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It's time to start running

  • 05-11-2012 10:29am
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 288 ✭✭


    ......with more structure.

    I'm a 34 y/o male, with moderate ability for running. I've always been in to sports, spending most of my youth involved in football (the type that doesn't involve hand passing). Pretty much loved football but was only ever average. I think I enjoyed the craic as much the game itself.

    3.5 years ago, on the arrival on my newly born twins, football had to take a back seat. I couldn't get out to training twice a week (hell I struggled to get out once), and even when I did get out the energy levels weren't there. I took up 5-a-side for about 3 months, until I suffered a prolapsed disc in my neck(slipped disc). After several physio sessions (made it worse), and some MRI scans and neurology consultations I was told to knock football on the head. It was probably something that was always there, but the need to hang over a cot while rubbing a babies back at 3am isn't the recommended cure.

    Fast forward a of year, and we had some really bad news with our nephew who died. I decided that I would run a marathon in aid of the Irish Cancer Society, not really recognising what I was getting myself in to. Sure I'd run plenty during football, and sure wasn't I only resting for a couple of years but previously spent a lot of time playing sports. Hmmmmm.......not qutie the same thing.

    Anyway, ran my first DCM in 2011. I did ok, but really struggled over the last 6 - 8 miles. Finished in a time 3.58 and the goal was under 4 hours. Raised plenty of money too.

    I told myself after 2011 that it wasn't natural for the body to be running marathons and I would never ever ever ever.....(you get the picture) run one again. Yeah right. Well and truly bitten. This year, I did it again, and this time with a goal of sub 3.30. I came in at just under 3.28.

    How have I achieved my times? Well, with very little structure. I do follow a build up of long runs (typically done at the weekend) but I don't typically run at any other point during the week and if I do it will be once or rarely twice. I have never done tempo/interval work - at least not since I played football and that would be very different interval work. I also don't really run at any particular pace. On my long runs, I often run at close to marathon pace (maybe 30 secs less) but closer to the marathon I'm pretty much doing PMP for the whole run. I think it's because of my lack of trianing during the week so I'm trying to build confidence that I can complete the marathon. On my short runs I go out with the intention of pacing myself but always end up in a race with my head.

    So, I'm starting a log. I want to start working on more regular runs. I want to review the structure I put in place, and hopefully get some feedback on what I'm doing right/wrong.

    As for the title, it's a line from a movie called the running man. Arnold Schwarzeneger is the main actor, and he has to get around an assault course in under 3 hours. By 2014 DCM will be my assault course that I'll be hoping to complete in under three hours. I guess it's also relevant because I now think it's time to start running properly, rather than just heading out the door without any plan.

    For 2013 my goals are:

    Sub 40 min 10k
    Sub 90 min 1/2 marathon
    Sub 3.15 marathon

    So as Richard Dawson in the Running Man says, 'Right, without further adieu, it's time to start running'.


«13

Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 288 ✭✭guinang


    Sun 4th October - 4.26 miles @ 8.30 mins/mile

    Easy run around the local area. First run post DCM so nothing hectic for a couple of weeks, though I still feel I could go a little slower. I just can't seem to be able to discipline myself. Hamstrings & calves felt a little tight after mile 3. Feels good to be running again, even though it's only a week since DCM.

    Mon 5th October - 3.03 miles @ 8.25 mins/mile

    As part of my new regime to follow more structure, the plan is to get up early and go for runs. It was a cracking morning. Feels really good to have started to put the structure in place. I'd probably give it all up in a month, but I know that my thread is now public (nothing like a bit of pressure to keep some discipline).


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,821 ✭✭✭blockic


    Best of luck with the log guinang!

    As you know, i will be following, with intent. :cool: :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 288 ✭✭guinang


    blockic wrote: »
    Best of luck with the log guinang!

    As you know, i will be following, with intent. :cool: :)

    Likewise. Between logs and healthy competition, I'll be out for runs in the mornings & evenings just to keep up ;)


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,121 ✭✭✭tang1


    blockic wrote: »
    Best of luck with the log guinang!

