My Last Run

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  • Cal JonesCal Jones ✭✭✭
    Sounds like you might have got the same bug as me, Malteser. I was out a lot longer though. The headache lasted 5 days!

    10 miles this morning - cool and grey and not many people around when I went out. Felt a little sluggish during the third mile but then my legs woke up and I ran the rest around 10:10 pace. Felt OK so I seem to have recovered.
    Still not sure if I'll participate in this week's 5K (I skipped last week obviously) but I'll see how I feel later in the week.
    I am down for the virtual Master's Relay next month so I need to get some kind of speed going.
    Also entered another Phoenix virtual run - this in support of key workers. I've a mate who works on the tube and you get a medal and a pin so I'll send him the pin when I'm done - think he'll like that.
  • HazelnutCHHazelnutCH ✭✭✭
    Colder here GD but not such that I need to go back to winter gear. Nice to see someone you know out running. Fingers crossed it won't be months still before you can train together again.

    Just ambled up the steps JD, hardcore runners run them but I have no wish to trip and fall on my face. Hilly trail sounds nice. Well done on the mini-streak.

    Good you are feeling ok again and the calf has calmed down MalMal. Maybe the knee niggle is from overcompensating for the calf.

    Nice 8 miler Cal.

    First group outing for me yesterday in more than 2 months yesterday.
    Since Monday we are allowed to train in groups of up to 5. I thought we would wait for a couple of weeks yet but one lady sent a message at around 5pm and 5 turned up at 7pm, so perfect.  Needless to say there was plenty to chat about so the pace was easy. Think we will tentatively restart the weekly outings with planning for the numbers and splitting into smaller groups if more than 5 want to run.  Great to be able to run with some familiar faces again.
  • JD1JD1 ✭✭✭

    Good that you're feeling better MM,and your calf is behaving itself.

    Nice 10 Cal.Have you noticed more people about since the easing of the lockdown?

    Great to get back running with club mates Hazelnut,I can't wait to get back running with the club,this time of the year the social runs are great.

    Just 5.27 miles after work with Polly.I had only been running 5 minutes when I came across a male black Lab,called Oakley.It was love at first sight between them,Polly ignoring my call,she went galloping off with him,it took me 5 minutes to get her back,so she had her fun run.

  • GuarddogGuarddog ✭✭✭
    Nice couple of runs, JD, and rather sweet that Polly has a crush. They grow up so fast and then they're off chasing whatever tail comes along  ;) . Hopefully you can keep the streak going.

    Glad your lurgy didn't last too long MM and the calf issue doesn't seem to have flared up again. As Hazelnut says the knee twinge might be down to compensating for the calf. At least you're getting the sleeves tomorrow.

    Glad you're feeling better, Calm and able to get out for a run. Hopefully you'll continue to improve enough to do the 5K this weekend.

    How did it feel running with a group again, Hazelnut? I would imagine a bit weird at first being able to run with others.

    And cold again here this morning, although very sunny. So the leggings were out again. We decided to head west from the car park on the seafront towards Southwick today, primarily because we thought the northerly breeze would mean it would be slightly against on the way out. It wasn't, but then it wasn't too strong that it was an issue. Certainly noticed more traffic today, both in driving down to the seafront and also as we ran past the industrial units. And the smell from the waste treatment plant was particularly pungent today. We kept the pace fairly consistent, around the 8:45 mark. It was only the last mile where we pushed it along. I'm somewhat in a quandary with the pace. These should be easy runs although the pace is quicker than I would normally consider easy. As an example when I was doing the winter training and aiming for a sub 1:50 HM my long slow runs were at 9:20 with the view my race pace would be 8:20. But our current pace average of 8:40 doesn't feel hard, I don't feel I'm struggling with it. So should I rethink what should be my race pace now?
  • swittleswittle ✭✭✭
    Best wishes to those feeling a touch under par, and respect to the range of terrains, distances and paces described.  I joined the thread originally as a source of motivation, for myself and derived from the work of others and it's good to see how well that's embedded now.

