Updates and photos from my regular running routes with occasional observations about training - although these days, PBs are a distant memory! I also like to talk about the benefits yoga has for injury avoidance, strength and stamina.
Running
Enjoyable run this morning and blessed with a dramatic sunrise thanks to the dark clouds. Feeling yesterday’s Ashtanga in the legs today as I’m up to Supta Kurmasana. Strava Athlete Intelligence Challenging Valderrama route with significant elevation gain, slightly slower pace but consistent heart rate effort across moderate
Running
Really tired this morning. Woke at 3:40 and didn’t get back to sleep properly. shouldn‘t say this on Christmas Eve, but looking forward to eating normally again already. I feel like I’m carrying a few packets of mince pies around every run. Strava Athlete Intelligence Solid
Running
Sun is out, temperature around 13 degrees, clear blue sky and a lovely run (though feeling a little tired after the flight). This should be an easy run, so an indication of lost fitness, too much pre-Christmas eating and the absence of intermittent fasting. Strava Athlete Intelligence Challenging Valderrama route
Running
Super relaxed easy run with an average heart rate of 121BPM. A little chilly today. Debated two layers and gloves, decided no to both, regretted decision. Here’s what Strava Athlete Intelligence thought: Solid run at a faster pace than your recent average, with consistent effort across the splits. Your
Running
Back in London and running around Battersea Park. Great tempo run with a faster pace than my recent average, though I went a bit too hard on the tempo segments. Heart rate and relative effort were both high, showing a strong workout (or more accurately, that I’m not as
Running
Was supposed to be an easy run, but the combination of wanting to keep warm and feeling a little more energy meant I enjoyed pushing just a little today (though still keeping heart rate at a comfortable 152bpm average). Feeling just a little bit fitter. More of the same focus
Running
Another lovely run. Nice and controlled. I kept my average heart rate below 150 and I really enjoyed pushing up the steep hill at the end of Paseo del Parque. The view of Rio Guadiaro from the bridge was beautiful today. Loved it!
Running
Beautiful start to the day. Easy run around the Valderrama 5k route, with an extra hill at the beginning to make sure I hit the target distance. A little of Thursday’s tempo run and the increase in time on the yoga mat in the legs this morning, but all
Running
10 min W/U | 30 min tempo | 10 min C/D | Trot home. Target time for tempo section 8’04” | Actual 8’06” (avoided looking at my watch and listened to my body). The last five minutes of the tempo section is a climb. Really enjoyed today. Felt much stronger
Running
Today was terrible. I felt exhausted and my watch confirmed with a “high recovery needs” message (which I ignored). Poor sleep, too much stress and uncertainty in my life and not enough running and yoga during October and November have all taken their toll on fitness levels. You live, you
Running
Started to train for another marathon, hopefully NYC. But I want to give myself a very long programme, so it will be 2026 (when I’ll be 60) rather than next year. I’ve put together a plan with four days per week in the first twelve months - two
Running
Been a bit hit and miss with the blogging recently, but I‘m still here. Back in London this week, so today’s run was the morning commute. Felt a little more energy after missing Sunday’s run and also getting two good nights of sleep. Really enjoyed the cooler
Running
It’s kind of a love-hate relationship I have with this route. Straight out of bed it can be a shock to the quads and a little punishing, but it’s always worth it for the view from the highest point. Today’s sunrise was lovely. On balance, much more
Running
91% humidity today, and though the sun is having a day off, that made this one feel a little sticky. Nice to be back running after a lazy week. lots of tourists here now so that route was much busier than usual. Out of season I often see one or
Running
Easing back into it after a wonderfully chilled week, enjoying hotel amenities extending only to the restaurant and pool area, carefully avoiding the gym. Planning a little open water swimming today, some skipping (a couple of minutes) and restorative yoga. The run didn’t feel as tough as I expected
Running
And today’s was more or less the opposite of yesterday’s. Interestingly, I felt mentally ready for a fast one this morning. Lying in bed, I thought my energy level was high and I reckoned a quick 7 rather than an easy 11 would be fun. Turned out to