Well I have to say a huge thank you to Debbie at Mojo for Running because her podcast and tips on cadence have really helped me with my run today.
Now I know that cadence (or ensuring you run at 180 bum to improve your steps, poise and form), won't help me cover huge distances but using the cadence tips Debbie gave in her podcast still enabled me to run 4.7K in roughly the same time. I was only a fraction slower.
As you can see from my heat map I started a bit fast but the colour does prove that even when in the long runs or the walks I kept a consistent pace. And you know what? I can feel the difference.
This is the first set of long runs where I haven't worried about running out of breath, slowing or stopping.
I managed to complete all my runs and all my walks (at speed) with ease. In fact after the 5 minute cool down walk I had a short distance to cover so I ran home 🙂
I felt a little silly running such short paces but it really does help. Block out any thoughts of how you look or if it may affect your distance and you can achieve great things with this method. I think I have some practice to do but I can really feel the difference.
Looking at my splits for this run I am amazed that two of my km's were identically timed. This proves to me that this is a much better way to get my pacing right. 🙂
I am writing post run (post shower obviously), and feel on top of the world. Even though it pissed down with rain and there were gale force winds to slow me down – I got home relaxed, invigorated and happy. I shall definelty continue with the cadence routine to see how I get along.
This is the first run where I haven't cursed the coach and have motored through all the sets I had to do.
It was nice to see so many other runners out and about today too. Of course being Colchester there were a lot of very fit and very built soldier types – and the odd average Joe like me. The rain must bring them all out from hiding as I have never seen so many runners. Mind you I may have been seeing double as there was so much rain on my glasses!
Today was also my first full day with my Nike+ Fuelband and I set myself the recommended Nike usual daily goal of 3000 Fuel Points. I smashed that mid afternoon and as you can see am way above my target. I'll keep the target the same for the week to see how I get on with it. (I'll be interested to see what my finally tally is at the end of the day).
The Fuelband has caused a few heads to turn at work today and loads of people wanted to know what it was about and were intrigued by it (including many people online).
I can happily say it is a thing of beauty yet very functional. The watch is great when running as the LEDs are so bright I could see them in the dark through my rain soaked sunglasses.
The animations on the app and hitting my first Goal on the Fuelband itself were also very inspiring and I am sure this will go a long way to inspire me further.
You wouldn't believe I had a stressful day, the running etc has really helped me to focus my attention more positively 🙂
Keith Tomlinson Photography 