    8.30pm and the fieriest sunset for a while brought out about 50% more photographers, walkers, dogs and sportspeople than 2 days ago.  Simple to stay clear.  Dogs were a feature: two bulldogs scrabbling to dig up a stone from water lying on the beah; a Pug pup that was s-w-e-e-e-t; and a copper/white Husky.  1:01:03 for 5.75 miles.
  • Good runs from everyone - Hazlenut your run with you group sounds especially great :) I bet there was a lot to catch up on! I feel like running with a group here in the UK might still be a long way off...

    Running for me this week has continued to be enjoyable and my downbeat plodding of a couple of weeks ago feels well behind me, so lots of thanks to you all for letting me hear about your runs everyday because its really kept me motivated, as you mention Swittle.

    My run today felt especially bouncy as I treated myself to a new pair of running shoes! I have diagnosed myself as being an overpronator so bought a pair of Saucony Glides after doing some research online and my first 4 miles in them today felt springy and light. What are everyone else's shoe of choice?! I have been running in Nike Pegasus' for 4 years so it felt pretty radical to change.
  • HazelnutCHHazelnutCH ✭✭✭
    Great you are feeling better in the meantime Jes. Enjoy the new shoes. I've never run in Nikes. My current collection includes Brooks (Ravenna and Launch), Mizuno (Sayonara and Wave Rider), Saucony Peregrines and La Sportiva Bushidos. (Latter two are for off-road). Oops that is a few but they have different purposes and with running quite a lot I need to rotate regularly. I think I own less everyday shoes to compensate!

    Bet Polly wasn't soial distancing then JD.

    Sometimes find it difficult to run with others pace wise GD, but not necessarily that it is too slow, depends on who is out.  Not sure about your race pace. For a HM I would normally recommend running up to a 10k race and calculating off of that (Fetch or Mcmillan for example).  Obviously not possible at the moment.

    Nice selection of canines swittle.  Can imagine people out enjoying the greater freedom to exercice especially with the added bonus of a nice sunset.

    No sunsets to look at here the last couple of days, dull, grey and especially today pretty windy. Not being a fan of the combination of flat speedwork and wind I did a hill reps session yesterday with 6 x 0.5 k at around 10k race effort.  This evening, a more or less one paced fairly easy 12 miles. Dug out the long leggings and a light wind jacket today but was a bit overdressed. Few people about; the dull weather and shops reopening meant outdoor activities were less entertaining it seems.
  • Cal JonesCal Jones ✭✭✭
    JD - not that much different really. There seemed to be a bit more traffic this morning although that could be because I didn't go out until almost 7, so it was what amount to rush hour for the duration of the run. I was still able to run in the residential roads (which I pretty much had to for stretches as some roads were having their bin day and there where wheely bins everywhere).

    JD/swittle - I see a load of dogs on my runs, all shapes and sizes. There's a man who walks a wolf dog on Tooting Common (as in one of those hybrids, not a wolfhound, although I see one of those quite often too. It was playing with a lab one time and the lab looked like a puppy next to it).
    I did see a vixen playing with two cubs in the neighbour's garden this morning - absolutely adorable.

    jes - I'm a Nike girl. I do most of my running in Epic Reacts although Nike have recently replaced these with the Infinity React which is heavier, so not sure I will like those. I still have two pairs of Epics in boxes before I'm forced to change, though.
    I have some Zoom Fly flyknits for speed work and low key races and some of the older style flyknit Vaporflys for more important races (I got my Yorkshire Marathon PB in those).
    Recently got some Peg Turbos and they're a nice shoe for speed/tempo but I found they rubbed my fit when I did 17 miles in them.

    Rest day yesterday, although that included 45 minutes of yoga, two 2 miles walks and 30 minutes of conditioning.
    10 mile progressive run today. Warm-up mile then three at just over 10 min/mi, then slowly increased the pace until I hit MP on the last mile. Enjoyed this one.
  • GuarddogGuarddog ✭✭✭
    Nicely written as usual, swittle, the benefits of going out later in the evening is to be able to witness sunsets, especially those that set fire to the water.

