The Week Of Increasing Miles And Birthday Smiles

This week has seen running take an (even) greater prominence in my life again, with the miles gradually creeping up. This was not an intentional decision, it was just how the week panned out; which I guess is the beauty of not having a plan or programme to follow right now. Am I finally embracing a lack of routine?!  

​MONDAY: Body Pump and Spinning - although it was the start of a new week I felt tired already today, Body Pump especially seemed like a real effort. 

TUESDAY: unlike the weather across the past week or so, today was much milder, and since I had an evening meeting to attend it also meant I got my run in slightly earlier in the evening. The combination of running in a window of vague daylight and not feeling like I was battling the cold meant I found myself wanting to run further, and therefore chose a seven mile loop. Despite increasing my midweek distance I kept my pace comfortable; after not feeling my best yesterday I did not want to push things too much. 

​WEDNESDAY: I reverted back to feeling tired and energyless today after a busy/active day at work which saw me lugging multiple items of sports equipment around, as well as participating in self defence, badminton and basketball sessions. After finishing work I did not feel like lacing up my trainers at all - deep down I felt like just going to bed! - but I opted for the gym instead, cross training hill intervals on the bike before my Body Pump class. 

THURSDAY: after walking to the gym to find the Body Attack class I have been attending on a Thursday was cancelled, an impromptu run was on the cards. It was back to being harshly cold again today, and after a getting chilly on my wasted gym journey, I was not in the mood to be hanging around. I therefore stepped up the pace on my run, completing five miles at just over 8 minute/mile pace, with a couple of sub eight minute/mile splits thrown in along the way. 

FRIDAY: Rest Day

SATURDAY: today I headed to parkrun to be among the 300 plus runners and volunteers celebrating my local Lincoln event's third anniversary (see images). It was a bitterly cold morning and some of the paths still had ice glistening on them, but it did not dampen anyone's spirits. One of things I have loved about this year has been being able to support and run parkrun more often, so it seemed fitting to celebrate another successful year for Lincoln. As the run began I tore off around the first lap, nearly running a sub 7 minute mile; I could not really feel my legs in my skimpy shorts and I think I was literally numb to how quickly I was making them go! I then slowed to a more reasonable pace for the next two loops, being careful on the ice and telling myself remaining upright was more important than chasing down a PB! I finished in 22:01, which I was really happy with considering the harsh elements. Happy Birthday Lincoln parkrun - here's to another great year ahead! 

SUNDAY: my long run of 12 miles today saw this week's mileage total hit 27 miles - my highest for a good number of weeks. My leg seemed to cope with this though and I enjoyed the first five miles of my run along the peaceful riverbank. The later sections of my chosen route then tested me a little more as I battled a blustery wind in the open countryside, but overall it was an enjoyable rural meander.  

​I have some exciting news to announce this coming week - so watch this space!