time is running out

I have just realised (finger on the pulse, me) that it's only about 18 days until the 10k...

I reckon I'll get round OK (providing I prepare better than last time) but I would like to do it in under an hour - and that's going to be a struggle for fat little old me.

Last time I felt I pushed it and did it in about 57mins and the usual scrum at the beginning kind of slowed me down a bit. I have to do 9 1/2 minute-miles which is doable I think. It fecking ought to be - it's hardly olympic standard is it...

Should I run tonight, after work, in the heat???

oh my days

Well after a long break I went for a run this morning, in the Easter heatwave we seem to be having. OK it was only 830, before it got really hot, but it was still fairly steamy.

And I went 13k or so - which is further than I was planning (not that I ever plan these things)

So I feel very pleased with myself and it's counteracted all the immense amount of food I've been eating recently. So, hurray for me.

But I need to do a lot more before the 10k in May - the distance isn't perhaps too much of a problem, but the speed and the ease of running it is. Today I felt knackered and it was a struggle to keep going, frankly. But I did. I slowed down a lot and just accepted that it was never going to be a happy run. I have to take preparation a little bit more seriously if I'm going to beat my previous time of 57mins, some seconds. I would like to think I came in under the hour at least.
We shall see...

another half of half a marathon

Well, I've signed up for this year's 10k in Bristol.

Ulp.

Well, I guess I know I can do the distance (witness my heroic last run) but it's whether I can do one to order. As in, at a time and place which I haven't chosen. At least I know the route will be flat (no side trips to the camera obscura. At least I really hope not - the Portway is about 100m below the thing...)

But, last time I did the 10k I suffered. I was a bit stressed out for some reason - after all I'd done the training and I'd already done the 1/2 marathon, so there should have been no reasn for fear. But I had butterflies while waiting for the off. I also needed a wee which didn't help, but I was doing my usual thing of being so desperate not to be late for a thing that I got to the start line too early - I probably did have time for a wee cos it takes so long for everyone to get through the start. Hey ho, next time will be good!

I've put in for a 55mins time which is 5mins 30 per km - I have no idea how that translates to mins per mile - about 9 30 probably which is doable - as long as I get the right carbo-loading worked out. No wine the night before, I'd suggest for starters.

woop woop

Glorious sunny morning. Slightly more suitable carbo-loading last night of fish and chips and chocolate.
And my run was lovely - hard work, some aches and pains but generally almost enjoyable.
8.66 miles which is the furthest I've gone for a long time.

General feeling of well-being!

carbo loading

As part of a scientific experiment involving major self-sacrifice I can now disclose my findings.

White wine and chocolate do not constitute carbo-loading.

In fact, if anything, I might even conclude that taken together the night before a very unambitious run is something of a hindrance.

But at least I left the house wearing stretchy stuff and went for a run. Hurrah