    Good for you treating yourself to new runners, jesreeves. And glad you're enjoying the running again. It generally takes a short while after coming back to feel it's not a heavy legged plod. And I've recently gone over to the Nike Zoom Flyknits. For years I'd been very loyal to Asics GT2000 and was reluctant to change them as I'd heard horror stories of people trying something new and it causing all sorts of problems. Having come back from an issue with my back I was keen on rediscovering some pace so decided to try the Flyknits and it was pretty much love at first sight (apart from perhaps the rather loud colour that either screams "Look at me" or whispers to everyone else "knob!!). They're very light with an upper that's quite unlike anything I'd ever worn before.

    Nice run, Hazelnut, although shames it's dull and grey there and the leggings have had to make a reappearance. I quite enjoy group running. The Sunday training group I was with would split up into different pace groups and having a run lead set that kept everyone else honest in terms of the pace they should be doing. Although not much fun if you ever dropped off the back of a group.

    Good progression run, Cal. Sounds like you're well and truly over the lurgy. Are you going to do the 5K?

    My 8am meeting finished an hour early this morning, so took the opportunity to get out to do some hill repeats. Just 30 mins and trying to keep it at an even pace on the ups and downs. Two other runners had the same idea in the park, so we were regularly passing each other. Back and showered and finished off a report before my next meeting at 11. Running obviously helps me be productive.
  • Cal JonesCal Jones ✭✭✭
    Tomorrow, hopefully, GD! Nice work on the hills. I need to get my arse back to Streatham Common for the same. The hill there is a beast.
  • Good running everyone!

    Yesterday I felt like mixing things up, so I managed to drag the fiancée out for some hill sprints. Needless to say, she wasn't too appreciative of being made to run up and down 200m of Cardiac Hill non-stop for 30 minutes, but it was good training nonetheless. I think I managed 17 sprints in the half an hour (about 3.8 miles in total including warming up and down), and was jogging down which was good. My partner was resigned to walking down the hills but, given the big difference in our fitness levels, I can't fault her for it and give her kudos for giving it a go.

    Today, decided to go out for a hilly 8.3 miles to test my new calf sleeves, including Cardiac Hill twice. The sleeves felt a bit tight, but my calfs felt good all the way round. Then went out for a further 2.85 miles with the fiancée to warm down. By this point my calfs were getting more vocal, but were still okay. It was only when I took off the calf sleeves that they hurt a lot so needless to say I'm resting them up now.
  • Cal JonesCal Jones ✭✭✭
    Good session, Malteser - glad the calf sleeves are working for you. Now stretch those puppies.

    Speaking of which, did my 5K today. Wasn't sure how it would go after being ill last week and then doing a 10 mile progression yesterday (yes yes I know you shouldn't do two relatively hard sessions in a row) but that was how it landed.
    Two miles to warm-up and threw a few sets of strides into the second mile to get the legs turning over. Seems to have done the trick.
    Hit my first mile in 7:56 which I was happy with, then 7:53 for the second and 7:52 for the third. I'm getting better at the pacing stuff, evidently. Pushed hard for the last bit and averaged 6:47 pace which, for me, is bloody fast (given my mile time stands at 7:20). Breathing transitioned from dog with a squeaky toy to full on porn star, but at least I didn't vomit. Final time was 24:29 which is my third fastest 5K to date, and fastest on my own. Looking promising for the vet relays next month.
    Had a quick breather then 3 more miles to cool down.
    Whew.
  • swittleswittle ✭✭✭
    jes, you're right about nooo shoooes.  That flat, clumping feeling and lack of response from shoes ready to be recycled is easily dispelled!  Despite best efforts, my nearly new daps are getting a sandy mud tan.  :(

    Hazel, your training continues to impress: I too am finding kit selection an issue - not last night, as the WNW wind was intent on making itself felt.

    Cal: I've not seen an urban fox round the local park for years; it's coincided with a drop in the no. of rabbits close to the Marina - their burrows still catch me out at times!  Enjoyed your report of your swift 5k.  Excellent stuff  :)

    GD: the cognitive benefits of exercise at even a moderate rate are one of the reasons I'm still getting out there.  Not working now presents a fresh challenge: keeping the grey matter fresh.

