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Sunday 18 September 2011

Into the Groove

It's so good to be able to report that this Runningbear's training mojo is back. It seems so long since I've enjoyed my running quite in this way; I know this because I've started looking forward to those extra tough training days [as opposed to feeling a quiet dread at the thought of a track session - a sad feature for much of this year]. Perhaps that's a feeling only other runners understand? It seems to puzzle many a work colleague that I might be motivated to work my legs and lungs into mincemeat on a damp dark night after a long, tough day at the office. It probably also says a lot about my psyche, but it's true as much as some might think it odd. Sitting in watching Eastenders on a Tuesday night ...eek.
 
For the anorak types out there I'm slowly returning to a former training routine of Tuesday night on the track, Thursday night tempo run and then a long weekend run, with plenty of steady running sprinkles in between. I plan to slot in something short and speedy the odd Saturday morning but for now I'm taking my time to build up the miles and get these old pins eased back gently into some faster running. No injury niggles (touch wood) makes for some satisfying sessions.

I've lost a fair bit of speed endurance and hate to think what kind of time I'd manage around a 5k course. It's a bit depressing to think of the chasm in my rep times compared to last summer... I'm quietly telling myself it'll come with patience and consistency. I'm dipping in to the odd XC relay in the next few weeks; here's hoping the Bingley team captain isn't expecting too much from this old croc. 

Having the North of England team event at the Great South Run is proving to be a perfect focus though and a helpful milestone for feedback to plan training through to the spring. I'm now six training weeks away from what could be a very tough day but it'll give me a measure of the work to do this winter and keep my eyes on the ball for a marathon next April. Which marathon is still to be decided. London could be great but also slightly too big and scary. I've been intrigued by the return of the Greater Manchester event next year; a flat and fast course according to the race information. I might even persuade a few work colleagues to come along for the ride...happy running to all. RB.

This week in trainers...

DAY AM PM
MONDAY REST REST
TUESDAY REST INTERVALS: LADDER
WEDNESDAY REST 8M STEADY
THURSDAY REST12M HILLY
FRIDAY REST 5M EASY
SATURDAY 9M TRAIL 4M RECOVERY
SUNDAY 17M (6M TEMPO) REST
WEEK'S MILEAGE: 64 MILES

4 comments:

kate said...

great news rb! does that mean the choco-softie count will start rising again, 64m has got to earn you a few at least!

oldrunningfox. said...

We'll have less of the old croc! Sounds to me like you're firing on all cylinders again and revving up ready for a racing comeback. Great to hear you've got your mojo back.
Oh, and thanks for the exercise tip on my Blog.

ultra collie said...

asa stato that makes your ladder a 9m session? thats some going..but then it's rb where talking about! awesome gal!

Runningbear said...

Thanks all, choco softies are a rare treat right now as we rarely swing by usual outlet... maybe that's been the cause of my lack of mojo..?

Thanks Gordon, good to read too that you're on the mend.

And don't be too impressed UC. Those miles include a fair bit of warming up to get the creaky legs going.

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