    As you know, i will be following, with intent. :cool: :)

    +1, i'll be following with interest to. Best of luck with the log.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,934 ✭✭✭career_move


    G v's B v's T .... is this going to turn into a virtual bloodbath?! :eek:


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 288 ✭✭guinang


    Wednesday 7th Nov - 5.5 miles @ 7.45 mins/mile

    Easy? Hmmm.....I did start out with the intent of doing easy miles (8.30 min/mile). I started to feel pretty good around 2 miles in so decided to pick it up. Instead of just picking up a constant pace (is this tempo), I ran 400 metres quite quickly (around 6.30 min/mile), followed by 400 meters of easy (8.30 min mile). It's probably too early to be doing this so soon after the marathon, but it felt good so I went with it.

    Thursday 8th Nov - 7 miles @ 8.23 mins/mile

    Better at keeping an easy pace today. Early morning runs are definitely the way of the future. No kids/work/excuses to disrupt the best of intentions.

    Hectic w/end on the way. Might try to do one more tomorrow morning, otherwise it will be Monday before I'm running again.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 288 ✭✭guinang


    Friday 9th November - 5.5 miles @ 7.01 mins/mile

    I felt good waking this morning. Legs are starting to feel fresher and hamstrings are no longer tight. That was the only hangover still niggling from the marathon. Decided to go out and run at a quick pace to see where I am. While the pace is good, looking at the Garmin my pacing is erratic. Definitely not ready to run @ this pace but good for confidence that I completed the run in 38.30 mins.

    I plan to use Friday as my benchmark day for running. Also, since I can now see my inability to keep pace at 7.00 mins/mile (where I hoped I was over shorter distances) I plan to work more on interval sessions next week. Definitely need to do some more reading up on other training logs/training plans to see what might suit.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 288 ✭✭guinang


    Wednesday 14th Nov - 7.5 miles @ 8.32 mins/mile

    My abstinence from the alcohol prior to DCM was made up for last weekend. With more nights out planned now coming in to silly season I need to try keep a few sober nights in the diary otherwise my logs will become an alcohol fuelled bunch of memoirs :eek:

    Nice run today. Kept it at a very easy pace. I've been reading a lot of threads on these boards lately and may finally start to be taking on board the message about slow runs. I guess it's easier for me to do so now too because I have the intention of running more regularly.

    Plan for the rest of this week is:

    Thurs - 4m easy
    Friday - 1m easy 4m @ 7m/mile 1m easy
    Sat - 6m easy, light gym work
    Sun - rest


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 288 ✭✭guinang


    Thursday 15th November

    Snooze buttons will be the death of my goals

    Friday 16th November - Interval session - 6 reps, 1 mile rep @ 6.45/mi (3 min intervals)
    Overall distance 8.43 mi @ 8.02 mins/mile

    Garmin splits - 6.40, 6.45, 6.39, 6.37, 6.41, 6.40

    I missed yesterday's session so I stepped it up a bit today. Having read some of the threads around achieving goal times in 10ks I decided to use the interval training as a gauge even though I've no immediate plans to run a 10k. I know I'm not at my goal of 6.20/mi pace so set myself a target of 6.45 which I knew would challenge me but also not knock my confidence.

    Felt good all the way around. Was struggling towards the end of each mile which shows that I was close to my max at the moment. Maybe could have pushed a 6.30, but I'm happy with that. Really want to kick on over the weekend with a run tomorrow, but that requires a relatively sober evening. Not a chance of sobriety tomorrow evening so Sunday's rest day will be exactly that. Next week, and following on should be better.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 288 ✭✭guinang


    Saturday 17th Nov - 5.1 miles @ 8.00 mins/mile

    Threadmill run so rather than run at my normal easy pace of 8.30 mins/mile I stepped up to 8mins to make up for the lack of resistance. Felt nice and easy though I was away and forgot my runners. Was running in a pair of converse so slightly uncomfortable but didn't want to miss my run.

    Was in a hotel gym so used the rowing machine, and did some weights. Also did swimming for about 15 minutes. My shoulder arches are still feeling the effects of swimming today so definitely need to do more gym work to build up a little on top.

