Tuesday 27th May
Was heading to Birmingham for an early flight to Munich in the morning so decided to fit a training run in in the morning as I had a half day holiday. Went out before breakfast to try to get my body used to running on empty - simulating the last few miles of a marathon, if you like.
Ran down the railway path, along the lethbridge route and then back up the railway path. Through old town and then home. 7-8 miles approx. But if I wanted to burn off the calories I was about to consume over the next few days, 70-80 would have been more appropriate.
Wednesday 28th May
In Germany. A lot of eating and too much drinking. Good fun though, and I don't begrudge myself a couple of days off - it's patently clear I need it.
Thursday 29th May
As above. Flew back today but got back too late to train, besides which I had a couple of beers with lunch and on the journey home.
Friday 30th May
I knew I had consumed an awful lot of calories in the last few days so it was time to start burning them off. 4.8km on the treadmill, followed by nearly an hour's run outside (Cheney Manor route via the church). Psychologically this is also a tough session, going for a run outside after a treadmill session.
Saturday 31st May
Double classes, RPM and body pump. Have the Fairford 10k tomorrow but will have to use it purely as a training run (which will be quite nice actually). More important to burn calories at this stage and get under 15 stone. Decided to find out how much damage I had done in Germany exactly:
Weigh-in
Body weight 15st 9.6lb
Body fat percentage: 16.6% athletic build, 25.1% standard.
Not as bad as it could have been. Given how bad my eating and drinking has been of late, I half expected to have put on more than 1.6lb. And I know where I am now, plan to be very disciplined for the next few weeks, and will be training twice a day when I can so I should get rid of 10 pounds fairly quickly - if I haven't done it by the end of June I'll be disappointed.
Saturday 31 May 2008
Monday 26 May 2008
Pewsey 10k
Saturday 24th May
Body pump in the morning, no cardio. Rachel was covering for Ali and did old tracks instead of the current release. Went easy on the squats as had the race tomorrow. Of course, the only reason for attending this class the day before a race is the social side.
Sunday 25th May
Competed in the Pewsey 10k today. Did the event last year 4 weeks after FLM with a bad cold, so did not perform as well as I could have done, but remember thinking the course was just nicely undulating, no major hills. My time last year was 52 minutes so I was confident I would beat that.
When I arrived I was surprised to see so few people I knew from Swindon. I think that took the edge off it a bit, I never enjoy it as much when I'm there on my own and there is no one to encourage or support me. In the race I took care not to go off too quickly and passed the first kilometre marker in 4 1/2 minutes. Good enough.
I felt pretty rough for the next 5k, my legs were sore (from pump or the massage) and my lower back was aching. I hit my straps at about 6k, started to feel good and pick off a few people, breathing hard but nice and regular. When I hit 9k at 43 minutes a sub 48 minute time was on the cards, but I had a rotten last kilometre. My breathing was terrible and I was all over the place. My official time was 48:17 so I obviously slowed down at the end. Went away feeling slightly disconsolate, but reminded myself that if I'm going away from a 10k unhappy with that sort of time then I've come a hell of a long way.
As I write the next day I'm not at all sore in my legs which tells me I didn't try as hard as I might have done.
Took away some of the superb home-made cakes and celebrated with those - and a few beers - watching England bounce back in the test match. My day could have been a lot worse.
Monday 26th May
Was hoping to go to Bath today to watch a county cricket fixture but our wonderful bank holiday weather put paid to that. Instead, went to the gym, did 4k on the treadmill and then James 1 hour RPM class. Can't remember the last time I came out of a class sweating that much, and was thinking this kind of session might be just the thing if I want to shed that last half a stone or so. It really was a quality session.
Was hoping to do another half hour on the treadmill, watching the cricket before the lunch break
but all the TVs had failed in the gym so that put paid to that idea.
I won't get much training done for the rest of this week, as I travel up to Birmingham tomorrow and fly to Germany at the crack of dawn Wednesday for a business trip. By the time I get back Thursday I doubt I'll have time to train, so it looks like I will need to train hard Friday and Saturday to sweat out all the beer, and then jog the Fairford 10k on Sunday. When I get back it's time to start building up to Berlin in September.