    Cooler last night, clouded sky and a brisk WNW wind dictating course selection.  A circuit of the small lake and trails alongside the marine gardens took me past the less scenic Freeport area but even these have decent sized lakes where wildlife gathers untroubled by humans.  Leant into the wind on the beach stretch, then, close to the Marina, saw a tiny English Bulldog that would have fitted into cupped hands!  :-)  Getting closer to sub-10:  41:16 for 3.98 miles.

  • GuarddogGuarddog ✭✭✭
    Hills are our friend, Cal. Enjoy a good hill as there's no expectation other than getting up it. Having said that tomorrow I've requested that we miss out the short hill at the end of our planned run as it always catches me out. Well done on the 5k time,  especially after a 10 miler yesterday. 

    Good work on your hill sprints,  MM, and that you got your fiancee out as well.  Glad the calf sleeves worked too.  Just keep an eye on them. 

    To be honest,  swittle, I would have retired myself by now, but for circumstances.  Or at least scaled back.  Hey ho. Keep aiming for the sub 10, it's within reach. 

    400m intervals this morning.  We used the service road alongside Shoreham airport as it's flat and, we thought,  relatively quiet.  Busier than we realised,  but never an issue.  First interval we probably set off too quickly so I slowed so I was in the zone.  My partner decided to keep the pace.  After 3 intervals she'd opened up a gap with me thinking she would blow up at some point. By the end the gap was 300m!! I was at a loss as I was convinced looking at her fast pace to mine that I was going quicker. Afterwards she did say she reckoned she was short of the 400m on each interval. Still 5.5 miles done and the intervals were quicker than last week. And nice to see one of our clubmates out as well. 
  • HazelnutCHHazelnutCH ✭✭✭
    Great two days of running Cal. Especially the solo 5k, really don't think I could do such an effort without a number on. Two days hard in a row won't likely do any damage if you do a couple of light days now.

    Regarding shoes GD -one also to be careful of is buying a new model of the same shoe and thinking it will be as good. Don't know why companies sometimes feel they have to redesign a good shoe as its ofrten not an improvement. Well done on the intervals, sensible to slow down, a too fast start can wreck things.

    Good hill session MalMal, can imagine your calfs are a bit grumpy. No shame in walking down the hill if it meant she could keep going up again.

    That bulldog must have been so cute swittle.  Do you like watching the ships as well? Wondering where they are off to? Keep applying the grey matter to your writing. Always like to see the blog notification on Fetch, with the anticipation of what you might have written about as it is quite varied.

    Unenthusiastic recovery yesterday evening, 4 miles and for once not too fast. Don't know where my legs were, I think I left them at home on the sofa. 

    To compensate 7ish miles this afternoon. Pretty windy again so cycled down the hill to take in a route involving assorted loops with only short stretches into the wind and hill-free.  Don't know why but the scent of freshly turned grass and ploughed earth make me hungry! Added in 8 x strides at the end to remind the legs how to run fast.
  • swittleswittle ✭✭✭
    GD, I think the healthy competition during many of your sessions can only work to the benefit of you both.  Thanks for the nudge: it's just getting the confidence to believe I'm not going to blow up.

    Hazel, she looked nothing like the fully grown Bulldogs I'd seen a few days earlier.  It must have been one of her earliest trips out!  There's nothing like the sea traffic in/out of Liverpool - previously, I could tell from the little pilot ships heading out into the bay to escort the floating container parks through the hazardous sand banks.  Even the gas platforms seem quiet.  One day, the vast floating hotels, oil tankers, cargo vessels and ferries will be back in force.

    I'm glad you enjoy the blogs - there are couple of pieces about medieval timber framed halls in my home town, Wakefield, in the pipeline - just need to marshall my research.  :-)
  • My last run, 10 March, full of uncertainty and troubled by the impact of ongoing health issues. I hope I can get back to it and feeling good about it.
  • Cal JonesCal Jones ✭✭✭
    Good work, Hazlenut.
    swittle - must have been adorable! I saw a corgi pup a few months ago and it was incredibly cute.

