Balls

We left Plymouth at 8:30 this morning and spent 6 hours getting home on the myriad of motorways between here and Devon.

As we made it back at a reasonable time I decided to go for run when I got in.

The hilly run in Plymouth gave me inspiration to hit the big hill near us. Extending my runs has given me the confidence and need to find new routes as the circuits I have been doing is not inspiring or long enough when covering 7k+.

I encountered the hill pretty early in the run and kept the momentum going. Janelle Monaes Tightrope gave me the motivation to pump my legs and to keep going. I climbed to the top of the hill and as it was a new run wasn't sure how far I'd go. I didn't realise I'd cross the dual carriageway and run out of Colchester! This was the furthest I'd run in one direction even beating the run of Tuesday.

I headed back half way through nd soon realised that I had climbed up the mammoth hill then part way down the other side. Of course I had to do this again to get home!

This didn't deter me, in fact I relished the challenge and went for it. Maybe my latest motivational poster was more successful than I thought… 🙂

I got back to New Braiswick Park in good time, feeling good. I continued with my routine with energy and pumped through the rest of the training.

I had to dodge a very energetic West Island Terrier though. It's owner shouted after me that he (the Westie not the owner), thought I was a ball he wanted to chase me. That's a first. Not been called that before but it made me chuckle. Maybe he saw my sweaty balls in my compression shorts!

30 minutes into the run I started to get major pins and needles in my right foot. So much so I think I was skimming the floor with my foot. I think the wear in my right shoe is to blame and shows exactly how my foot is striking the floor. The sole is supposed to none gold but you can see in this photo where the black under layer is showing through with wear.

I don't think my Asics have lasted too badly considering I have run 213km in them. I have ordered the same pair online as they have been really good to me. Cushioning my feet and supporting me exactly where I need it. It's a great time to break in a new pair anyway ahead of my first 10k in November.

As mentioned I got out in my compression shorts today as it was a little chilly and I have started to think I might need another pair and at least another long sleeve shirt. I did just purchase a high vis jacket for running in the autumn/winter. It will be interesting to see how I adjust to the atmosphere now that the nights are drawing in and it's getting cooler.

Anyway it was a great run and I enjoyed the push and the burn from running the hills. I wasn't plodding along on my old runs but it was becoming a bit of a routine. This new training routine has helped break me from my normal times and plans and I feel invigorated.

The more I do, the more I enjoy and the more variety I put in the more confident I am that I am going to crack the 10K run in November 🙂

The fastest song of this run was DVNO by Justice but as I mentioned I found great motivation from Janelle Monae, Ciara with Justin Timberlake and Pet Shop Boys during today's run. It seems like I have found a good running mix too 🙂

Please remember I am running my first 10k at Greenwich Park for Alzheimer's Society and I would be really proud if you could sponsor me and support this wonderful charity.