Friday 13th March was when I entered a ‘lockdown / non-normal’ way of life (a whole week earlier than most!) and after eleven weeks I can safely say this one has been my most enjoyable. Life is not perfect, but I find the small ease in restrictions that allow me to meet a few people and get out the house more often are a massive boost for my happiness. This is possibly why it makes me feel very frustrated when people are blatantly disregarding the fact we are still living in a pandemic, and I worry about repercussions down the line… I am still shopping each week for a vulnerable lady on a Saturday morning who has not left her house in all this time – it is not fair on people like her who are quite frankly becoming scared of the outside world and the behaviour of others. But I can only do what I can and try play my part.

Ignoring my Covid grumbles, this week I can say I have felt happy, the weather has been beautiful, and although it does make running a bit tougher at times, it has meant I can enjoy seeing friends outside and just generally being outside (which is good, as after so may weeks at home I have well and truly exhausted the tidying, cleaning, sorting, painting etc. I can do!) I have managed to log 35.5 miles and enjoyed a nice mixture of running experiences.

MONDAY: online exercise class in a hot living room

TUESDAY: I had planned to meet a friend for a run this morning and explore some local trails. The excitement setting my alarm the night before for an early morning run was real; it was great to be looking forward to the next day arriving. We met just outside Lincoln and proceeded to run a 10.5 mile route through some lovely local landscapes. I am not overly experienced on trails (I practically dust off my trail shoes each time I do have to wear them!) but I do enjoy them. It is running with no pressure, taking in your surroundings, concentrating on navigating along intricate pathways and just enjoying being outside and running. We were treated to some great views back across towards Lincoln that simply made you stop in you tracks – and the beauty of trail running is that stopping does not really matter.

WEDNESDAY: after yesterday’s slightly longer mileage and with the knowledge I had a rather tough looking interval session planned for tomorrow, I tried to keep today’s run easy, reverting to a familiar 10k loop.

THURSDAY: I had more plans to run with a friend today and we had agreed to meet in the evening to attempt a Run Club session of 14 x 400m. I would not have opted for this on my own that is for sure, especially on what was a warm evening of around 20 degrees. I loved it though, and although I was pushing myself and it did feel tougher at times, there was that shared experience and the chat we shared during rest periods which, some may say weirdly, made it pleasurable. As we ran up and down the same stretch of road we even made friends with the woman whose house we were resting outside and who seemed to rather enjoy chatting to us each time. ‘Are you training for the marathon?’ she asked (by which I guessed she meant London!) ‘Supposedly’ I said, practically rolling my eyes ‘but can you see it going ahead?!’ That’s another story…

FRIDAY: Rest Day

SATURDAY: after a good week of running so far, today was less great. Another ‘not Lincoln parkrun’ but it was tough on a warm morning and with a hidden wind which caught me out along the river. I finished running and instantly thought – I miss parkrun!

SUNDAY: after finishing running today my instant thought was ‘I need to get myself into gear much quicker!’ Although I was out running fairly early, it was nowhere near as early as I would have been if my mind was fully in ‘training mode.’ It was 21 degrees by the time I was finishing and just too hot. I knew as soon as I started running it was warm so kept my pace nice and easy, stopping in the shade for a couple of water breaks. I ran 10.7 miles, which I planned to round off my mileage for the week at an even number, and the run served to remind me of just how testing long runs are during training in the summer months. Getting up early may seem strange at the moment when I never really have much planned for the rest of the day, but it will make running in the heat much more bearable!

Next week I am looking forward to joining another fellow Run Club member who is taking on a challenge to raise funds for the NHS by running seven half marathons in seven days – I am joining him on day five and am hoping for a slightly cooler day for us both! ​

This week is lockdown week number 'who even knows anymore' and also another Bank Holiday weekend - really another one!? Perhaps more importantly, this week has also been Mental Health Awareness Week, which considering what collectively we have all been through in recent times, is probably more appropriate than ever. My work created a week long feature of articles and support, ending with final tips from our own members of staff on how we have been maintaining our mental well-being during lockdown. It did not take me long to think of mine, aside from being able to keep working (even if working from home drives me mad some days!) it has been running, and my friends and family who have helped me cope with the challenges presented. Running has always been key for my mental health, but perhaps more than ever it has mattered so much these last weeks in giving me freedom, a chance to feel a small sense of normality and an essence of control, and to simply feel like me. 

MONDAY: exercise classes with Run Your Marks, who somehow read my mind and incorporated some upper body exercises, which hurt but felt great at the same time!

TUESDAY: the weather started to warm up today, but getting out fairly early meant I was able to enjoy a steady 6 miles mainly at sub 8 min/mile pace. My 'normal' work schedule would see me setting off to run between 5:30-6am in the morning, but during lockdown it has been more like 7:30-8am - which will have to change as the temperature ramps up!