    Another Wandle Trail discovery run today. I tried to follow the early section but went wrong again, only I went wrong in a different way. I will try to find the path through that bit on a shorter run some time this week.
    I still managed to pick it back up at the Tooting end and then stayed on it until Hackbridge, which was a little further along than I've run previously. I decided to turn for home at that point as I was already going to exceed my plan for 14 miles, but looking at the map, the next bit takes me to Beddington Park which is where the new parkrun will be, once that starts up again.
    Enjoyed the Wandle bit - heard a yaffle in Morden Hall Park and looked up to see a green woodpecker in flight. What I didn't much like, though, were the endless clouds of midges. I guess that's what you get for running by water in the summer.
    I wasn't even in Tooting when I hit 14 miles and I was flagging by that point (while I did wear vest and shorts today, I didn't take water) and then had to run up a big hill. Strangely, that was my second fastest mile (after mile 2 which was net downhill).
    Arrived at my house at 16 miles so two more than planned, but I'll take that as a positive. That takes me to 52 miles for this week.
  • HazelnutCHHazelnutCH ✭✭✭
    Hi TheHappyRunner, good luck with getting back to running.

    Cal - can you check out the bit you are going wrong on on a walk or is that too inconvenient to get to/from?  That's another great run to finish the week.  Agree on the midges, buff or teeth filter?

    16 for me as well including 8 @ my potential mara pace, bracketed by 5 warm-up and 3 cool down.  Had to take a brief break during the 8 to deal with a gel I had tried to squirt up my nose - nice. Pace felt pretty tough, especially as I overheated a bit on the return leg due to running in the sun all the time and not having the refreshing breeze of the outward leg. Was out early enough to meet few people initially, later the standard dog-walkers, cyclists, nordic walkers etc.  Walked another 5-6 miles in the afternoon so feet pretty tired now and legs likely also tomorrow.
  • Cal JonesCal Jones ✭✭✭
    Hazelnut, it's three miles from me to the part where I joined the trail today, so it'd be quite a lengthy walk. I think I've figured it out on the map, though. Well done on the 16 (even if it was interrupted by an unintended nasal enema!)
  • GuarddogGuarddog ✭✭✭
    Welcome TheHappyRunner and hopefully you'll be back to running soon. I've always found there's plenty of support on this forum, especially for those trying to get back into running after an injury or illness.

    Well done on the 16 miles, Hazelnut. Although I suspect taking a gel nasally is not going to have the same affect  ;). Shoe decisions used to cause me no end of stress which is why when I got into the Asics I just stuck with them. I quite agree with changing what is a perfectly good design, although I don't think I'm aware enough or good enough for it to make too much of a difference. Although the Nike's seem to be working well.

    I think the competition is doing us both good, swittle, we seem to be pushing each other. I had that kind of running relationship with a friend at work, but since he left back at the end of February this has become a bit more meanignful. I need someone to push me otherwise I just fall into a bit of a rut. Medieval timber framed buildings sounds very specialised. What got you interested in those?

    Fantastic weekly mileage, Cal, and well done on finding a new route. Glad that you're feeling a whole lot better.

    We had planned a longer run yesterday, I'd suggested 10 miles going along the seafront and starting at Saltdean. However we were a bit late getting out and I had a meeting at 11am, so we had to truncate it down to 10K. Probably just as well as my partner was feeling the affect of the 400m intervals the day before. Noticed it was a lot busier in terms of traffic, cars in the car park and sheer number of people out using the under cliff path. Not sure whether that worries me or not, although I have to admit I find it frustrating when people show no awareness and take up the entire width of the path. But then I guess that's now up to us to find less crowded places again.

    Had thought about doing an early run this morning, but the extra hour in bed seemed to be more appealing. So it's a rest day.
  • swittleswittle ✭✭✭
    Midges, Cal?  None yet so far in Crosby - the almost continual breeze/wind seems to keep them on the move.  Meaningful mileage and a 50+ week bode very well.

    @TheHappyRunner: the healing properties of running - just running - are set on in these pages, and I hope you soon benefit and feel better.

    Hazel: I'll not be trying that novel means of ingesting a gel!  They're incredibly sticky, aren't they?  Not surprised you're feeling tired!

