Activity Count: 10 Runs

Total Distance: 58.62 miles

Total Time: 9:39:32

Elevation Gain:4,930 ft

Average Pace: 9:53

Average Running Time: 1:00:10

Average Heart Rate: 153bpm

Calories: 7,119

Weight: 82.3kg

Body Fat: 18.6%

Hilly run at Lyme Park with the dog today. Once again, felt as though I was going a little faster than I actually was. Never mind, fun anyway (even the climbs!). That said, I think the Forerunner 405 lost its signal, because the route is shown on Connect as 5.8 miles and the 305 always recorded this one as 6 miles.

I never worry about times on this. The terrain is challenging. Hilly, muddy, wet, slippy, severe climbs and descents, tree routes, deer, cattle, sheep, walkers with aggressive/friendly/terrified dogs which shock/entertain/amuse Buffy en route, water stops (dog in river), etc, etc.

Garmin Connect Log

5.8m | 1:04:02 | 10:56 | 158bpm | Marathon Pace

Another nice, easy run. Exactly the same pace as lunchtime (give or take a second). Only one more easy run left before Block 1 is over and I can begin to throw in the odd tempo run! Hooray.

Garmin Connect Log

4.1m | 38:30 | 9:23 | 154bpm | Easy Pace

Decided to switch today’s runs and do the longer one at lunchtime with Lee.

Garmin Connect Log

6.5m | 1:01:02 : 9:24 | 153bpm | Easy Pace

Second run of the day and a midweek long run at easy pace. Felt a little daunted tonight heading out the door – don’t know if that’s because I’d already completed a marathon’s worth of running since Sunday, but a mile or two in I settled into my pace and it was fine. Despite the unseasonably warm weather during the day (office windows open all day today), I’ve taken to wearing gloves in the evening and I’m quite pleased that I did again tonight.

What is odd about the final week of this foundation block, is that the running feels easier and I do feel like I’m running faster than I actually am. If anything I’ve slowed a little and my heart rate isn’t particularly low (a couple of beats either side of the top end of easy zone). It feels like I’m making progress. I feel stronger, fitter and more “flight of foot”. But that’s not what the hard statistics are showing.

I do hope that when I start to add the tempo runs next week, all this painfully slow running will pay dividends. Because running at this pace is a bit of a ball ache.

Garmin Connect Log

10.9m | 1:46:52 | 9:48 | 155bpm | Marathon Pace

Doh! Can’t record a time or heart rate for this lunchtime’s run since I left the Forerunner at home on my desk. I know it was 4 miles and I’ll have a guess at the other data.

4m | 38:00 | 9:30 | 153bpm | Easy Pace

Well, the dog caved after 6 miles tonight. Having stopped twice en route to let her get her breath back, I decided we’d walk for the last half mile or so. As I mentioned on Twitter, why does she find it so easy to bound all over Lyme Park, probably covering at least 50% more distance and sprinting for a good chunk of the run so long as she’s off the lead but plant her backside squarely on the floor after six miles when on the lead and point blank refuse to go any further at all?

There’s no doubt at all, Buffy slowed me down – and it won’t be too frequently that you read that on my blog!

Garmin Connect Log

6.1m | 1:01:52 | 10:07 | 149bpm | Easy Pace

Quicker pace than yesterday’s lunchtime run with Elisa. Nothing much to report on this one, so I won’t type for the sake of it.

Garmin Connect Log</strong

4m | 40:01 | 10:00 | 146bpm | Easy Pace

This evening’s run was wonderful! Really enjoyed myself tonight. Felt very comfortable indeed (which it should given the pace I’m running during this first training block) but nonetheless, had a little more spring in my step tonight.

Garmin Connect Log

6.6m | 1:03:50 | 9:40 | 155bpm | Marathon Pace

First of today’s two runs was with Elisa. Nice and easy. Weather not quite as dramatic as yesterday. Gentle breeze, gentle drizzle, gentle pace.

Garmin Connect Log

4m | 42:00 | 10:34 | 143bpm | Easy Pace

Nice, easy run on a beautiful autumn day, with the wind blowing leaves in every direction. Another one of those runs which makes you feel great to be alive – or as @davidmcsherry described it, like a labrador!

Garmin Connect Log

6.5m | 1:02:49 | 9:34 | 156bpm | Marathon Pace