Body pump in the morning, no cardio. Rachel was covering for Ali and did old tracks instead of the current release. Went easy on the squats as had the race tomorrow. Of course, the only reason for attending this class the day before a race is the social side.
Sunday 25th May
Competed in the Pewsey 10k today. Did the event last year 4 weeks after FLM with a bad cold, so did not perform as well as I could have done, but remember thinking the course was just nicely undulating, no major hills. My time last year was 52 minutes so I was confident I would beat that.
When I arrived I was surprised to see so few people I knew from Swindon. I think that took the edge off it a bit, I never enjoy it as much when I'm there on my own and there is no one to encourage or support me. In the race I took care not to go off too quickly and passed the first kilometre marker in 4 1/2 minutes. Good enough.
I felt pretty rough for the next 5k, my legs were sore (from pump or the massage) and my lower back was aching. I hit my straps at about 6k, started to feel good and pick off a few people, breathing hard but nice and regular. When I hit 9k at 43 minutes a sub 48 minute time was on the cards, but I had a rotten last kilometre. My breathing was terrible and I was all over the place. My official time was 48:17 so I obviously slowed down at the end. Went away feeling slightly disconsolate, but reminded myself that if I'm going away from a 10k unhappy with that sort of time then I've come a hell of a long way.
As I write the next day I'm not at all sore in my legs which tells me I didn't try as hard as I might have done.
Took away some of the superb home-made cakes and celebrated with those - and a few beers - watching England bounce back in the test match. My day could have been a lot worse.
Monday 26th May
Was hoping to go to Bath today to watch a county cricket fixture but our wonderful bank holiday weather put paid to that. Instead, went to the gym, did 4k on the treadmill and then James 1 hour RPM class. Can't remember the last time I came out of a class sweating that much, and was thinking this kind of session might be just the thing if I want to shed that last half a stone or so. It really was a quality session.
Was hoping to do another half hour on the treadmill, watching the cricket before the lunch break
but all the TVs had failed in the gym so that put paid to that idea.
I won't get much training done for the rest of this week, as I travel up to Birmingham tomorrow and fly to Germany at the crack of dawn Wednesday for a business trip. By the time I get back Thursday I doubt I'll have time to train, so it looks like I will need to train hard Friday and Saturday to sweat out all the beer, and then jog the Fairford 10k on Sunday. When I get back it's time to start building up to Berlin in September.
Friday 23 May 2008
Sickness and recovery
Saturday 17th May
Complete rest. Was at Lords for the cricket but there were less than 10 overs bowled. Spent most of the time partaking of free samples at the Wolf Blass stand or in the bar. What a disappointment - I was really looking forward to the day and needed a day of sunshine, beer and cricket.
Girls Aloud concert in the evening was a lot better though. Don't laugh.
Sunday 18th May
Complete rest. Obviously was hanging from the previous day and just hung around the house feeling sorry for myself. Not good.
Monday 19th May
Ill. Phoned in sick. Just felt really rough and had a complete lack of energy. I honestly think this was related to the disappointment at the weekend. Something inside me just said "Oh for ****'s sake, can't he even have a day at the cricket, he works hard enough." But part of me was aching to get better and get back into training.
Tuesday 20th May
Still not feeling great and definitely not well enough for a track session. Settled instead for RPM endurance. I struggled to be fair, but got through it and felt better afterwards. Such a good class, I really wish it didn't clash with the track.
Wednesday 21st May
3.2k on the treadmill, body pump, then 5k on the treadmill. Good session, feeling much better now.
Thursday 22nd May
Running club. Didn't run on the treadmill beforehand and it paid off. There were four of us going out, Becky and Steph did about 6 miles, me and Terry pressed on a bit further and did nearly 8. Pace about 8:45 per mile, so a good conversation pace. Really enjoyed the run and of course the company and the conversation.
Friday 23rd May
Full body massage with Ali. Having not had one for over two months, this didn't hurt nearly as much as I thought. Have booked another one in four weeks and a PT session as well, so am on the way back up.