WEDNESDAY: today the temperature did indeed ramp up, and it was already nearly 18 degrees as I headed out to run. I knew I needed to keep this an easy run as I am not acclimatised to pushing myself in the heat yet. I ran a 10k at about 8:30 min/mile pace, but it felt a tougher; I was just so warm! I will adapt better, but these first runs are always a bit of a shock to the system, especially when the temperature suddenly changes. 

THURSDAY: I made myself get out the door earlier today as I wanted to do some intervals and it was still fairly warm. I opted for 10 x 200m reps with a minute recovery in between, and whilst it did not feel like I was flying along as sometimes it can during speed work, I actually logged some good times, including a couple of sub 6 min/mile paced reps.

FRIDAY: Rest Day

SATURDAY: this weekend was windy - again. In fact it was very windy today, perhaps not the same gale force levels we saw back in February, but enough to not even make me consider attempting to push myself for an all out 5k along an exposed river. Instead my 'not Lincoln parkrun' was my city centre hillier route which I managed an unofficial course PB on. Not a bad alternative!

SUNDAY: when I woke this morning I was pleased the wind had died down a little, although it was definitely still present. I tried to plan a half marathon route which would not be too exposed, but in reality I knew that it was still going to be windy wherever I ran! In fact it seemed like I had a headwind for virtually 10 miles of my run, with the final 3 offering some shelter/tailwind. Why is it always the case that headwind seems far more apparent!? Despite the conditions I actually ran fairly well; I did not focus on my pace, but after finishing was pleased to see it had ranged between either just under or just over 8:20 min/mile. 

Next week I have a couple of arranged socially distanced runs with friends which I am looking forward too - actual plans during 2020! Combining running and friendship I know will be excellent for my mental health too. ​

It has been a strange week – I feel like a lot has happened and changed, but at the same time things are still the same… if that makes any sense! I am sure everyone has their opinion on Boris’ address to the nation on Sunday night regarding the ‘road map’ for exiting the lockdown in the UK; personally I found it unclear and worrying at the same time – so open to interpretation with a reliance on common sense, which I am not sure some people do actually have these days! I was sat cringing at my TV as he waffled on, whilst also trying to make sense of what this meant for my life.

It was however a relief to hear I could now ‘exercise unlimitedly,’ which does not mean I will now be running multiple times a day, but does mean I can at least run in the morning before work and then go for a walk in the evening again to escape my house a little more. It was only on Monday when slightly more clearer guidelines were published by the Government that I realised you could now actually meet one other person for exercise providing you social distanced – it almost felt too good to be true; I could actually run with someone!

I have spent a lot of this week getting my head around the new guidelines. Strangely I have realised I have almost become used to the lockdown way of life and to being by myself; I have formed habits and ways to cope over the past two months that have started to become quite engrained. I also do still have in my mind that whilst I want more freedom and I want to do things I used to be able to do, Covid is still very much apparent, we have to still respect this, and the last thing anyone needs is a second wave.

Anyway, enough virus talk! I have run well this week, logging just over 35 miles. My legs do sometimes feel a little tight at the moment, and I really am missing my sports massage, but know I probably need to try and spend a bit more time on the foam roller – I literally have no excuses at the moment!

MONDAY: online exercise classes at home. These have been great over the past weeks, but I will admit I am starting to miss the gym a bit now – I know in particular my upper body strength is declining and I lack both the equipment and motivation to try address this at home!
 
TUESDAY: lately I have been running a lot of new routes, so this week I reverted to one of my old 10k loops which I had not ran for a while. I ran just to feel, finding I sped up naturally as the run progressed to log some sub 8 min/miles, which felt comfortable.
 
WEDNESDAY: after enjoying revisiting some hill work last week, I have told myself to incorporate a few more hills into my running; I live near plenty so hardly have an excuse! This morning I ran a 6 mile loop with four different ascents in it; two longer, drawn out hills, and two a bit shorter and sharper. It was a great test and I find hills always motivate me to work harder when maybe I do not feel like trying to do this through running quicker on flatter terrains.

I question lockdown as this week has been almost as unpredictable for me as the weather this Bank Holiday weekend (one day 24 degrees and feels like summer - the next day 21mph winds and lashing with rain...!) Some days have passed quickly in my now near normal life routine, and I can almost forget that I am acting under restrictions about what I can do. Other days have drained me a little energy wise, despite spending far more time sedentary than before! I know its that constant mental requirement to keep almost pushing yourself to keep going - and the now seeming endless work zoom calls! I also question lockdown as other people's behaviour has started to bother me. I can honestly say I have adhered to the guidelines fully and despite spending nearly two months working from my kitchen table and barely seeing or speaking to anyone, I know its what I must do. It frustrates me when others are not.

Deep down I do feel positive though, my new appreciation for the things and the people who really matter to me means I am looking forward to the future. Daily doses of positivity as I like to call them (like baking delivered to my door by friends - see picture) also makes me feel the warmth and care from the communities and people I have around me. I also know I will come out of this stronger than ever - maybe not physically, as two months without the gym is going to hit me hard! - but mentally. Looking back at certain points in my life I would not have coped with lockdown, and whilst it still tests me, I am coping now. 

