Bonkers, conkers and teenagers

I had my first run back on the road today following the dreadmill running in Cyprus and it was good to get back outside.

It felt a little odd at first but I soon found my stride and my pace seemed to pick up as I had spent time trying to listen to how I run whilst I was undisturbed in the hotel gym.

I have twelve weeks until my first 10k but was adamant I would start proper training once I got back.

I've looked at several plans and have picked a six week training regime which, like the one that started me running, builds me up to 10k in a matter of weeks.

Today's run was the first such training run and it was hard work. Being back on the road, in the English climate was a little tough. It was windy out and it felt a little odd when compared to the sanctity of the gym in Limassol.

I'd read some articles and a great book on holiday and they all advised keeping the running energising by having different routes etc. I always amend my route slightly but know I needed a change to help my motivation and to suck up the extra miles.

I got out of the park where we live and headed out into darkest Colchester along the main road and down a straight road called the Avenue of Remembrance.

This is my first mid day week run in Colchester and I had to avoid lots of parents and toddlers on the school run. More annoyingly I had to avoid teenagers who insisted on getting in the way. Some of the little bastards refused to let me through and some bunched up when they saw me coming. I simply put my foot down and ran through them. Two boys took my sharp elbows to their sides as I forced my way through. It was that or run into on coming traffic on a busy a road – not likely. Why are teenagers so rude?

The avenue was lined with conkers as we are heading into autumn so that trees are shedding their stock in time for the arrival of winter.

I also had lots of bunny rabbits to avoid on the route but they were nicer than the kids and got out of my way when they saw me coming.

I confess I ran 4×10 min hard runs but may have cut a minute or two from two of them to slow my pace and get my breath. This is after all the furthest and longest I have ever run.

That said I am really proud of today's achievements as I had a great over all pace and managed 7.70km in 56 minutes. It's great to know I am so much closer to 10k and am now more confident that with this training routine I can crack the 10k target 🙂

Fastest song of this run was Cubik by 808 State and I believe I ran that at 6:25!

With us both being on holiday it means I can enjoy a post run massage from my baby which is the best way to end a run 😉

Really happy with my progress and it feels like my running has entered a new phase (although my shoes won't last much longer as I note they are wearing on the mid sole – time for some replacements).