Experimental

'Experimental' in the sense that yesterday I cancelled today's exercise class with the promise that I would go for a run instead, no matter what. This morning I had regrets. But I'd put my kit out last night, so I slipped it on and went out. 

And it was the same as it ever was. 

So, in conclusion, I'm never going to 'want' to go for a run, but I should do it anyway as there is everything to gain. 

5.83 km

6m 59s per km

40' 44"

I think I need to aim for a 45 minute run which is the optimum duration for cardio exercise. So aim for 6km? 

But where shall I go? Perhaps next time I will go to the downs and see how that feels.

That wasn't so bad, was it?

Other than collecting a smidge of animal poo on my shoe it was OK

I didn't overthink it, just went out. The mornings are getting lighter which will help with the get-up-and-go nature of this running lark. 

Niggles

1. Calfs borderline dodgy but I think I've got away with it. So much for the daily balance exercise building up my lower leg strength.

2. Left knee - started off a bit hurty and weak but got over itself

3. arthritic foot was ok - I mean, it's arthritic so it's never gong to get any better but I am so grateful that it's no worse than it is. 

5.67km

7m 13s per km

Slow, but achievement level: gold

Better

I know I've put on a couple of pounds since I was at my happy weight - but it's only 2lbs, right? I mean, I was over 9 stone this time last year and now I'm hovering around 8st 2 - so as long as I don't totally mess up, I'm ok. 

This morning I spent an age chewing over the pros and cons of heading out - but then I just did it. So glad I did.

5.22 km

6m 57s per km

So that's all good. Slight niggle in my right knee but everything else seems to be holding up.

And - like every time I actually get out there - I come back and tell myself there is no reason not to keep this up, 2 or 3 times a week, and reap the benefits. Then I leave it for 3 - 4 weeks because... 

1. lazy

2. weather

3. other stuff to do

the list goes on 

Not so good

It's me. I'm down. Putting weight back on and feeling old.

5.19km

7m 12s per km

2025: run #2

Cold.

I still can't imagine wanting to go for a run because I love it rather than because it's free exercise. But that's just me. Maybe one day... 

Right knee hurts a bit; left knee not so much. Other than that I'm OK. Very out of breath on the 'hill' but I didn't stop, so well done me. 

I actually went further than planned which had been to do the same little route as last time - but I got into 'Tesco walk' mode and headed onto the path before I noticed my huge mistake: this was the uphill way round. Nit But I did it.

5.06km

7m 16s per km

Not too bad - but my right knee might argue differently. If it were sentient. 

Happy New Year

Yes, this really is the first run I've been on this year. In fact, the first one since 24 October.

So, yeah, I'm not really living up to my intention of 'being a runner'.

Excuses? I have had hMPV with added insanely sore throat and sinuses. It's been hanging around for 2 weeks now and I'm still coughing (even more so since I got back from my run)

I say 'run'. It was a test, that's all and it was a challenge. There was a junior Parkrun on Horfield Common and I felt outpaced.  My lungs are not at anything like full capacity thanks to the virus but I was proper struggling to get enough air. I can't do hills, even the gentle slopes were killing me. 

Anyhoo

3.69km

7m 11 s per km

I'm ok with that. My head said I'll do that 3 times a week and build up again. Maybe one day I will do it without any drama. This morning's drama was me taking about 5 mins to fasten my bra: there has to be a better system (but not the ones with a zip up the front - practical but dreadfully ugly)

This is fine

Just went out and did it. No drama. 

the only new and exciting thing was that I tied my hair back in bunches. Not trying to be cute, but I think they suit me better. And I am all about looking my best while wheezing and being red-faced in public.

I listened to a Radio One mix at the beginning but apart from 'Paradise City' I wasn't feeling it so I listened to 'Cautionary Tales' from Radio Four about Ponzi and pyramid schemes. Am I dull?

5.66km (found a new route which adds a little bit on and doesn't have hills) (yay)

7 min per km

quite happy with all that.

I did walk a few steps because my knee was a bit hurty and needed a quick reset but I generally didn't feel out of breath enough to want to stop. This is despite having a bottle of wine yesterday... But I think the 350 calories I've burned this morning might counteract the 3 cookies I had yesterday. And the toastie. And everything else. Not that I'm a bit obsessed with my weight (I've lost 0.2 pounds since September but that was after a rise of 0.2 since August. Not that I'm weighing myself every day and recording it...) Every fraction of a pound seems significant despite having lost 14 over the last few months. Now that I'm used to feeling lighter, the achievement doesn't feel so immense.

Rambling now - this is about running: I did a run and I feel good about it.