"Running is one of the best solutions to a clear mind."
Archive for February, 2010

W6 D1 Sprints…

Once again I opted for the treadmill, I’m sure this is counter productive but find this is the only way to push myself. I’m glad I did it before work as had planned for 2 sessions today the sprints and then a niketown after work (the first of the season) but due to work constraints and the launching of a rather last minute tool I had to skip this evening.

I’m starting to feel a lot more comfortable with my base rate at 12km/h which is reassuring as a few weeks ago I wasn’t really feeling it. I sprint intervaled  today 400me/200recovevy pushing top speed around the 17.4km/h. Twas tough – as usual, but the schedule required 9 intervals which I did. Did some stretches then headed to work (early – fool!).

As an aside on Sunday I listened to the latest marathon talk podcast and there was an interesting bit in there that talked about weight and running, can’t remember the precise numbers but something like for every pound you lose you can expect to lose 2seconds off your mile time. I found that interesting, whilst I wouldn’t classify myself as overweight I certainly have a bit of excess fat which if I cut out sweets and chips I’m sure I could lose, hence I’m watching what I eat for a little bit to see if it helps…also whilst talking about marathon talk, I got a mention in the last one :-) Finally I’m famous! hehe

Till tomorrows long run

N

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W5 D4 The long run that didnt happen…

I’m glad I played with my running schedule now and did my long run on weds as it wasn’t poss on Sat/Sun to fit the 12M in. I did however manage 6 or so miles on the dreadmill which was fairly uneventful – as usual!

With that treadmill session in mind it means I ran about 30M last week with no issues which is good.

W6 takes me over to niketown again for a 7miler as well as (weather dependent) a run to work picking up a colleague on route to push me through the final few miles…busy week of running – let’s hope the predicted snow keeps away!

Till Tuesday…

N

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W5 D3 ‘Speedy’ Session

Nothing much to report today, didn’t really have time for the full distance before work this morning, managed 7k at 12km/h (on a treadmill of course). Seemed pretty tough today actually but don’t know whether I just didn’t really have my heart in it.

Rest day tomorrow! Wooooo :-) looking forward to a day off, heading for a weekend break with a hotel with a swimming pool which will be nice to use on Sat/Sun where I’m scheduled for a 4M/12M. Hopefully Sunday will be fine based on Wednesdays similar distance run.

Still dubious how I’m going to pick up the pace but hoping that building up the distances helps with the speed!!

Till next time.

N

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(9th Feb) Tuesday Evening London Run

Hey all. If there is any interest I will be doing a run on Tuesday after work (6pm) possibly with a colleague. Not too bothered about speed and will prob aim to do between 6-10miles depending on enthusiam.

If you fancy a session comment on this post and we can organise something.

Ta

Neil

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W5 D2 – Midweek long slow run

Throwing the schedule out of the window today and to try make up for the slow Sunday run I decided to run much further than required, the plan recommends 6miles slow (sub 47mins).

Following the same routine as last Wednesday I set off a tiny bit earlier on route to a tube stop on the central line, at the time Ox Circus was the plan. The first mile as always seemed quite tough and having a quick glance at my heartrate clearly my body wasn’t quite ready for getting out! From that point on the run seemed fine. I kept to the suggested pace without too much of an issue. This was my first (marathon) run with my camelbak – I did a few summer short distances but always put too much liquid in the pouch! Found it quite nice being able to take on liquid with the gels as I ran…

Decided to carry on a couple of tube stops and goto Marble Arch instead adding on a mile or so. All in all a good run, no issues or niggles, hopefully all is on target!

Till next time.

N

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W5 D1 – Fartlek session

According to the diary today was supposed to be a 4M fartlek session, opting for a pre-work run and not being able to find a buddy I decided to take the session in the gym instead.

I set myself a short sprint interval session averaging 250me fast and 200me or so recovery. The recovery pace was set at 12km/h. I intervaled upto a top speed of around 18km/h and fell no less than 16km/h. It was a very fast 6.6km – I think I finished 5km in under 22mins. Tough but ok just need to try it outside!

Tomorrow is a mixup to the schedule, diary has it at 6M in 57 mins, I am going to run the same route as last week and put my watch virtual partner on the faster speed.

As I write this I know my body isn’t at 100%, I have been sniffling and sneezing for days but I am still perfecty able to train so hopefully tomorrow will be no difference!

Till then…

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KiFit (or its partner company) on “The Biggest Loser USA”

Last week I posted a brief review on the KiFit/Ki Performance System and oddly since doing that I noticed its appearance in a TV program we watch.

One morning, having had to get up early for the BT engineer i flicked through Anytime on my tv and was presented with a title that I could hardly refuse “The Biggest Loser USA”. I didn’t know what to expect but 40mins I was hooked, now on its 8th series (in the UK), the show follows a group of excessively overweight people and forces them into training regimes with a weekly weigh off at the end. The guys on this program drop some huge amounts of weight over a small number of week but the show focuses predominantly on exercise.

Anyway on the arm of all the contestants was a band which when after a bit of google turned up the bodybugg or as we know it in the UK the KIFit. Would be great to see the contestants logins – that would be some seriously interesting reading! Now all they need to do is bring it to an English medium in the same capacity and I’m sure they will get interest!

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W4 D4 & D5 – Gentle jog and ‘Race’ day

Saturday morning was the designated 4M slow warm-up jog in preparation for the Sunday run and following a rest day on Friday. Plotting a loop online during the week I took to the frosty streets. The route I chose was hilly to say the least, thinking back now I don’t remember more than 200m that was flat, however this did not come as a suprise as I had done stretches of the route before. Easy 4m under the recommended time, perfect!

Sunday was billed in the diary as the first ‘race’. Having not been able to find an organised run to enter at the required distance (10km) I realised I would have to do it alone. I was also very aware of how quickly I was supposed to do it and wasn’t overly confident of my own ability to meet the target of sub 47mins. During the last summer I ran the British 10k in 46mins so know I can do it, however it wasn’t to be the case on Sunday.
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