Complete rest. Was at Lords for the cricket but there were less than 10 overs bowled. Spent most of the time partaking of free samples at the Wolf Blass stand or in the bar. What a disappointment - I was really looking forward to the day and needed a day of sunshine, beer and cricket.
Girls Aloud concert in the evening was a lot better though. Don't laugh.
Sunday 18th May
Complete rest. Obviously was hanging from the previous day and just hung around the house feeling sorry for myself. Not good.
Monday 19th May
Ill. Phoned in sick. Just felt really rough and had a complete lack of energy. I honestly think this was related to the disappointment at the weekend. Something inside me just said "Oh for ****'s sake, can't he even have a day at the cricket, he works hard enough." But part of me was aching to get better and get back into training.
Tuesday 20th May
Still not feeling great and definitely not well enough for a track session. Settled instead for RPM endurance. I struggled to be fair, but got through it and felt better afterwards. Such a good class, I really wish it didn't clash with the track.
Wednesday 21st May
3.2k on the treadmill, body pump, then 5k on the treadmill. Good session, feeling much better now.
Thursday 22nd May
Running club. Didn't run on the treadmill beforehand and it paid off. There were four of us going out, Becky and Steph did about 6 miles, me and Terry pressed on a bit further and did nearly 8. Pace about 8:45 per mile, so a good conversation pace. Really enjoyed the run and of course the company and the conversation.
Friday 23rd May
Full body massage with Ali. Having not had one for over two months, this didn't hurt nearly as much as I thought. Have booked another one in four weeks and a PT session as well, so am on the way back up.
Friday 16 May 2008
Out with the lads
Thursday 15th May
Running club tonight, wasn't sure who, if anyone, was going out, so did 5k on the treadmill to warm up. It turned out only Terry and Gerry were out, so I decided to join them on the basis that they are faster than me and will push me. If I want to get into shape for the Berlin marathon, I need people who can push me on longer runs.
We did a route that was new to me, but took in parts of my other routes. It was about 8 miles in total, but at 5 miles I was struggling to keep up so hung back and let them go. No shame in that - I'd already done a lot this week. Still pushed myself in the last 3 miles, knowing they'd be outside the gym waiting for me. Good, tough session.
Terry commented that it seems strange I struggle sometimes on these runs whereas in races I'm a lot stronger. I can only assume it's because when I get to the start line I've usually had a couple of days' rest, whereas in the week I work hard almost every day.
Friday 16th May
My legs were feeling very tired tonight, so wasn't sure what to do. In the end opted for an hour on the treadmill watching cricket highlights. Nice and steady, just cruising pace most of the way and a little faster in the end. Covered 11.3k, just over 7 miles. Plenty of calories burned, which is fine with me as I'll be consuming quite a few in the form of beer at Lords' tomorrow.
Running club tonight, wasn't sure who, if anyone, was going out, so did 5k on the treadmill to warm up. It turned out only Terry and Gerry were out, so I decided to join them on the basis that they are faster than me and will push me. If I want to get into shape for the Berlin marathon, I need people who can push me on longer runs.
We did a route that was new to me, but took in parts of my other routes. It was about 8 miles in total, but at 5 miles I was struggling to keep up so hung back and let them go. No shame in that - I'd already done a lot this week. Still pushed myself in the last 3 miles, knowing they'd be outside the gym waiting for me. Good, tough session.
Terry commented that it seems strange I struggle sometimes on these runs whereas in races I'm a lot stronger. I can only assume it's because when I get to the start line I've usually had a couple of days' rest, whereas in the week I work hard almost every day.
Friday 16th May
My legs were feeling very tired tonight, so wasn't sure what to do. In the end opted for an hour on the treadmill watching cricket highlights. Nice and steady, just cruising pace most of the way and a little faster in the end. Covered 11.3k, just over 7 miles. Plenty of calories burned, which is fine with me as I'll be consuming quite a few in the form of beer at Lords' tomorrow.
Wednesday 14 May 2008
Keevil 10k
Saturday 10th May
Having done this event for the last two years, my original plan was to give it a miss this year. It's a very flat, but mentally challenging course; two laps of an airfield with almost no support except at the half way point and not much to look at.
