Thursday 30 May 2019

Thursday - 15 km

I was in survival mode this morning. I just don’t have the fitness at the moment to back up the day after a solid run, let alone two days. My left hamstring was pretty angry as well, which didn’t help matters. Nonetheless, I got out there and stuck to the usual Shelly-Fairlight loop, finishing with 4:08’s at 161 bpm. Not too concerned about the pace today, just glad to get through it. The intensity was the same, so I guess that is more important. Looking forward to a day off running tomorrow.

Wednesday 29 May 2019

Wednesday - 15 km

A bit slower today, so naturally I’m a bit disappointed. Although I must admit that yesterday’s run did take it out of me quite a bit. Slightly warmer today and very windy, although I’d say it was more cumulative fatigue rather than the conditions that slowed me. I did work for it though, finishing in 4:03’s at 164 bpm (two beats higher than yesterday). I’ve just got to get it out of my mind that I have to run faster each day, as that is not sustainable. Just as long as I’m trending faster every week or so, then that is improvement.

Tuesday 28 May 2019

Tuesday - 15 km

Winter has finally arrived, which as a runner, I don’t mind one bit. I felt quite strong today as I ventured out and back along the usual Shelly-Fairlight loop, finishing with 4:00’s at 162 bpm. Getting faster, but as always, I want these things to happen sooner. I’ll just follow the wise words of Axl, all I need is just a little patience.

Sunday 26 May 2019

Sunday - 24 km

That was a definite improvement from the last two Sunday’s. Decided before I left that 24 km was the maximum I’d run today, and in the end, that was the right decision. I kept the pace very comfortable and kept the heart rate down and just went out there with the only goal of making the distance. I ran up to Wellington St, Narrabeen before turning around and heading home. 24 km holding 4:30’s at 151 bpm. I feel like that was another little milestone on my long journey back.

Saturday 25 May 2019

Saturday - 15 km

I was a bit nervous this morning as both my resting heart rate and heart rate variability were through the roof, a good sign that I’m not properly recovered. I wasn’t feeling amazing either, having hit the snooze button at my first alarm at 6 am. Nevertheless, it was such a beautiful day so there was no way I wasn’t going to get out there. Just ran purely on feel, and actually felt pretty good once I got going. Still just running the Shelly-Fairlight loop at the moment - not fit or confident enough to venture up to North Head just now. Apart from dodging a few B&B swimmers and navigating some of the stupidly placed Taste of Manly tents (I’m looking at you Havana Beach), I got back in just over an hour holding 4:01’s at 162 bpm. Really happy with that, and looking forward to some further improvements over the next few weeks.

Thursday 23 May 2019

Thursday - 15 km

A bit slower today, I think it was just the accumulation of the past two runs. I just felt a bit tired the whole way, but at least I got through it. Felt harder than the last two days, finishing with 4:09’s at 161 bpm. Hopefully I’ll respond well after a rest day tomorrow.

Wednesday 22 May 2019

Wednesday - 15 km

I felt even better again today, having not gone to the gym as I usually would on a Tuesday (besides, I’ve achieved what I set out to with regards to my strength goals, so now it’s just maintenance while I shift my focus back towards running again). A very hazy morning which smelt like back burning wasn’t too kind on the lungs (although it was very similar to the day I ran my 10 km PB back in 2016). Ran the usual loop, even getting a kudos from Nick Cummins (the Honey Badger and Batchelor) on the way home. Finished with 4:03’s at 164 bpm, my best in months. Finally heading in the right direction (I hope).