    Sunday - Rest, or more doing my best to hold on to my breakfast all day. Great night Saturday = very rough day on Sunday


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 288 ✭✭guinang


    Training plan - Week 3

    It might be better if I start each week with a training plan. I'll put my training plan in to a post at the start of each week so I have something to aim for. Just learned that the wife will be away for the w/end. Child minding duties means no decent runs on Saturday or Sunday again, which effectively means no LSR.

    Easy = 8.45 min/mile
    DCM 2012 MP = 8.00 min/mile
    Goal MP = 7.30min/mile
    Interval = 6.40min/mile

    Monday - 4miles, easy
    Tuesday - 7miles @ DCM 2012 MP
    Wednesday - X-Train (light weights, cycling/rowing machine)
    Thursday - 7 miles easy
    Friday - Interval (6miles @ 6.40 pace, 3 min intervals, 1x2, followed by 4x1)
    Saturday - Rest
    Sunday - Rest

    I would welcome any feedback on this plan, ignoring that there is no LSR, and the days are all together due to family commitments.

    WTD MTD YTD
    21.03 46.33 72.53


    Runs to date Includes DCM and all runs since then. Never logged before then


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 288 ✭✭guinang


    Monday 19th November - 4.17 miles @ 8.42mins/mile

    Going at a very easy pace, but it still felt difficult. Legs felt heavy. Ran this one in the evening which I haven't really been used to of late. Definitely prefer the early morning runs but probably just because that's what I'm now used to, and life doesn't typically get in the way of those.

    Tuesday 20th November - 7.66miles @ 7.53mins/mile

    Still feeling tired from the w/end, but managed to drag myself out of bed for this one. Not a bad run though I passed my housing estate at 5.5 miles and was tempted to leave it there. If I had an LSR this week I'd have allowed it.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 288 ✭✭guinang


    Wednesday 21 November - 7.6 miles @ 7.14 mins/mile

    Tempo run of sorts. Was planning to do gym work and if ever there was a reason to go to the gym, last night's rain was it. Started off nice and easy, and finished nice and easy. Clocked 5 miles at 7min or under. Was feeling really strong for the first three miles of the tempo running, but started to splutter a bit in four & breathing was a bit erratic in 5.

    I really feel any remnants of a marathon have completely left my legs. Probably not the wisest session though, considering I'm going to join my local AC for one of their sessions this evening. Quite looking forward to it all the same.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,821 ✭✭✭blockic


    Good session there guinang. Are you joined up with the AC or are you just going along with them tonight?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 288 ✭✭guinang


    blockic wrote: »
    Good session there guinang. Are you joined up with the AC or are you just going along with them tonight?

    Cheers. I saw your session from last night. Not too shabby. Best of luck on the sub 20 5k on the w/end. I'm sure you'll smash it.

    I went up to the local AC on Tuesday night after speaking with Mulberry from these forums. I'm not joined up with them, but they said I could come along and join in on a session or two to see if I'm interested. I would love to join an AC but my problem is having the time on the evenings during the week - early morning running suits me best. I'll see how I get on for a couple of weeks and perhaps join in the new year.

    Are you in an AC already? Can't believe how reasonable it is. 100 euro for the year here.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,821 ✭✭✭blockic


    guinang wrote: »
    Cheers. I saw your session from last night. Not too shabby. Best of luck on the sub 20 5k on the w/end. I'm sure you'll smash it.

    I went up to the local AC on Tuesday night after speaking with Mulberry from these forums. I'm not joined up with them, but they said I could come along and join in on a session or two to see if I'm interested. I would love to join an AC but my problem is having the time on the evenings during the week - early morning running suits me best. I'll see how I get on for a couple of weeks and perhaps join in the new year.

    Are you in an AC already? Can't believe how reasonable it is. 100 euro for the year here.

    Cheers, the legs are feeling it today!

    Not joined one at the moment but Im looking to over the next couple weeks. Do most of my running alone so it would be great to get into a group session once a week on a track. Would take away one day or raod running anyway and be a bit easier on the knees.

