I haven’t gone out on a run all week and today was very busy so I was a little apprehensive about getting my trainers on. It’s milder than it has been and dry with some sun so todays weather is a definite improvement.
Prior to the run we decorated our first floor hall, I ironed the weeks clothes for work, made lunch, helped Richard hand the new fire in the study and cleaned the house. I wasn’t sure I had any energy left for a run!
I had a brief pause at the beginning of the run as some neighbours said hello but once I got going I as enjoying myself.
My right calf was really tight and I dig drag my foot once or twice – I was convinced this was my Asics again but am not 100% sure. I haven’t run all week and these are nearly new shoes so I am bound to feel some pain and discomfort.
I did well through my run and just as I entered my 5 minute cool down my iPhone played Woodkids Run Boy Run. I smiled to myself and agreed that whenever Woodkid came on I would run my fastest and furthest regardless of what I was supposed to be doing. And you know what? I did! I put my foot down and didn’t let my pace falter for the duration of the track. I thoroughly enjoyed this energetic spurt in the run and decided to give it another go.
Woodkids I Love You came on next and I sprinted through half of that too. I was tired by this stage and thought it best not too push myself too far so I slowed my paced and completed my cool down walk.
Not surprisingly this was my fastest song!
I used to do these sprinting sessions when I was deep in to my training last year and I am glad to see I can pick this pace up again.
I admit I have been plodding along a bit and these speed sections help to remind me that I can find more energy in my legs when I try, regardless of my chest, my breathing, the weather, the shoes or any pain. I now need to harness this new-found drive and continue it through my other runs.
I can tell I have been pushing myself as I was tearing up due to the sweat running in my eyes – this and the fact it’s the first run in ages I have not needed my hat or gloves! I did run past the allotments twice and on the way back had to immediately stop as some gardeners were burning garden waste and the smoke immediately got to my chest. I think it was wise to walk through this, a cause it was painful to breath and b cause the combination of smoke, sweat and tears meant I could not see where I was going! Once I was clear of the pollution I was on my way though… must remember this new hazard, particularly now the weather is improving and the gardeners are getting busy again.
And yes for the eagle-eyed I have reverted back to kilometers, it’s a much friendlier unit to run with and one I am familiar with. Regardless of if I am running a half marathon at some point, running K’s means I know where I am (and I can always aim to run 21 k). Thanks for the advice Paul.
I am sure after all this I deserve a rest (and I bet my Fuelband count will be through the roof!).
Keith Tomlinson Photography 