The really encouraging thing this morning is that my heart rate was not that of a really unfit person, the new work I started in London early in July has obviously helped me, as I am now twice daily taking a brisk 25 minute walk from Waterloo to the office (and back), not to mention walking to and from the car to the station at this end. Although it was tiring, a 15 minute run was totally doable and I probably could have continued for twice that if I'd been in the mind to. I don't want to injure myself again, so patience will be key
With the new commute and some intense pc time, as part of the work, I’ve not been keeping up with my fellow Couch to 5Kers and all their blogs – it was lovely to dip in after the run to give an update and to see how some of the people who encouraged me last year are now doing. Plus I got to encourage a few new people, whose running journey is just beginning.
I'm still recommending the NHS C25K programme to all and sundry and was delighted recently to hear that a girl at my hairdressing salon and her bestie are now well on their way to 5K - she's really happy with the pounds she's shedding and how she's feeling. I can't believe it is a whole year since I started the programme. I can still clearly remember thinking that it would be gruelling and near impossible. I can't really remember the tough bits so well now, it's a bit like childbirth, once it's done, you just remember the good bits and see the benefit of what you have now!
So, run 1 week 1 of recovery done. A few more 'shake-down' runs and then I'll start gently adding 5 minutes here and there. I've set myself some new goals:
· run minimum 3 x weekly from NOW
· 5K in less than 30 minutes by October (I did this once before, but no way could I do it now)
· 10K in less than 1 hour by end November
· Twilight 5K run (I think in Sept or October) for cancer research
· Gloanna yoga run (5k plus 45 minutes flow yoga in Battersea park, do join!) September 14
That lot should keep me busy (on top of the 45 mile cycle ride I do in Sept each year and possibly doing the Great River Race again this year, although no training for that one as I will be a passenger only). I'll start doing the park runs too, when I'm back up to nearer 30 minutes. Can't wait for the next run, wooohoooooo!
Photo copyright Kanua CLM