    100 euro is great value. Evening runs suit me better so an AC would be ideal.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 288 ✭✭guinang


    Thurs Nov 22nd - 9 or 10 miles, no garmin so not quite sure what was going on

    Went for a wee look around the AC tonight. I enjoyed it, though I must say I thought it was going to be a lot tougher. It was a tempo run at 1/2 marathon pace for 35 mins with a warm up and warm down either side. Now I know the interval training is the tough part so that's when I'll probably feel it most. Lots of different capabilities. Couple of lads were different class, just powering past me a few times. Happy enough though cos I appear to be around middle of the road and I fancy big improvements over the next few months. Would love to keep AC up but midweek evenings are tough for me. We'll see.

    Estimate:

    25 minute warm up - just under 3 miles
    36 minute tempo run - 5.4 miles (the only accurate info)
    20 minute cool down - 2 miles

    Friday 23rd November - 5.3 miles @ 8.30 mins/mile

    Legs felt heavy but considering I've done two straight nights of tempo running, this is no surprise. Lack of food today had me contemplating calling it quits early but I stuck this one out.

    Good week all in. If I had a long run this w/end I'd be well on top of my training plan.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 288 ✭✭guinang


    Very sick kids over the weekend means I got sfa sleep wise. I'm travelling this week so it's going to be a pretty poor log. Because i'm now logging all my activity I just want to keep getting out there and addign to the log. For those who are just browsing and haven't yet started a log, I can't recommend it enough.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,606 ✭✭✭RedRunner


    guinang wrote: »
    Very sick kids over the weekend means I got sfa sleep wise. I'm travelling this week so it's going to be a pretty poor log. Because i'm now logging all my activity I just want to keep getting out there and addign to the log. For those who are just browsing and haven't yet started a log, I can't recommend it enough.

    Hope the kids are ok now. I've got two of my own so I know what it's like.

    +1 to starting a training log. Even when I've no running to report I feel the need to report that and the reason why.Keeping the log going helps with the motivation to get out running because I've seen so many other logs die off soon after starting and I do not want to be that soldier.

    Hope you catch up on the sleep on your travels and get back in the saddle soon.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 288 ✭✭guinang


    Wednesday 28th November - 5.7miles @ 7.39 min/mile

    I found it hard to get up for this one after the w/end and very busy with work & travel. I fought the urge to 'snooze button it'. Intended to run 8min/mi pace, but I quickened as I went along. I was surprised with how dead my legs felt today, considering I haven't run since last Friday but I'll put it down to lack of sleep. Having a small problem with my left foot. Metatarsal feels quite sore recently, but this morning was the worst it's felt.

    Interval work tomorrow, easy run on Friday, LSR on Saturday or Sunday. Won't get a tempo session in this week though I wasn't exactly slouching this morning for my capability.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,821 ✭✭✭blockic


    What sort of plan are you following guinang?

    Did you source it somewhere or is it something you determine yourself on a week by week basis. Just interested in your thoughts on number of easy, interval, long run and recovery runs per week etc.

    What pace would you normally run the long runs at?

    I'm following the plan on the 2012 Graduate thread at then moment and then plan to spin off to P&D most likely come mid-Jan for April marathon.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 288 ✭✭guinang


    I amnt really following any sort of plan yet. Like you I plan to do something like p&d in the new year but right now it's just about getting out consistently.

    One thing I am trying to do (not working out so far) is to do one tempo, one interval and one long run. I want to run tempo at around 7min/miles and interval miles at around 640 with the view that I can increase speed to 6 min miles in new year. Long runs will be around 10/12 miles when I can get back into them.

    If I get out for easy runs between all that it's a bonus.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 288 ✭✭guinang


    Friday 30th November - 4.14 miles @ 8 min/mile

    Not a good session at all. Went out to do 6min miles for 6 intervals. I was using this as a gauge. Felt the last session @ 6.45 wasn't pushing myself enough, even though I felt it at the end of it. Anyway, the first mile went well. Was struggling by the end but expected that. Second mile felt tough, but again was managing my own and the first three miles of my local run are the toughest (long stretches which make the road feel longer). unfortunately by the end of the second mile I was struggling with other problems though. Knew there was a slight problem in my left foot (metatarsal maybe), which was starting to flare. It started to pinch towards the end of the second mile but half way through the third my left foot felt bruised.
    To add insult to injury, I also feel some shin splints coming on. Something I experienced a couple of times when indoor training with my football team a good few years ago now. It doesn't feel too bad, but I reckon no tempo or interval sessions for me for at least a week. I will try to do some easy running on it based on Saturday

