Tuesday - 15 km steady

My run of improving form continues. A solo run along the Shelly-Fairlight loop, seeing Darren twice along the way - it looked like he was really pushing it. I kept the pace comfortable and steady the whole way, continuously ignoring the urge to push harder (probably didn’t help that I needed to go to the toilet from about the halfway mark onwards). Averaged 4:07’s, so I’m quite happy with this sudden and unexplained improvement.

Sunday - 24 km

Well, if yesterday I felt good, then today I felt amazing! I have no words to explain what is happening at the moment - it’s like I’ve just returned to sea level following an intense few weeks up in the Himalayas. The only thing I’ve done differently over these past two days is that I’ve eaten some papaya after listening to a podcast about rheumatoid arthritis, and how the interviewee swore by it to help alleviate his flare-ups. Whatever it is, I’m certainly sold. I couldn’t fathom anymore laps of the beachfront trying to dodge people and dogs, so decided to run along Pittwater Rd instead (and that’s saying something) all the way to Collaroy (10 km) before turning back and running home. I felt really strong the entire way, so much so that the original planned 20 km was not going to be enough to keep me satisfied, so I ran to Shelly Beach and back, finishing with 24 km at 4:17’s. The intensity was very comfortable the entire way - I could have definitely pushed a lot harder if I wanted to. And I could have maybe gone another 4 km on top of that as well. Nevertheless, I’m extremely satisfied with that, and hopefully I can continue to improve each day after two months of absolute misery.

Saturday - 15 km easy

That was the best run I’ve had in a long time. The breathing was still not right, but I felt for the first times in a while that I could actually put some power down with each stride. Out along the Shelly-Fairlight loop, finishing with 4:21’s. Fingers crossed that today is a sign of things to come.

Thursday - 15 km easy

Solo this morning, and once again it was a real struggle. I just felt like I was gasping for air the whole way out and back along the Shelly-Fairlight loop. Hopefully I’ll get some answers soon. 4:40’s.

Wednesday - 15 km easy

I really struggled this morning, so was extremely grateful for the company of Ben, Ian, Chris and Justin to help pull me through. Just stayed along the beachfront for a few laps. 4:48’s.

Tuesday - 15 km easy

Out for another solo Shelly-Fairlight, seeing Ben early on during his cool-down. Felt average - nothing great, but not horrible either. 4:37’s.

Sunday - 20 km easy

Back to reality today after feeling quite good yesterday. Still, I dragged myself out of bed for three-and-a-bit laps along the beachfront. Very warm and still conditions. 4:46’s, so at least there’s some progress from last Sunday.