Week 7 - Bold Traction - Day 45 of 112

Spring has sprung?

Three in a row for the morning runs. Still an effort to get the feet out of the bed and worse after a glass or two over Valentines dinner last night. "Bold Traction" is something I got from the podcast Zen and the Art of Triathlon - all about triathlon and a bit of home spun zen for good measure. The theory goes that you need to take action first if there is something that you must do but do not have the motivation to do it. Once you get over the hurdle of the action then traction takes hold and the task does not seem so difficult to achieve. Making the first step is the key.

Out for a 12 miler on the canal before breakfast at 8 mile pace. Managed home at a 7.54 pace which was pleasing given the first mile was at a sedate 8.30 pace. Felt not too bad. The last couple of miles I certainly felt that an effort was being put in but that is to be expected given the last fortnight. The achilles was stiff this morning and I think one of the reasons for the slow first mile is down to getting the achilles warmed up sufficiently. Didn't really feel it painfully for any long periods in the run. There was the odd occasion where there was a pain but this did not last long - as if the achilles was being pulled and then let go. The new shoes are being shipped so should have them for the weekend.

Out in the dark but saw a magnificent sunrise when I turned back for home at around about the B&Q. Running away from the sunrise at the start of the run, I was oblivious to the rising sun and it came as a bit of a shock when I turned round. This co-incided with a swan trying to take off from the canal which was a wonderful sight. It was mild this morning and though I had gloves I took them off after a mile or so. Is this the beginning of spring or a false dawn?

Had a positive exchange with a man in a fluorescent orange top who was reeking of aftershave. Now I am not a keen user of the Kouros - other fragrances are available but is there any need to douse yourself in the stuff before you head out. The smell was overpowering. That was maybe why he was running on his own No acknowledgement from the Ice Maiden.

Splits - 8.33 - 7.55 - 7.56 - 7.43 - 7.50 - 7.46 - 7.52 - 7.51 - 7.38 - 7.42 - 7.52 - 8.06

Numbers - 12 miles - 1.34.48 hrs - 148 avg HR - Cadence 84.4 - Calories - 1678