I want to blog. I had doubts about the value of it, hence my silence. That coupled with my busyness in running, at least up to two weeks ago, made it difficult to come here. I also had the sense of having nothing new to say. Last year's blog was full of the awareness of a newbie to running, hence its charm. This year, I am not seasoned enough to write comfortably about training methods, but still have lost, I think, some of the freshness of the newbie. Still. I enjoy writing, I like to write and it may well help me to stay on track as the year progresses. Sadly, I have fallen off the track. Not all through indiscipline, I should add.
Let's get the 'troubles' out of the way first. In the final week of March, I developed a really sore and tender spot just below my right knee on the medial side (inner). I eased up, which is my usual effective response to niggles. It was no great sacrifice to be honest, because I had over 235km for March, anyway. I had done a fairly steady three weeks, reaching my max of 77km or 48 miles in the second week of that month. I had a cycle on the 1st of April and then on the Monday headed to my local gym to do some intervals on the treadmill, followed by a swim. Sadly, the discomfort or tenderness had returned. I decided to give it one week, then two. It has eased. It is not as stiff or tender as it was. Today, finally, I returned to the roads and decided to make a call to a local physio. The 'spot' is not healed fully; it's better, but still niggling. It's time to see a professional. With this in mind, I will continue to run, though not as aggressively (time and speed). I will also modify it with cross-training.
The last two weeks were Easter here. While I was working, I was also tearing up and down the country to be with family ... a new niece, a mother travelling abroad, visitors in Kerry, some gardening, and just down time were my alternative past times. The 'no-running' gave me time to catch up on other tasks, even baking for others, gardening (of the weeding only variety) all day with P. The time off made me realise how time consuming training is.
Let's alternate the 'troubles' with some good news. On a micro level, I ordered and received in the post a pair of new shorts, exactly like my current favourites. They are Nike Hi-tech and are just the right length for me. I wore them today and they are perfect. I have learned not to be too excited until the product has been tested in a run and they certainly passed the test.
On a more exciting, and adventurous note, I have registered for my first triathlon. Yip. I'm going to do the Kenmare triathlon in August. I haven't a clue how to train for one, really, but I have all three skills. Yes, I may not have the speed or strength, but I will work on it. I have always been dying to try one, although nervous of the cost vis-a-vis equipment and it seems a very 'racy' and 'competitive' sport. It may have been more sensible to register for a shorter one, but I do like distance, am more comfortable in distance than 'speed' events and it is local to me. I have the bike, the running gear, a swimsuit and I do have a wetsuit, though it may be too awkward for this event. We shall see. How to plan the training, I have not yet settled. The injury has affected this planning. Of course, ideally, I should probably have tried swimming or cycling, while resting from running, but the disruption to my regular life's routine affected this. I have a plan to start into these in the coming days. I have already done a 1/2km in the pool, have glanced at website and plan to do a 1/2km warm up and some further distances (tbd) tomorrow.
I have been chatting with one or two other athletes and have decided to incorporate some cross-training in the gym too, maybe using the cross-trainer and/or rower once a week. Again, while cajoling along the injured limb, will just play around with this.
My next event is the Bantry half marathon which, irritatingly, has been shifted to midday. I much prefer early starts.
Since I last wrote here, I have been pleased with my running (up to the end of March). In terms of distance, I had covered 590km by the 31st (it's now 607km). In terms of speed, my average pace had dropped to 9:25m per hour (that's just training pace). The first week was registering 10:54 and the second 10:37. I saw a sudden change in and around the 6th week (text book, I believe) when it has hovered around the 9:30 mark give or take. The graph is quite interesting too, it goes down, up a little, down more, up a little, like gradually descending little hills. I hope people know what I mean.
I have been using the Kerry hills when I can. I have started to throw in intervals (sometimes more like fartlek) too.
Back to less a positive tone, in honesty, I had hoped for a sub 1:50 half in Bantry (previous was 1:53+ seconds) two years ago. It's hard to know now, with the two weeks off, with the 'injury' etc.
Weight was dropping, about a pound a week. With the inactivity, I found myself careless and prone to eating sweet stuff again. I have yet to hop on the scales, but know in my gut that I have gained weight again .... pun intended!
It is time to return to the strength training too.
Ok. Signing off with the intention to write more regularly. I do enjoy it, I need the focus.
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