First run back - 10km

After three weeks of sunshine, I managed to pick the first rainy day to come back running. Actually, it was really pleasant anyway - it keeps the crowds away. Initially trod down towards Queenscliff and actually stopped and walked home. I felt absolutely terrible - running was so painful! I recognise that this may be the case after having a break for three weeks, but this was seriously wrong. So I walked home, and just as I was approaching it really poured. So I jogged the last 50m or so, and actually felt half decent. So I gave it another go and managed to get 10km out along the beachfront. The great news is that that anaemic sensation that I had been complaining about has pretty much gone - the only laboured breathing you can hear now is purely from my lack of fitness. Was even tempted to run another 5km, but I am actually starting to become wiser with my old age. Nothing special (quite slow in fact) with 5:00 min/km pace, but it's a start of a long journey back. Thanks so much everyone for the support over the last few weeks, I've been blown away by it. Didn't realise that people actually read my blog!

Monday - Just nice to see everyone... 3.5km

Woke up not knowing whether I should run or not. As a runner, I choose the former. And I was slow! At least the chest discomfort I had all yesterday had gone. Shuffled past Mr. and Mrs. Highnam early on, then saw Ben (saying 'looking strong' to me, I know he must have been lying). Then it was Clive (who I could really see as the sun was pointing straight into my eyes). Ran back past Pine St and I was really hesitant as to whether to continue on or stop. Thankfully I bumped into Erika (yes, she did win the Sun Run after all) who convinced me to stop before I do anymore damage. I'm so thankful for that, as I wasn't being rationale before that. On my walk home, I bumped into Dennis (a Manly local who I see most mornings) and he asked me why I wasn't running. I told him my story and he urged me to see someone immediately (he had similar issues years ago, and ended up finding a blood clot in his leg which had slowly caused an accumulation of fluid in his lungs). So he sounded very concerned. He even gave me a business card of the place he most recently went to (what a legend). Then bumped into Tim (a lifeguard I used to work with) so had a chat with him on my back home. So a very social morning, although not much running. 3.5km in 5:16's.

Sunday - 10km slow

At least I was able to prove that my current lack of form is not in my head. Wore my heart rate monitor today, and it confirmed the way I felt. Holding 5:02 min/km pace, my average heart rate was 141 beats per minute. Normally, my heart rate at that pace is around 116-120 (yes, even this time of the year). This included a final kilometer at 154 beats at 4:48 pace. So theoretically, I was in the threshold zone at this pace! Anyway, I saw the Manly crew when I left home - they tried to convince me to join, but I was too embarrassed. About five seconds later I changed my mind and turned around, but couldn't catch them at all. So I ran to Fairlight (Shelly Beach was out of the question with the Cole Classic on this morning) and back, then to the lagoon and back. Ran the final 200m with Paul (I think that is his name), who caught me and commented, "you're obviously taking it easy after the race yesterday!" Unfortunately "no" on both occasions. Definitely a step back from last weekend, where I was able to run 20km (with hills) at 4:42's. I don't know how much longer I'm going to be able to run for.

Saturday - 10km slow watching the Sun Run

I thought today would have been better than it was. A couple of days rest and I have gone even further backwards. 10km in 5:01's. Ok, that's enough whinging from me. Didn't get to see the very front of the field at the end of the Sun Run, but saw Darren, Richard, then Erika (who looked fantastic, and she was definitely the first female that I saw, so fingers crossed), Tom (who looked as if he was pacing her, not sure if had finished or not though), then Rachel not too far after. Just saw a photo on the Facebook page of the start, and it looked as if there were some fast runners on the line. However, the main field looked heaps smaller than previous years. It'll be interesting to the see the numbers. If they have dropped, I have absolutely no sympathy for Fairfax. I'll admit that they do a great job in running the events, but I can't see how they can justify their race entry costs, not mailing out race bibs, and they complete lack of prize money (or prizes in general) for the top 3 males and females! Just ask Barts!

Thursday - my worst run ever... 3km

I don't know if today's effort even qualifies for an entry onto my blog. Only managed 3km in 5:20's. And I hated every second of it! Up until yesterday my primary concern has been my running performance (or lack of), now I'm genuinely concerned about my health and vitality. Something is seriously wrong, and it's slowly getting worse despite resting!!! Some more tests yesterday, so hopefully I will have some more clues over the next few days. Fingers crossed!