Sunday - 30km

Pretty good conditions out there this morning for a summer long run. Out solo for the usual lap of the lake with a very light southwesterly keeping the temperature and humidity well under control. Got the the dream run, not having to stop once at any traffic lights or intersections along the way. I felt quite good (thanks to a big bowl of pho and a side of pumpkin curry for dinner last night), but kept the pace well within in control the entire way, never really straining at anytime. I was deafened by the cicadas around the lake, peaking just next to Cromer Golf Course at Wheeler Heights. It was insane, but in a good way! Got back to Harris Farm in a very solid 1:54:35 (3:59’s), a great time considering the relative perceived effort. Time for a swim, hopefully the water has warmed up since last time!

Saturday - Manly to Spit & return

I felt quite good today for a Saturday, probably a combination of slightly cooler weather and a nourishing dinner last night! Apart from getting slightly held up at the first intersection 500m into the run, I had no delays. A very low tide made the crossing from Forty Baskets to the start of the trail much more pleasant. Quite a few people out, and apart from some difficulties overtaking someone with headphones on going the same way as me, everyone was kind and courteous. So nothing for me to really whinge about this morning, which is a pleasant change. In fact, I felt great to the extent that at some points it was like I was bludging in terms of perceived exertion (I wasn’t). Good to get back home in a flashy 85:13 (4:15’s) feeling in control all the way. Not too far off my quickest - anything under 86 is fast enough at this time of year. Now back at home baking some granola while listening to David Bowie - I miss that guy!

Thursday - 15km

I was never going to run an amazing time today following yesterday’s run, so as always, I just ran on feel. My cadence was good, I just lacked that sharpness and spring in my stride this morning. Plus it was warmer and more humid today. Up to North Head this morning, shouting out to Darren and Ben on the way out (and Darren again on the way home). Got back to North Steyne just under 55 minutes (3:40’s), nothing special but nothing to be ashamed of either. I’m just glad that I got over that short bout of fatigue - I was getting a bit worried there!

Wednesday - 15km

What a turn around, I felt amazing this morning! I knew as soon as my alarm went off that I had surpassed that nagging fatigue that had hung around over the past week. Potentially the slightly cooler conditions and increasing the amount of food I ate yesterday also contributed. Out for the Shelly-Fairlight loop this morning, crossing paths with Macca on the way home (not used to seeing him running these days, he’s usually out swimming with B&B). Apart from almost getting collected by a cyclist who was flying upon the wrong side of the path while approaching the blind corner underneath Queenscliff Bridge (and she had a go at me???), there was nothing out of the ordinary to report. Felt strong the whole way, but actually didn’t push it into the red zone (despite some strong temptations along the way). A moderate southwesterly wind slowed things down a bit when running towards Manly. Super stoked to get back in 53:35 (3:34’s), mybthird fastest time ever (and I didn’t push it as hard as those two previous slightly faster times). Goes to prove once again the power of an extra rest day every now and then!

Tuesday - 15km

Back into it today after a (semi-)planned rest day yesterday. I struggled last week, primarily due to the humidity, but by the end of the week my performance was starting to drop off as well - a clear signal to schedule a rest day. I must say that I am better at doing this now, and am more sensitive to the needs of my body. So the plan this morning was to just get back out there and keep it comfortable and run on feel. That I did. Quite a welcomed drop in temperature, but this was offset by quite a strong southwesterly wind. Ran my preferred North Head loop, where the headwind was quite strong on the way out (and much appreciated on the return). The intensity and pace felt solid without ever approaching the red line. As always, I was tempted to push the final two kilometers along the beachfront, but just kept the pace consistent. Got back in a very solid 54:24 (3:37’s). The rest day did a world of good. Happy to be back!

Sunday - 30km

I’ve really struggled over the last few days - I think last Sunday’s run really took it out of me in that heat and humidity, combined with running it too fast. Me feelings were confirmed by both my heart rate and heart rate variability this morning, the former up by about 10 beats per minute (from 35 to 45) and the latter down by around 15-20 points (from 100 to 83). This was following a very low body weight of 58.0kg after yesterday’s run (too light)! No wonder I was feeling ordinary. I almost stayed in bed, but then knew I would be in a horrible mood for the rest of the day. Plus, it looked like a nice day outside. So the plan was to just run nice and easy to the fire station and return (20km). But simply backing the pace off did me the world of good, so much so that I had no trouble running the normal lap of the lake (30km). It probably helped that it was a bit cooler than usual, however this was counterbalanced by quite a strong headwind. Just got into a groove and really ensured that I cruised, anytime the breathing became laboured I backed it right off. And in the process, I thoroughly enjoyed being out there and just running! I crossed paths with Tom, Hamish and Craig at the 29km mark (I think they were just starting the same run, so I didn’t envy them in the slightest). Got home in 1:59:00 (3:58’s), so very happy with that considering how much easier and enjoyable it felt. I’ll take each day as it comes next week, keeping in mind that I’m well overdue for an easier few days or week.

Saturday - Manly to Spit & return

It was one of those mornings when everything that could go wrong went wrong. I felt flat to start with, which is never good. Then I had to stop at both intersections on the way to the wharf. Then, it was a proper high tide, meaning I had to take the slow traverse across the rocks. I needed to go to the toilet! Then obviously I had to take the same traverse across the rocks upon return, before having to stop again at the intersection at Manly Wharf! And it was either bloody humid, or very windy! It just wasn’t my day! At least I got through it! I didn’t have it in me to push beyond any major limits today, but got home in 86:59 (4:21’s). Absolutely nothing special by any means, but I could almost take a minute off that with the high tide and then it is half respectable, especially considering that I wasn’t pushing it as hard as previous weeks. It’s tough running this time of year, you’ve just got to ignore the times and ensure not to push too hard.