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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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).