Thursday, March 31, 2005

Just another work run?

Today the shin splints were calmer and less inflamed and the weather was perfect - a 25 degree day with a light westerly wind. On the way out from work at lunch time I passed Tals going the other way - she had been out earlier. The weather and running was so good I went to Punt rd - not wanting to push anything and gently ran back - 40 mins of running bliss - even though the shins are little sorer now - it was one of those runs I wished would last forever - it was almost effortless and the surrounding (running in the shade of Melbourne's elm trees)idyllic. I wish all runs could be so easy and pleasant - one to remember....:)

Wednesday, March 30, 2005

Easter Sunday and Monday

I teamed up with Grey beard for a long run. We decided to run to Brighton Bathes and return. I think its 20.5 but he thinks its more like 22kms. Either way it was long (2hrs 6mins) but it was much better running with someone and talking instead of allowing my mind to explore the varous aches and pains that inevitable come and go on a long run. The last bit (where I do my speed work) he took the pace up and I struggled to keep up - it was a good measure of my strength (or lack there of).

Easter Monday (instead of having a day off) I went to the CR run at Cardinia Dam that courtlylove organised. I ran 40 mins and although I felt leg weary it was a really pleasant run through bush and across the dam wall. Again it was great running with new people (pbig, grey beard, courtleylove and kathyp). I think there may be a momentum starting to try and get other CR's running together more often which is great. I think I learnt how to run down hill today!! (yes, I know I am a very slow learner)

After running the last 3 weeks every second day and keeping my shin splints under control they have flared up again mainly due to the two days consecutive running. Note to self: ignore others and manage the shin splints first. With luck I will be able to run Thursday night or Friday morning...

Saturday, March 26, 2005

The Holly dog run

Good Friday I decided to give our 13 month old lab a work-out. We have been sowly building up from 500m run/walks a couple of times a week to a 4 km slow jog once week. I decided to take her on my 6km loop to see how she went. What a girl - she was out in front (on the lead) for about 3.5 kms and then by my side for about 2 kms and then about a couple of ft behind me for the rest.

She just loves to run she doesnt pull on the lead and doesnt get excited when seeing other dogs like she does when we are out for walks - as soon as I put my running gear on she gets all excited I guess hoping she will be coming out with me. Following Wednesday's speed work we went quite slow and were about 2-3 mins off my usual pace. Note to self: Take Holly the wonder pup out for more runs. When she doesn't come out with me I always cool down with her and she lays on my feet when I take my runners off. Just another of the wonderful girls I share home with...

Wednesday, March 23, 2005

Speed work - or are these intervals?

I didn't have long to run today so I tried some Yasso 800's. I managed to get in 4 before I thought I had better stop (I could have run another but as it was my first attempt at some speed work I thought being conservative may be best). Man! What a work out!! I feel like I have run 15kms but only ran for 30 mins. My big problem is I was running them too fast. I was trying to run 3:50'S but ran mostly 3:40's. I wonder how I am supposed to run the correct time without tripping over stuff cause I am looking at my watch instead of the footpath? Any tips would be helpful. Maybe I need to put a chalk mark at half way and then just check then....