Week 4 - Flying Colours - Day 27 of 112

Finger lickin'

Out this morning on a very cold morning. It was absolutely baltic. A beautiful sunrise as I started out at a shade after 8am following Amy's hockey being cancelled. My hands never really warmed up despite my gloves and throughout the run it was a constant battle to ward of the chill blanes. At one stage I couldn't feel both thumbs and index fingers. Damn you, you stupid fingers. I think I may end up like Ranulf Feinnes if I keep having to work out in these temperatures.

The Canal Route

The run out on the canal was positive very positive indeed. Surprisingly the early pace at 8 minute miles was a doddle and it felt almost pedestrian. The issues with the puddles on the toe path was not there as they had iced over so there was not too much dodging around the them. Half way out I did however put my right foot in an enormous puddle. It was freezing and a shock to the system. The turn around at 7 miles introduced a spike in pace to 7 minute miles or marathon pace. The first mile was fine and the pick up in the speed did not seem too bad. Indeed for a couple of miles it was fine then the achilles started to give me some pain and the effort became harder. Then between 12 and 13 miles it got quite tough I began to doubt that I could hold on at the marathon pace. Then after a couple of minutes it was fine. It was quite odd. Almost as if my body was testing me, asking me if I wanted to carry on. I plodded on took a gel and felt alot better. Don't think it was a hill or incline just a tough part in the run. Finished below my goal time for both the 8 mile pace section and the marathon pace so really pleased. Splits 6.43 - 6.48 - 6.48 - 6.46 - 6.55 - 6.55 - 7.03 - 6.58

High Fives!

I have to say that the achilles is becoming more and more of a concern. I know what the physio will say and suggest that I do, so I think there is little point in going to see someone. I will just need to manage it, ice where I can and do my exercises. The problem seems to get worse as the run progresses which figures and is exacerbated when I increase the speed. Whether or not I can conservatively manage this and continue with the volume of training is the question. It's a real bummer as I feel other than this the training is going well.

Tonnes of runners out this morning and lots of positive exchanges. There was have been twenty or so out there this morning. Running in the day light and passing people are all a bit foreign to me as there still seems to be a reluctance for most people to venture out during the week at 6am. I think that I will forever be part of the lunatic fringe.

The figures - 15 miles - 1.50.17 hrs - 7.21 pace - 157 avg HR - 82.9 avg cadence