't miss to many sessions.
I hadn't eaten much at lunchtime, but more importantly I had only had a single rest day since my last outing and I tend to leave at least 2 at the moment. Knowing what happened last time I ran in similar circumstances (see previous blog) I prepared myself to slow or even stop if I felt at all unwell.
From the off it was a struggle. It usually takes me about 1/2 -1 mile to get into a rhythm and settle down, but when I hit 1 1/2 miles and still didn't feel comfortable doubts about getting through the whole run started creeping in. My markers came and went and each time I thought "just get to the next one". The last stretch to the car is a couple of hundred meters, and still I didn't think I could make it. Arriving back it was the worst I had felt for a while, my heart rate recovery period took much longer than usual and I didn't even have the energy to stretch properly. The time told its own story, 11.10 per mile. Slower than I had been for ages.
Then again, I had completed what I set out to achieve, so cannot be to disappointed.

Week 9 Session 1

A new week, a new target. 2.75 miles. That's an increase of .25 miles, 1320 feet or 402 meters. (see, I'm struggling to find what to write these days)
It's always dark when I run now, and I'm glad I ordered my flouro bib to wear. I've begun running from a different start point although still using the same route. At least when I finish its in an area with lights now. (My previous finish was on an unlit road and a bit disconcerting at times)
How did the run go? Again I ate properly at lunchtime and made sure I was well hydrated. I decided to try running in a new Helly Hansen technical top, but soon realized it was still to mild for it and heated up very quickly. Using my now trusted method of setting markers to aim for (bridges, pubs or large houses) all came and went uneventfully. The last couple of hundred meters back to the car were definitely a bit more of a struggle though, and I was relieved to make it back. Average time was still around the 10.30 mile and looking back at the last few runs doesn't look like changing much soon. Then again its the miles that count at the moment, not the speed.

Week 8 Session 3

Nice short one this.
Pitch dark when i startoff on the last of my 2.5 mile sessions. I've decided to carry one of those small red flashing lights you put on the back of your bike as the roads are mostly unlit where i am. I've also ordered a yellow flouro bib as extra protection.
Its a bit colder than usual this evening, so i've decided to wear a windproof jacket (newly acquired) as well as my running shirt. It didnt take long to realise it wasnt that cold after all!
Heading into the wind for the first stint was a bit of a pain, but at least i knew it would help me towards the end of the session. In a nutshell, everything went well. Breathing steady, legs feeling good and still with energy left at the finish. I'm actually looking forward to the next 2 weeks and my goal of 3 miles. I think i may actually make it...

Week 8 Session 2

Had a really bad experience a few days back.
Usually if I know I'm going jogging in the evening I'll make sure I eat properly at lunch and snack in the afternoon, as well as drink plenty.
I got home Thursday and realised due to commitments I wouldn't be able to run on either the Friday or Saturday, so decided to go for a quick run that night. As my standard is now 2.5 miles I happily set off with no real concerns. At 1 1/2 miles I suddenly felt extremely light headed and nearly passed out, so much so I had to lay on the pavement for several minutes to recover, a touch concerning to say the least. I'm putting this one down to not enough food and slight dehydration, but definitely something to watch.
As you can imagine when I came to my next run several days later I was a little concerned. I decided to take things slow and to stop if I felt at all unwell.
I have to say the opposite occured! I ate well at lunch and drank plenty of water and with my usual 5 min warmup walk completed set off on another 2.5 miler. Throughout the whole run I felt incredible comfortable, my breathing was easy and my legs strong. The time flew by and I got back to my car with plenty of energy left. I half wished it was the full 3 mile total tonight, but I have a plan and I'm sticking to it.
One more 2.5 and then 3 x 2.75 finishing and a 3 mile and phase one is complete. Just need to find out how to progress after that now!

Week 8 Session 1

6 Sessions to go until the end of my nine week plan and the goal of 3 miles!
Today was a simple one, 2 .5 miles or 25 minutes. After my last session I had decided I wanted the distance not the time as gaining mileage seemed more beneficial.
I'd spent the day working from home, sitting over a laptop, trying to remember to drink regularly. About 1/2 hr before I was due to run I downed a banana and a handful of dried apricots topping up on the fluids as well.
With the 5 minute warmup walk out the way, I must admit to my back feeling a little stiff and the beginnings of a tightness in my calves but I've learned to recognise my body telling me "I don't want to do this" and within a few minutes things tend to go away.
Today was no exception.
The interesting part came after about 1 1/4m when the results of my constant water intake became apparent. Luckily there are several quiet spots on my route and I quickly took advantage of one of them. 1 1/2m then 1 3/4m passed by and I was starting to struggle, I hadn't sweated this much in years. By 2 miles I was doubting I could make the finish and contemplated walking the last stretch. Then it occurred to me it was only an extra couple of hundred meters further than my last outing so I just had to do it.
I arrived back at my car 2.42 miles in total, 26:00 mins. That's a 10.45 min average, I've got to be happy with that.

Week 7 Session 3

New day, new target!
After my last performance I wondered how this would pan out, but to help matters along I made sure I ate a couple of hours before and had been drinking regularly all day.
So today was 2 1/4 or 25 mins 5 min warmup walk out of the way off we go. Thankfully I settled into a nice steady pace, no aches or uncomfortable breathing this time. The 1/2 and first mile came and went (checked with my trusty GPS) and still feeling pretty good. 1 3/4 and the legs were starting to ask questions. (like can we stop now) By now I could see my car in the distance and I realised I would run out of road before I finished the planned session. I was to near to miss out so decision made I ran straight past and carried on up the road for that extra distance. 2 1/10th miles saw me turn round and head back. I arrived back at the car legs tired and a little out of breath but overall in pretty good spirits. Another milestone (or a bit further) reached.
Total distance 2.30 miles in 24.20 which makes 10.31 average mile. My previous best had been 11.45 so a double cause for celebration.

Week 7 Session 2

After my last session i thought it was all coming together again, a nice easy run with regular breaks today, building upto the 2 1/4 mile at the end of the week. Nothing could be further from the truth!
How can one session be so different from the last. Today was Jog 10 mins, walk 3 mins then jog 10 mins. Within the first 5 minutes i knew it wasnt going well. I can normally get my breathing under control within the first 1/2 mile or so, today not a chance, nothing seemed right. I couldnt breath, my legs ached, even my vest felt strange. Needless to say the first break was extremely welcome, and the second 10 min stretch seemed to go on and on with my car ever tantalising in the distance, but getting nearer so slowly.
To be honest i felt totally knackered, disappointed and a bit disallusioned to be in this state after running such a short distance. God help me next session, the 2 1/4 mile.

Week 7 Session 1

Take 1 week's holiday, include an excess of Gin & Tonics, white wine, beer, BBQ's and assorted other junk food, then try and continue where you left off from a regulated exercise routine.
I've been reading where its good to take a break every now and again, but i suppose you need to attain a certain level of fitness before this doesnt make much difference to a schedule. I suppose i was about to find out.
I'm back to running structured sessions and this one called for 5 min warmup walk, jog 5 mins, walk 3 mins, jog 8 mins, walk 3 mins finishing with 5 mins jog. To be honest after running 2 milers it was a bit of an anti climax. Even the 8 min stint didnt cause me any issues. (it doesnt seem a few days ago this would have nearly finished me off) However, looking to the end of the week a 2 1/4 mile is planned. Funnily enough i'm not really that fazed about it as the last twice i did the 2 mile i still felt pretty good at the end. Weeks ago i could never see myself running 3 miles, now its just a few sessions away and i'm feeling more confident.
Time to start looking around for a 5k to enter as an incentive!