I changed my mind when Rich, my brother-in-law, offered me someone else's race number and I'm glad I did. My thinking was it would make a nice day out for Dad, as I know he likes to come and watch us compete at races. In the end it was that and a lot more.
As regards the race itself I made my usual mistake of going off too quickly, trying to set a good pace. The pace this time was far too fast, as I passed the 1km marker in just over 4 minutes. At least I know what it feels like to run a 40 minute 10k, if only for one tenth of the way. Hopefully one day I'll laugh about that.
I passed the half way point with 23 minutes on the clock, so a PB was still on, but the second half was a lot tougher. Possibly because it was getting warm by then, but probably largely because I stupidly ate a crisp given to me by my niece Holly before the start of the race which gave me a stitch. You live and learn.
Whatever it was I finished in about 47:22 which I was quite happy with despite the slower second half. It was always going to be mentally challenging, the heat didn't help and I had only had one rest day.
More than the time, I was glad I did this race because it was a top day out. Not only did Dad come along, Fiona and Rich brought Holly and their foster son Tom, both of whom had a go in the kids' races and the three-legged race (a world record attempt). Both went home very happy with their medals and certificates.
In addition my mate Pete came along with his wife Sel and their baby Megan, who I met for the first time. It was really good to see them.
I called in at Fiona and Rich's for a cup of tea and a bite to eat (I was starving by then!) and on the way home called in at the gym for a stretch and a shower. It was nearly 6pm by the time I got home and finally cracked open a beer, but I celebrated by watching one of my favourite chick flicks "Stick It" and cooking dinner. I fell asleep, probably because I was so exhausted, but made up for it when I woke up..
Sunday 11th May
Had very sore quads today so only managed a very slow run today. Up the railway path, then along Marlborough Road, down Windsor Avenue and back through town to the gym. Had to walk quite a lot of it. Think this may have been due to my being on my feet for so long yesterday.
Monday 12th May
Again, a very slow run, did the Lethbridge route from the gym. Normally this takes 50-55 minutes but took over an hour today. Hmmm. And when I got back I found the scales were not put out for gym members but seemed to be working okay..
Weigh-in
Body weight: 15st 8lb
Body fat percentage: 14.2% athletic body type, 23.1% standard body type.
Oh dear. In the four weeks the scales have been out of use I've put on 1.2lb. Not a complete disaster by any means, but not something to celebrate either. Body fat percentage is interesting, I can only guess it is roughly halfway between the two readings. In any case, I reckon I need to lose 8lb to get down to 15 stone, which should only take 4-5 weeks of hard work and discipline. Then I should break 45 minutes for a 10k easily..
Tuesday 13th May
Had a text from Clare to say she wasn't going to the track and quite frankly I didn't fancy trying to keep up with elite athletes over 6*900m reps. Decided to go to RPM endurance instead as it will burn a lot of calories. Unfortunately James was indisposed, and whilst the guy covering was very good, he was late for the class and didn't give us the full hour I was expecting.
Here's a funny thing. On the way out I was telling Emma about my 10k at the weekend. I never imagined I'd be telling anyone I was "not too unhappy" about a time of 47:22. Even six months ago I'd have been swinging from the trees after getting a time like that. I wonder what she made of it..
Wednesday 14th May
Legs feeling a bit better today so combined body pump with a treadmill session:
3km treadmill, starting off slowly, building up speed every 200m
Body pump. Good class, but felt a bit light headed. Decent weights on all the tracks.
5km treadmill, mostly steady but faster at the end.
Forgot to mention that the Samaritans have confirmed my place for the Berlin marathon this week. Looks like I'd better start knocking out those 20 mile training runs!
Having done this event for the last two years, my original plan was to give it a miss this year. It's a very flat, but mentally challenging course; two laps of an airfield with almost no support except at the half way point and not much to look at.
I changed my mind when Rich, my brother-in-law, offered me someone else's race number and I'm glad I did. My thinking was it would make a nice day out for Dad, as I know he likes to come and watch us compete at races. In the end it was that and a lot more.