MONDAY: online exercise classes with Run Your Marks - who deserves another mention for delivering these free classes each week for the past months for anyone to access. 

TUESDAY and WEDNESDAY: both these runs followed the same kind of pattern; I headed out the door and did not really know what I was aiming to do - run fast? run easy? run steady? - I literally just ran. Both times I logged 10ks and each run was about the same average pace (8.13 and 8.11 min/mile respectively). I could not find any extra drive within me to make anything more focused from these runs, and I think I just wanted to embrace the freedom and time outside instead. 

THURSDAY: despite having a planned Run Club session I could try today, again I struggled to find the desire to push myself. I wanted to run, but I didn't have the mental energy needed to make a 'session' worthwhile. I found myself instead running to the local Common not far from my house and doing a large 5 mile loop around here. The uneven ground and trail like conditions tested me, but it was a break from the streets which I enjoyed the most. 

FRIDAY: today should have been a Rest Day, but faced with a long three day weekend ahead of me (weekends are not my favourite at the moment!) I knew I wanted to get out and run in the morning as it would mentally set me better for the day. It was a beautiful day too and this motivated me to revisit the Run Club session I skipped yesterday, which was hills. I ran to a hill we have often used as a club and tested my self with 10 x continuous sprints, followed by a cool down loop home. I actually quite like hill sessions, and although at first it did feel a little odd running up and down on my own without club mates to motivate me, I was pleased I did it. 

SATURDAY: after enjoying yesterday's hill session I decided to mix up my 'not Lincoln parkrun' this week and planned a hilly 5k circuit. I ran as hard as I could on the hills still trying to push the pace as much as possible. It was tough but I enjoyed the burn in my quads - why I like hills so much I really do not know! I would take hills over running in the wind any day!

SUNDAY: speaking of wind - today was a dramatic change in weather with the aforementioned rain and a strong gusty wind. I held off going out for my run until at least the rain had eased and hoped it would not be too miserable out. It was gusty, and certain roads with a strong headwind did make me wryly laugh at times, but I ran well and it was one of those runs where my legs hit a rhythm which was so natural I barely had to think. This enabled me to take in some of the wonderful VE displays still adorning houses and just appreciate the cooling fresh air. I logged another half marathon distance with a 8.23 min/mile average pace. 

I am writing this blog pre the Boris 7pm address to the nation - so what lockdown looks like going forward may now be clearer (or not!) depending on when you are reading this. The current lockdown rule which has enabled me to continue to run has been an incredible bonus these past weeks, and this week I have managed just over 37 miles. Whatever Boris has to say, I hope we should all be able to continue to run going forward - keep our running strong and our heads stronger. ​

After last week seemed to pass by quickly, this week has stalled a little in the unknown lockdown countdown. It has not felt horrendously tough, it has just seemed long, and the routine I have been developing suddenly a little tedious at times. My pattern of morning running and then having enough work to do at home keeps me going, however it is the weekends which are becoming more of the dread - motivating yourself to get up and find things to do to fill a day is weirdly tiring. I am thankful I shop for a vulnerable couple on a Saturday morning as it gives me a reason to get going; they are always so appreciate of me doing their weekly shop, but I do not think they realise how much it helps me too. Sunday morning this week was a struggle though - I woke up and just felt so flat and it took me a while to find the energy to go out for a run, half putting it off, as I knew once it was done I was faced with finding more things to do at home...

MONDAY: if the 2.6 challenge was supposed to replace the London Marathon then the running challenge I set myself on Sunday did a pretty good job of replicating the intense DOMs and impaired mobility I usually get post marathon! Shuffling around my house during the day I was not sure if I could attempt my evening online exercise classes, but I gave them a go, taking comfort from the fact at least no one could see me! I actually fared better than I thought and went out for a walk straight after whilst my muscles were warmer to try and loosen up my body further. 

TUESDAY: my legs were better but still sore today, so easy miles were on the cards. I planned another new 10k loop and just enjoyed allowing my legs to move - it was a bit like a post marathon recovery run, although thankfully slightly less sickening than some of mine have been in the past!

WEDNESDAY: I decided to try and keep running a bit easier again today, Sunday's challenge clearly had tested my body and I needed to respect this. I ran 7 miles, and whilst my pace crept up a little, generally it felt a comfortable run. 

THURSDAY: I opted for a slightly easier (maybe on paper!) speed session today rather than our set Run Club activity and ran 5 miles with 10 x 300m reps and 100m recoveries. My sister gave me the session to do from one of her old training plans and it appealed as it was a different interval distance to run. The short recovery period meant the intervals came thick and fast, but it did make the distance fly by. My paces were also good and it made me feel like my legs may be back to normal again.