‘Cow. Another Cow.’
Dr. Jo Harding – Twister
Monday 21st May
Due to a combination of Deadly Man Flu and Hayfever, I didn’t get out for my ‘big’ run at the weekend. Still not feeling great on the Monday, I was struggling a bit for motivation. This was on the basis that the run had the potential to be rubbish and/or painful. I decide to run a completely new route, with the mindset that if it is rubbish then at least Strava won’t tell me I’m trending slower. Pathetic. I end up going for a run through local housing estates and follow the Metro line home to complete a 4.74m circuit. Amazingly, the Garmin kicks in with ‘New Record’ and I’ve posted a 24 min dead 5k PB. Go figure.
Tuesday 22nd May
It’s raining, which is great for my hayfever, but not so great for running. I’m not adverse to a bit of rain, but it’s also windy and I don’t do both at the same time. So instead I decide to get on the Treadmill. I feel quite good early doors so stay on for 3m instead of the usual 2. The extra mile is also a piss poor attempt to make up for missing a long one at the weekend, what with me being soft as shite.
Wednesday 23rd May
The weather has improved, unlike myself who is still not feeling 100%. It’s go hard or go home, so set off on a regular 10k that takes me to Holywell Dene and back home through the Wagonway. I feel great once I get going and for extra dramatic effect finish with a lap around the running track in Churchill Playing Fields. Again, amazingly, ‘New Record’ pops up on my Garmin and announces a 50:55 10k PB. This is getting weird now.
Friday 25th May
Bored of breaking records, I opt for an easy 2 mile/17 minute run on the treadmill. I’m now a full treadmill convert having hated the contraptions for years, the one I bought on 24 easy instalments from Argos a few years back acting as the world’s most expensive clothes horse till 5 months ago.
Saturday 26th May
It’s an early start for the long run of the week. Have settled on a standard 10 miler during the Spring and Summer months that takes me through Hollywell to Seaton Deleval, dropping down into Seaton Sluice and the coast, before heading back along to Whitley Bay and then home. It’s scenic, fairly flat, and mostly clear of people and traffic. The weather is overcast but mild to warm and it’s a good and enjoyable work out. When I upload to Strava it pings up to tell me that I’ve ran my fastest 10 mile, at 1:24:21. I appear to have hit my peak at 38.
Miles Run 26.3
Notbuilttorun.com 