As regards the race itself I made my usual mistake of going off too quickly, trying to set a good pace. The pace this time was far too fast, as I passed the 1km marker in just over 4 minutes. At least I know what it feels like to run a 40 minute 10k, if only for one tenth of the way. Hopefully one day I'll laugh about that.
I passed the half way point with 23 minutes on the clock, so a PB was still on, but the second half was a lot tougher. Possibly because it was getting warm by then, but probably largely because I stupidly ate a crisp given to me by my niece Holly before the start of the race which gave me a stitch. You live and learn.
Whatever it was I finished in about 47:22 which I was quite happy with despite the slower second half. It was always going to be mentally challenging, the heat didn't help and I had only had one rest day.
More than the time, I was glad I did this race because it was a top day out. Not only did Dad come along, Fiona and Rich brought Holly and their foster son Tom, both of whom had a go in the kids' races and the three-legged race (a world record attempt). Both went home very happy with their medals and certificates.
In addition my mate Pete came along with his wife Sel and their baby Megan, who I met for the first time. It was really good to see them.
I called in at Fiona and Rich's for a cup of tea and a bite to eat (I was starving by then!) and on the way home called in at the gym for a stretch and a shower. It was nearly 6pm by the time I got home and finally cracked open a beer, but I celebrated by watching one of my favourite chick flicks "Stick It" and cooking dinner. I fell asleep, probably because I was so exhausted, but made up for it when I woke up..
Sunday 11th May
Had very sore quads today so only managed a very slow run today. Up the railway path, then along Marlborough Road, down Windsor Avenue and back through town to the gym. Had to walk quite a lot of it. Think this may have been due to my being on my feet for so long yesterday.
Monday 12th May
Again, a very slow run, did the Lethbridge route from the gym. Normally this takes 50-55 minutes but took over an hour today. Hmmm. And when I got back I found the scales were not put out for gym members but seemed to be working okay..
Weigh-in
Body weight: 15st 8lb
Body fat percentage: 14.2% athletic body type, 23.1% standard body type.
Oh dear. In the four weeks the scales have been out of use I've put on 1.2lb. Not a complete disaster by any means, but not something to celebrate either. Body fat percentage is interesting, I can only guess it is roughly halfway between the two readings. In any case, I reckon I need to lose 8lb to get down to 15 stone, which should only take 4-5 weeks of hard work and discipline. Then I should break 45 minutes for a 10k easily..
Tuesday 13th May
Had a text from Clare to say she wasn't going to the track and quite frankly I didn't fancy trying to keep up with elite athletes over 6*900m reps. Decided to go to RPM endurance instead as it will burn a lot of calories. Unfortunately James was indisposed, and whilst the guy covering was very good, he was late for the class and didn't give us the full hour I was expecting.
Here's a funny thing. On the way out I was telling Emma about my 10k at the weekend. I never imagined I'd be telling anyone I was "not too unhappy" about a time of 47:22. Even six months ago I'd have been swinging from the trees after getting a time like that. I wonder what she made of it..
Wednesday 14th May
Legs feeling a bit better today so combined body pump with a treadmill session:
3km treadmill, starting off slowly, building up speed every 200m
Body pump. Good class, but felt a bit light headed. Decent weights on all the tracks.
5km treadmill, mostly steady but faster at the end.
Forgot to mention that the Samaritans have confirmed my place for the Berlin marathon this week. Looks like I'd better start knocking out those 20 mile training runs!
Thursday 8 May 2008
Feeling lazy
Sunday 4th May
Complete rest. Should really have done a long run but was just enjoying doing nothing over the bank holiday weekend.
Monday 5th May
Bank holiday, so went to Paul's spinning class in the morning, and then went out with the running club in the evening. There were just four of us; myself, Andy, Kev and Terry. I was feeling rough after too much boozing over the weekend and so myself and Andy hung back a bit. Having said all that, I hope he won't mind me saying I am alarmed at his lack of form and fitness at the moment. I've suggested when he gets back from his trip to the US we start training for some races together.