    GD: I did a couple of years' voluntary surveying and archive analysis with the West Yorkshire Archaeology Service.  The Royal Commission on Historical Monuments officer used to take me out to measure & photograph post medieval rural buildings; office based involved linking documents to houses we'd seen and looking for patterns of room usage, industry and wealth.  There, I met the owner of a 15th century timber framed house near Wakefield [Horbury Hall].  We took a section from a wooden wallplate for dendrochronological analysis: that tree was cut ca 1462.  Later, some friends & I made a short film about the house.  The fascination has never waned!

    The unlocking is certainly increasing the numbers of people - I'm happy sticking to the coastal park & beach - and feel for those who have little choice but to brave the interactions.

    I can't map last night's run on Fetch, because I can't recall all of it in detail.  A 'pit stop' required me to head back home early in my session.... when I set off again, my inner GPS went haywire!!  :-)
  • Cal JonesCal Jones ✭✭✭
    I find Mondays to be a good rest day, GD. Hope you enjoyed yours.
    swittle, it'll be a couple of degrees warmer down here, and without the benefit of sea breezes.
    I haven't noticed that many extra people around, but then I guess people want to escape London for the country rather than vice versa. It's not as if any of our tourist attractions are open.

    8 miles recovery for me - I really slowed it down as much as I could (any slower and my form would have broken down) so I used a lot of the lumpier paths and wooded sections of the common as I'm naturally slower when I'm avoiding tree roots and the like. Averaged around 11:30 pace which is practically glacial. Oddly, I did quite enjoy it.

  • HazelnutCHHazelnutCH ✭✭✭
    Hope you had a good rest day GD. Also that you can find routes which on the one hand aren't too overcrowded but also provide a bit of pleasure.

    Building research sounds interesting swittle. Lol regarding the GPS.

    Better slow and you enjoyed it than fast and hating it Cal.

    4 recovery yesterday evening. Nearly had a slow speed head-on collision with another runner. Had just set off and wasn't paying attention on a narrow path / blind corner and ooops. No passing room really let alone space for distancing. He kindly turned about to return to a suitable spot and we had a good giggle. Warm here too but slowly acclimatizing.
  • JD1JD1 ✭✭✭

    Well done your 5k Cal and your 52 mile week,that's good going.I haven't noticed a big increase in visitors to the area yet,apparently north Wales is hitting its peak now.

    GD,nice intervals with your partner,it's good that you improved on the previous week.I like the thought of doing 10 miles along the seafront,especially in this weather.

    Fantastic 16 Hazlenut,that seemed a very tough run.I'm happy that I'm not the only one who struggles with gels!

    Swittle,you're keeping yourself busy when not running.Very close to 10mm now.

    Interval training Saturday,6.24 miles,including 6 x 0.5m @5kp

    Sunday 10 miles at easy pace.I disturbed a buzzard,so had a good view when it took to flight.

    Decided to do a 5k flat out yesterday.So started with 3 miles warm up and trying to get the motivation up to do it.Got into the pace straight away, half way through I had a wobble,I just wanted to stop and that was reflecting in my pace.But I cracked on and finished with a time 20:56,I can't say I enjoyed it at the time,but glad I did it in the end.




  • Cal JonesCal Jones ✭✭✭
    I usually enjoy the faster runs a bit more, Hazelnut, but I'm attempting to go to 6 days a week (an experiment of sorts) so I need to do at least two of those at a much slower pace.
    Well done on your 5K, JD - it is quite a brutal distance. Nice buzzard spotting too.