    Saturday 1st December - 9.7 miles @ 8.40 min/mile

    Was worried about this after the blow up on Friday. Had committed myself to run with a couple of mates so thought I'd go for a couple of miles and if I felt anything I'd pull back. Went out at a very easy pace (9.10 min mile) to start which even still caused problems on my shins (foot felt ok). By the end of the second mile the pain had gone (common enough with shin splints I think) and I finished the run without thinking about it again.
    Got home expecting to have a little discomfort but in fact it felt pretty good. I'm going to lay off until Tuesday and then do easy runs for the rest of the week. Hopefully, if it's feeling ok next week, I can start again. I'm not going for the Aware 10k in the park now either since I'm not sure where I'll be by then.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 288 ✭✭guinang


    Tuesday 4th December - 5.5mile @ 8.48min/mile

    Very easy run. Happy I managed to stay at easy pace the whole way round...it was very cold and a bit of a nip in the breeze so my body was wanting me to pick up th pace to heat it up. Very slipper under foot too.
    Good news - foot feels better. Bad news - even at that pace I can still feel the shins. I'll keep on the easy pace for the whole week and see if there's an improvement towards the end of it. I know I'm not doing any more damage since it's a little beter than when it started up last Friday.

    Weds - 5 miles easy
    Thurs - Rest
    Friday - 4 miles easy
    Saturday - 10/12 miles easy (depending on the shins)
    Sunday - Rest.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 288 ✭✭guinang


    Wednesday 5th December - 5.86 miles @ 8.37 m/m

    Shins were still a little tender so sticking with the plan to run easy miles all this week. I'm surprised with myself. Normally, don't like running the easy miles but I'm actually starting to enjoy them.

    Thurs, Fri, Sat - Rest

    My boss was away this week so it was a real struggle to get out on Tues & Weds. I was working away on Thurs so no chance, and was pure wrecked on Friday.
    LSR was changed from Sat to Sunday to suit a mate. Lots to do with the kids on Saturday so didn't manage a run.

    Sunday 9th December - 12.5 miles @ 7.58 m/m

    Out with a couple of mates in the Phoenix park. Thought it was going to be a miserable morning but turned out to be very nice. One of the lads decided he was only doing 10k so took off at the start. First three miles were 7 1/2 min/miles. Managed to slow him down for the next three miles @ 8 1/2 min/miles. Kept it like that until he headed off at just over 6 miles. Two of us left so we kept that pace until 9.5 miles. At that point I was left on my own. Shins and foot were feeling good so I did another 3 miles @ 7 mins/mile pace.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 288 ✭✭guinang


    Up to now, I haven't felt confident about ever following a full plan. Over the last few weeks, I've realised that the plans push me to do more. The logs do the same. As a result, I'm going to start following Meno's plans from the follow on novices thread.

    Unfortunately, I can never follow the days (work commitments & family life) but I'll juggle it while trying not to impact the intended outline.

    In late January, I want to tailor my plans for the sub 90 1/2 Marathon, and following that the sub 40 10 k (maybe GIR).

    Plan for this week:

    Mon 5 mile easy
    Tues Session
    Weds 4 miles recovery
    Thurs Rest
    Friday 5m easy
    Sat rest/cross
    Sun LSR (10-13 miles)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,821 ✭✭✭blockic


    guinang wrote: »
    As a result, I'm going to start following Meno's plans from the follow on novices thread.

    Great stuff. The session's are great craic! :eek::)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 288 ✭✭guinang


    Monday 10th December - 4.12 miles @ 8.32 miles/min

    Nice easy session but once again the shins are paining. Rather strange because they didn't affect at all before or during my long run. I went out a little quick, but slowed it up and enjoyed the next few miles.