Tuesday 6th May
Track session tonight, 12 x 300m, 2 minute recoveries (off the lead runner). 4 laps to warm up, 2 to cool down. Even though I did all the reps I was never going to get the most out of tonight's session having had far too much booze over the weekend. Time to curb my excesses. Was also alarmed that my dodgy achilles was hurting after the session.
Wednesday 7th May
Body pump tonight. Did 2km on the treadmill to warm up. Probably better for me than drinking coffee. Was not so ambitious with my weights tonight, but still a good class. Ended up going for a run afterwards, and did the Blagrove route (4.5 - 5 miles). Couldn't face the treadmill again and really needed some fresh air and overdue sunshine.
Thursday 8th May
Spinning class tonight as don't want to tire my legs out before the Keevil 10k on Saturday, so was careful not to add too much resistance. Also did 2km on the treadmill to warm up. Had a nice chat with the instructor, Steve, and my friend Emma after the class so it was worth going to the gym in the end - better than going home and sitting indoors on my own!
I just hope one day's rest is enough before the 10k - in any case I'm not overly optimistic about my time as the forecast is 25 degrees - never easy running in that heat!
Complete rest. Should really have done a long run but was just enjoying doing nothing over the bank holiday weekend.
Monday 5th May
Bank holiday, so went to Paul's spinning class in the morning, and then went out with the running club in the evening. There were just four of us; myself, Andy, Kev and Terry. I was feeling rough after too much boozing over the weekend and so myself and Andy hung back a bit. Having said all that, I hope he won't mind me saying I am alarmed at his lack of form and fitness at the moment. I've suggested when he gets back from his trip to the US we start training for some races together.
Tuesday 6th May
Track session tonight, 12 x 300m, 2 minute recoveries (off the lead runner). 4 laps to warm up, 2 to cool down. Even though I did all the reps I was never going to get the most out of tonight's session having had far too much booze over the weekend. Time to curb my excesses. Was also alarmed that my dodgy achilles was hurting after the session.
Wednesday 7th May
Body pump tonight. Did 2km on the treadmill to warm up. Probably better for me than drinking coffee. Was not so ambitious with my weights tonight, but still a good class. Ended up going for a run afterwards, and did the Blagrove route (4.5 - 5 miles). Couldn't face the treadmill again and really needed some fresh air and overdue sunshine.
Thursday 8th May
Spinning class tonight as don't want to tire my legs out before the Keevil 10k on Saturday, so was careful not to add too much resistance. Also did 2km on the treadmill to warm up. Had a nice chat with the instructor, Steve, and my friend Emma after the class so it was worth going to the gym in the end - better than going home and sitting indoors on my own!
I just hope one day's rest is enough before the 10k - in any case I'm not overly optimistic about my time as the forecast is 25 degrees - never easy running in that heat!
Sunday 4 May 2008
Corsham 10k
Friday 25th April
Complete rest.
Saturday 26th April
Body pump in the morning, fairly light weights on squats and lunges. Also did a very steady two mile jog to break in a pair of Nike Air Vomeros that I had bought from dorunning.com as they were on special offer.
Sunday 27th April
Took part in the Corsham 10k today. Travelled to the event with Terry and Mike - always better to have company at these events. Terry doesn't enter many events these days - he's been running for so many years I suppose the novelty has worn off for him. Mike has also cut down his mileage recently as he's trying to bulk up a little. He did do this event last year so he warned me that it isn't really a PB course.
We decided to run together which worked fairly well at first. The start was very congested so none of us could really get off to a flyer. I also managed to not start my watch so was relying on Terry to tell me the pace we were running at. Despite the prediction of heavy rain the sun actually came out during the race and we both started to struggle in the heat. So much so, Terry actually decided to walk at about 8k. As badly as I was suffering, I carried on and attacked the hill at 9k which I had been warned about.
My official time was 50:10 but with chip timing I'm sure I would have got under 50 minutes. Nowhere near my PB for the distance but it wasn't an easy course and we weren't acclimatised to the heat. Terry finished about 20 seconds behind me, so I can no longer say that the running club are all too fast for me.
It was nice to see my Dad at the event and I love the t-shirt we got as a memento. If I'm not doing London next year will definitely do this event again.