    I didn't sleep well and ended up getting up around 4:20am, so I was out running at 5:30. I decided to go find the bit of the Wandle I'd missed before, and I succeeded, so hooray for that. (It's certainly nicer than running past the industrial state which is what happened on Sunday when I went the wrong way).
    I decided to continue up the Wandle and did much of Sunday's route, minus the extra bit on the end, so it was 12 miles all told.
    It was a very pleasant run until I got to the road that cuts through Mitcham Common - it was a bit after 7am by that point and there was quite a lot of traffic. I did manage to cross the roads I needed to without having to stop but I think I'll avoid it on weekedays in future.
    Legs felt pretty good aside from a bit of grumbling from the high ham tendon (not sure if this is down to last week's mileage or the fact I've been doing yoga every day) but it's not to serious.
    I did a sub-10 coming up the big hill (Church Lane) from Tooting - there was a woman in a blue shirt running just ahead so I tried to catch her. Didn't manage it but at least I didn't fall any further behind.
    Lost a couple of pounds on this run so will be hydrating a lot today - it's going to be a hot one.
  • swittleswittle ✭✭✭
    Recovery needs to be tailored to the runner's needs - and aches/pains - at the time, and pace I've always considered secondary to this.  8 miles = good work, Cal, and followed up with some more enterprising pioneering & discovery work.  Sun's been up for a while at 5.30am.  

    Hazel - few runners about on the beach & coast; plenty of space to take a quarter-mile diversion if required! ;)

    JD1 - I'm impressed, and maybe a little scared ;) by your recent sessions!  Sub-20 for your next 5k; maybe sub-10m/m for me!

    Last night: warmer than I'd expected, even at 8.30pm, and virtually no cooling breeze.  Lakes, trails & beach just about covers it, a few dogs & walkers, even fewer runners.  Managed to skirt the sea wall without mud encounters but struggled on fine, soft sand when leaving the beach.  1:00:23 for 5.9 miles.
  • HazelnutCHHazelnutCH ✭✭✭
    Nice set of runs JD, especially the 5k, don't know if I could do such on my own.  Good you could push through the wobble and not give up.

    Another early run Cal. Great you found the missing bit of your route.  Always tempting to try to catch another runner ahead.

    Wise words swittle. Can imagine the running on sand bit - one step forward, half a step back. Tricky stuff. Definitely close to the 10m/m.

    Another group run for me yesterday evening - 7 of us turned up so we had to be careful to be seen running in a group of no more than 5 at one time. With a couple of people sometimes pulling ahead and others falling off the back and one guy taking a short cut it generally worked.  Struggled a bit on the long hills, could still feel my legs from Sunday. We were lucky not to get wet, could see a heavy shower approaching but it seems we got both route and timing right as the roads were wet on returning to the start but we stayed dry. Couple of rainbows to look at. Cycled to and from the run for a bit of extra exercice.

    This evening I had planned a steady 11-12 miles but decided instead to do some hilly trail loops. 4 were the idea but 3 were enough. 7 miles, more than 300m of ascent and ascent and a pace of 10:42 m/m. Achieved my goal of shuffling all the ascents though I did step rather than jump over a log and a stream. Fairly quiet in the woods, 4 people met, otherwise wind and birdsong for company. Nice.
  • swittleswittle ✭✭✭
    Hazel: two substantial sessions there ^  Looping back was always a reassuring feature of running in a group, so I think you'll have satisfied any 'local observers'.

    Even this Iron Man is taking the pandemic seriously.
  • Cal JonesCal Jones ✭✭✭
    Ha ha, classic! Yes it as very warm yesterday, swittle, and will be today too. It's playing havoc with my sleep. Good for getting out - at that point I was in front of the telly with some frozen grapes (a refreshing alternative to ice cream, although I also have ice cream - went out specially yesterday to stock up!)

    Solid work, Hazelnut. You definitely have more serious hills in your area than I do.

    Did a hilly run of my own this morning. Rubbish sleep again so out once more at 5:30am. Two miles warm-up (11 min/mi) pace to Streatham Common, then five one mile laps of the main part of the common. Pushed hard up the hill, recovered across the top, relaxed down the hill and then steady pace along the bottom. Those miles were 9:59/9:56/9:44/9:44/9:29 which I'm pleased with, although I got some concerned looks off a few people I passed on the uphill due to the fact my breathing sounded like someone in the midst of a severe asthma attack. Quite enjoyed it though and found my breathing recovered quickly on the top section, which isn't very wide (that part of the common is almost a triangle - or a thin pear).
    Two miles home again, just over 10 pace this time. Legs felt quite snappy and energetic on the way back.
    Tomorrow would normally be a rest day but I'm experimenting with bumping my runs up to six this week so it'll be a recovery run instead.
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