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
Today was speed intervals and I have to admit, the thought did create a little anxiety. I’ve not really done any “quality” sessions for quite a while and with the Garmin programme prescribing the target range (e.g. 6:28 - 6:48 pace for first six and then
Running
This was supposed to be an easy run and although my average pace (9:35) was within the right parameters, the EG (640ft) pushed much of the run into Zone 3 instead of Zone 2. My GAP of 8:52 is slow given the average heart rate of 155bpm, so
Running
Rained from start to finish. The photo is from a different day but the route and sky was very similar, though on the day the photo was taken, I stayed dry. Today I arrived home soaked to the skin but really happy. I was hoping my heart rate would average
Running
I can’t count. I did nine instead of eight. Well, when I say “I can’t count”, I mean I can’t even read my watch prompts. I missed Thursday’s run as my flight to Gibraltar, which should have left at 7:05, finally took off at 16:
Running
First of the half marathon training sessions - an easy 40 minute run (including 5min warm up and cool down). Felt very comfortable, though I’ve never been a fan of “easy” running, even when I know how beneficial it is.
Running
On Sunday, I decided to start a three month half marathon training programme, to see if adding quality, reducing mileage, slowing down and generally mixing things up a bit improves my pace. I’m following a Garmin programme and today was a five minute benchmark with 2x2 min mute warm
Running
Left home with a headache and a Garmin Training Readiness score of 12/100 🤔. Managed to blow away the headache by the time I had reached Hyde Park, but left IT band is feeling a little tender. Quite a breezy day, but wonderful to see some sunshine. I’m definitely
Running
The sun has been absent for days now and we’ve also had La Calima (the fine sand blowing in from Africa covering everything with yellow dust). On the other hand, my entire run was accompanied by the smell of jasmine and orange blossom.
Running
After a day’s rest and a good night’s sleep and I was feeling fairly well recovered and ready to get out. Wanted to do nine miles, but didn’t get up early enough, so I skipped the stretch down to the marina (as in I didn‘t do
Running
This is a route I’ve been meaning to run for some time now. It’s largely “out and back” which I’m not really a fan of, but having driven out to the convent (La Gañanía en La Almoraima) for lunch yesterday, I was struck by how pretty it
Running
I’ve not been for a run in more than a week. Somehow, London made it tricky this week. I had early meetings and late meetings. If I’d been more organised, I’d have run in the middle of the day, but in all honesty, I was tired all
Running
Tired this morning. Woke at 3:30am and still awake at 5:30am. Briefly went back to a disturbed sleep. So, after yesterday’s longish run, I felt less than energised and not at all desperate to head out of the door! Still, as ever, I didn’t arrive back
Running
It was too nice not to head out at lunch today. Had to drop the car off for a service first thing so couldn’t get out for the usual pre-breakfast run and did think I’d be unlikely to manage it. But more than manage, I stuck an extra
Running
Short and quick(ish) one today. Just wanted to push a little, so took the pace to 8’22” (GAP 7’51”). I want to be running sub 7’30” over 5k in the next few weeks, and ideally back to sub 7’00” in six months. Average HR was
Running
It’s not hard to see why this is one of my all time favourite running routes. I don’t know how many times I’ve run this, or a slight variation of it, over the last five years, but it’s a lot! I never tire of the view
Running
Easy / tempo 5k at 7’56” GAP (8’28” actual) with 500 ft elevation gain. Average HR at 154 meant this run was 1bpm outside easy pace. Cardio fitness is definitely improving, which is great to see. I’m wondering if I might finally be leaving behind whatever it was