Running from Zombies

Monday: I had decided that one week of being ill was enough and I was going to go do something. I went to the gym with Claire as I was still a bit unsteady (strange vertigo dizziness all week) and thought it safer than trying a run. I did 6km (28 minutes) on the exercise bike to start with and then 2km of easy intervals on the treadmill. Probably shouldn’t have done the running at the end but it felt good to get the blood going!

Wednesday: I wanted to try another run, though after the rather wobbly 2k on Monday I was under strict orders from Coach Ally to use the treadmill instead of going outside. Probably just as well. I had intended to do 7k but in the end left it at 5 (30’30″).

Thursday: I had already said that I would go back to the gym with Claire, and I was still unsure as to how far I could run, so it seemed the sensible option. As it happened, both treadmills were taken when we got there so I entertained myself on the ergo and the exercise bike until one was free. I did my first km at tempo pace but got horrible stabbing pains in my abdomen, much like I did a few months ago, and so had to stop at 1.3k. Defeated, I did another km on the bike and then a pretty massive weights session. I was still tiring quicker so I might not have been completely over this illness. Well done to Baines though, who is now up to 3-1 intervals on the treadmill (3 mins running to 1 min walking).

Friday: Had arranged to do a 10k in Sutton Park with Ally and stayed over at his on the Thursday night to get to the park at a reasonable hour the next morning. It was a great day for it, nice and sunny but not too hot. I actually managed the distance, which was good, in 67 minutes. I used the Garmin so I know it’s pretty accurate. It’s not quite as quick as I would have liked but it felt good so I’m happy with it.

Saturday: Decided I needed a day off from running. Went to archery in the morning (as well as Friday evening) and got back into the swing of things. Competition on Sunday morning so I needed the practice!

Sunday: Didn’t get back from the archery competition until 3pm, but decided to join Scribs on his ‘challenge’ mile. As it happens we did a 5k in 32’45″. Scribs’ ridiculous pace kept me from falling back into my 10k pace (thanks Scribs), though we had a few walking breaks as he isn’t used to exercise the distance.

Total Run: 23.3km

This week I signed up for a place in the 2010 Bupa London 10,000, which takes place on 31st May. I’ve put my estimated time as 55 minutes, so I have nearly a year to get it down to that! I’ve also signed up for a smaller event – the Lichfield 10k – on 6th September this year. I put my estimated time as 1 hour, and I know there’s a good hill in it, but it looks like it could be fun.