First of all before even using the tool I have to say well done Adidas – you got there first before Nike and Garmin and from the screenshots and initial load it looks good. Let’s hope it works well, if not you’ve still got a bit more time but I’m sure the competition will soon be on your heels!

Finally a well known brand releasing a GPS running application, offering voice coaching (which must relate to pace and unfortunately not Heart Rate like the pacer). The device is completely free and the user interface looks simple and neat.

At lunch I’m out for a run so will try the app out. I am also going to do some digging to see whether the two devices can be used together because at the moment it looks like I can either get pace based training with the iPhone or heart rate monitoring with the pacer and I want both!

Testing review to follow shortly, to get the iphone app click here or for the blackberry app here. If you have used the app already and have feedback please comment below!

As I write this post it feels like my week has been relatively quiet Having missed out on a long run last weekend and most likely will again this week I have had a relatively low mileage month-as the stats box on the right shows! However, whilst I haven’t done any long runs I have managed to get out and do some shorter distances, a couple of which were at high tempo.

On Monday I had the day off work as I was traveling back from a weekend break. Arriving back at the flat at about 2pm I took the opportunity to grab my shoes and go out for a 10k. The weather was HOT and I was running at the warmest part of the day. I had forgotten basic rules of fueling up having only had a couple of cups of tea all day – I would soon learn to regret this. Setting off at a fast pace I had intended on pushing myself and my Garmin suggested I was doing this, however I ran out of energy about 4miles in. My mouth dried up and I seriously needed liquid. From a sub 7:45min/mi average I dropped to 8min/mi in the last mile. Still a respectable time but considering the effort factor vs result it didn’t feel that great a run.

Tuesday morning, as routine, saw me head to the pool and so some weight work beforehand. Nothing substantial just trying to work on my core muscles a bit more to help with the running. I also went out with a colleague for a jog during the lunch break. As always was a nice plod for me at a very comfortable pace – I think during these runs my heart rate is below the +80% meaning I am in the fat burn zone as opposed to lactic zone.

Wednesday was an unexpected rest day due to unplanned circumstances so on Thursday I headed to Shep Bush Fitness First for a long gym session. I was unsure at the time whether to head outside for a run in the sun but eventually opted to push myself on the machines. First off the treadmill – I pushed myself for a sub 20min 5km, I don’t think I have done that before. Setting the base speed at 15km/h this would see me hit bang on 20mins. However, I opted to push myself even more adding half mile intervals ramping up to 18-20km/h. Needless to say this was tough and a challenge but not wanting to stop my session after 20mins I moved to the rowers. I had decided 10mins on these. As it turns out I did 2.5k in slightly over 10mins. Still heavily perspiring from the run I looked round the gym – what next? May as well do a mini tri and jump on the bike. Only a short stint on that racking up 10km. I don’t like exercise bikes as the mechanism seems so clunky and unsmooth. By the end of this ride I had formed a small pond around the bike and looking at my kit it looked like I had jumped into it too! Felt good though so guess that’s what really matters.

As I said at the start unsure when my next run is. I will be out with the serps next Wednesday as I have missed the last two runs. I need to start putting the miles in a bit more as I have been a bit naughty!

Till next time.
N

I don’t often do this but this one seemed like it was for a good cause and would be a nice shout out for them – also im in a generous mood today! Sadly I can’t be around to go and do it as I’m off fishing, and if i wasn’t prebooked to go fishing I would have been riding to Southend. However, for those who want to get out and about on Sunday. is the opportunity to do a circular 10km walk around London, which has been carefully plotted to pass landmarks and hidden gems of the city. Participants can enjoy the sights of London whilst raising money for current and former members of the Armed Forces all organised by the British Legion.

The walk takes place on Sunday 18th July (this Sunday!) and those wishing to take part are invited to contact Rebecca Pride (rpride@britishlegion.org.uk) and register at 9:30am at The Royal British Legion headquarters (199 Borough High St, London, SE1 1AA). See here for more info.

Would be great if they have a good turnout to support such a noble cause.

The Royal British Legion safeguards the welfare, interests and memory of those who are serving or who have served in the Armed Forces. We are one of the UK’s largest membership organisations and recognised as custodians of Remembrance. We also run the annual Poppy Appeal. They help serving and ex-Service personnel and their families. Not just those who fought in the two World Wars, but also those involved in the many conflicts since 1945 and those still fighting today.

As a final note before packing up – wishing a good luck for all those people doing the London -> Southend bike ride this weekend. I hope it goes well for you!!

N

A very short blog post today as I’m about to dash out of the door and go fishing

On Wednesday evening I did the perimeter run of the 2012 Olympic site. This time I had the pleasure of company from two colleagues, who both trained (and completed!) this years London Marathon and since then have continued to run.

It was a nice run, whilst the grey clouds loomed overhead the rain stayed off which was a bonus. I got to give the chaps a running commentary of Stratford and the Park, whether they wanted to hear it or not. I love running round there as every time I go past it something new has popped up or some path has been changed. Its constantly evolving and in 6 months time it will look completely different. Its a very exciting place to be able to run around and live. I can’t wait to see what Stratford will look like this time next year and ultimately in 2012

N