Running in team colours

When I signed up for the 10K run and sponsorship for Alzheimer's Society I decided to buy a charity branded tee shirt to race in. I didn't realise I would be sent one just before the race so I will eventually have two. Not to worry though as the cost of the shirt goes towards the charity.

My shirt arrived today so I decided to give it it's inaugural run this evening along with some compression shorts I bought at Nike yesterday.

I was really self conscious about wearing them (compression shorts are the same type Linford Christie is famous for – well they made his lunchbox famous). Anyway I don't think I had anything to worry about as my new top is quite long and hides my modesty.

I am not sure that's strictly true though as I was conscious I was wearing them and ran faster when I was amongst members of the public! Maybe compression shorts are designed to make you self conscious and run faster :). They seemed to do the trick though, I had a comfortable run and felt pretty much pain free through the run this evening.

Again I ran without the coach and set myself a 30 minute target. I did a 5 minute warm up walk then several fast runs and a longer steady run towards the end of the 30 minutes.

I managed 4.8k this evening and am really happy with this. I think I will keep this duration this week on my other runs to see how I do uncoached and to see how I push myself over the same time. Again not bad given I've been absent from running for a while.

I am really happy with tonight progress especially as I am now walking to work from Liverpool Street as I am avoiding public transport whilst the Olympics are on. This adds an additional 4k walking during each day. I could run it but it's a challenge walking in London with the crowds, I'd be too frustrated to run (and at 2k each way it's not really far enough).

My Alzheimer's Society sponsorship total is at £485.00 – many many thanks to all who have contributed so far. Please pop by my Just Giving page and make a donation. Anything you can give will help incentivise me and will go towards all the excellent work the charity provides for sufferers of Dementia and Alzheimer's and of course the support they provide to their families and loved ones.