Monday 28th April
4k on the treadmill, then I went out with the running club. Was really struggling tonight so I cut my run short and only did about 5 miles (Blagrove route). Should really have stuck to the treadmill but I was just finding it terribly boring.
Tuesday 29th April
Decided not to go to the track tonight as it was raining heavily. The problem is there is no building there for us to use before the session, so I would have been soaked even before the session starts. Did RPM endurance instead, which was good. Struggled a bit as my legs were very tight.
Wednesday 30th April
Body pump followed by 5k on the treadmill. Class was too crowded tonight, and some people need to be less selfish with their weights when the class is this busy. It amazes me how some people like to try and show off with their weights and then get the exercise hopelessly wrong.
Thursday 1st May
Complete rest today as I was going out for a meal with the Sports and Social club. Very nice it was too.
Friday 2nd May
Very tired tonight after last night and a hard week at work. Surprised myself by putting in a good interval session at the lake. Managed 5 laps, and even though I wasn't timing myself I reckon I was getting faster by the end. No problems with my heel or hamstring which is good.
Saturday 3rd May
Double classes at the gym today, RPM and body pump. We had a different instructor for RPM, and it was a good, tough session. Good choice of music as well. Struggled in pump, I think I had underestimated the effect of doing RPM first, and a tough session the previous evening. Great to see Kathyrn back, we've missed her while she's been away with a back injury.
Complete rest.
Saturday 26th April
Body pump in the morning, fairly light weights on squats and lunges. Also did a very steady two mile jog to break in a pair of Nike Air Vomeros that I had bought from dorunning.com as they were on special offer.
Sunday 27th April
Took part in the Corsham 10k today. Travelled to the event with Terry and Mike - always better to have company at these events. Terry doesn't enter many events these days - he's been running for so many years I suppose the novelty has worn off for him. Mike has also cut down his mileage recently as he's trying to bulk up a little. He did do this event last year so he warned me that it isn't really a PB course.
We decided to run together which worked fairly well at first. The start was very congested so none of us could really get off to a flyer. I also managed to not start my watch so was relying on Terry to tell me the pace we were running at. Despite the prediction of heavy rain the sun actually came out during the race and we both started to struggle in the heat. So much so, Terry actually decided to walk at about 8k. As badly as I was suffering, I carried on and attacked the hill at 9k which I had been warned about.
My official time was 50:10 but with chip timing I'm sure I would have got under 50 minutes. Nowhere near my PB for the distance but it wasn't an easy course and we weren't acclimatised to the heat. Terry finished about 20 seconds behind me, so I can no longer say that the running club are all too fast for me.
It was nice to see my Dad at the event and I love the t-shirt we got as a memento. If I'm not doing London next year will definitely do this event again.
Monday 28th April
4k on the treadmill, then I went out with the running club. Was really struggling tonight so I cut my run short and only did about 5 miles (Blagrove route). Should really have stuck to the treadmill but I was just finding it terribly boring.
Tuesday 29th April
Decided not to go to the track tonight as it was raining heavily. The problem is there is no building there for us to use before the session, so I would have been soaked even before the session starts. Did RPM endurance instead, which was good. Struggled a bit as my legs were very tight.
Wednesday 30th April
Body pump followed by 5k on the treadmill. Class was too crowded tonight, and some people need to be less selfish with their weights when the class is this busy. It amazes me how some people like to try and show off with their weights and then get the exercise hopelessly wrong.
Thursday 1st May
Complete rest today as I was going out for a meal with the Sports and Social club. Very nice it was too.
Friday 2nd May
Very tired tonight after last night and a hard week at work. Surprised myself by putting in a good interval session at the lake. Managed 5 laps, and even though I wasn't timing myself I reckon I was getting faster by the end. No problems with my heel or hamstring which is good.
Saturday 3rd May
Double classes at the gym today, RPM and body pump. We had a different instructor for RPM, and it was a good, tough session. Good choice of music as well. Struggled in pump, I think I had underestimated the effect of doing RPM first, and a tough session the previous evening. Great to see Kathyrn back, we've missed her while she's been away with a back injury.
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