    Tuesday 11th December - 10km session

    This did not go to plan at all. I'm away with work, and it's like an ice rink outside, plus I have no idea where I am and it's pretty dark about so I decided to do this session in the gym. Not the preferred method but better than skipping and considering my 430 start I'm happy that I stuck to my run. To top it off, I ate about an hour before the session but couldn't avoid it because I had to skip lunch. And finally, the gym was due to close 45 minutes after I got there so I had to make some quick adjustments. All my session times are close but probably not right but didn't have time to check it out.

    5 mins @ 11km pace (easy)
    10 mins @ 13km pace (MP)
    10 mins @ 14km pace (HMP)
    10 mins @ 15km pace (10k Pace - which is the only one I know is correct - sub 40 10k is the 1st goal for 2013)
    3 mins @ 16km pace (because I feel I'm cheating on a treadmill)
    5 mins @ 11km pace

    I felt this session....alot. It was too warm. I'm not as fond of treadmills as I used to be. It was too warm. I was tired. Did I mention it was too warm. Ah I don't know. But I finished it.

    Looking forward to my easy run tomorrow, but again I'm in a hotel. Although it's a different hotel, the location looks no more promising than this hotel. In the middle of an industrial estate - livin' the dream


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,606 ✭✭✭RedRunner


    ^^^ Fair play....would be very easy to do nothing when you are away working.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 288 ✭✭guinang


    Actually, I love running when away with work but the problem can be the early starts and sometimes late finishes which affect the days either side of my travel. That on top of the fact that today was a ridiculously early start, not great sleeps over the weekend (kids have an infection), delayed in the airport, delayed disembarking the aircraft (frozen steps, and many other calamities), someone crashing in to my rental......

    Just one of those days so I am pleased that I bothered at all this evening.

    Reading all that back, my log looks like I should spend some time on the 'couch' with my local doctor!!!! And here was me giving career move a few digs about her log being a little off the beaten track


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,821 ✭✭✭blockic


    guinang wrote: »
    I have no idea where I am and it's pretty dark...

    ...I felt this session....alot. It was too warm. I'm not as fond of treadmills as I used to be. It was too warm. I was tired. Did I mention it was too warm. Ah I don't know. But I finished it....

    ...Although it's a different hotel, the location looks no more promising than this hotel. In the middle of an industrial estate - livin' the dream


    :D:D:D This brought a smile to my face! Brilliant post! I can so relate to this as well!

    Great going to get a run in with the circumstances.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,934 ✭✭✭career_move


    guinang wrote: »
    Reading all that back, my log looks like I should spend some time on the 'couch' with my local doctor!!!!
    Just because its too warm is no excuse for infidelity :p


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 288 ✭✭guinang


    Wednesday 13th Dec - 5.58 miles @ 8.29 min/mile

    Ran around a hotel between the car park and the surrounding of the hotels. Each lap was probably around .8 mile. Didn't enjoy the treadmill yesterday, and there was a guy working with me today that fancied the idea of runnign outdoors. From an outsider perspective, it must have looked pretty insane.

    My favourite part of the jog was running by the gym. Those on treadmills looking out on a dimly lit path wondering why I was running by them.....again.
    A couple of years ago, I remember driving past people and wondering why oh why would they be running so late/early/at all/so fast/etc. Rather bizarre when you are faced with being that crazy guy, but yet can't step back from breach.

    Onwards & upwards :-)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 288 ✭✭guinang


    Thurs, Fri, Sat - Rest

    I was due to rest on Thurs & Sat this week anyway due to work and family commitments. Unfortunately, I didn't make it out of bed on Friday early enough, and had a crazy day with work so I never got a chance to run later in the day.

    Sunday 16th Dec - 10.58 miles @ 8.36 min/mile

    Cracking morning in the Phoenix Park. Met up with a couple of mates and done a nice saunter around the park on a usual 10k route of ours. One of the lads skipped off and we picked up the pace but only slightly for the next few miles. No problems. Wasn't feeling great to kick the run off (owed to lack of sleep lately) but settled in nicely and really started to enjoy it from half way through.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 288 ✭✭guinang


    This week's training plan (thanks Meno)

    Mon - 5.5 miles easy
    Tues - Rest
    Wednesday - Session @ 6.10 - 6.20 min/mile (1 mile warmup, 1 x 2 mile, 5 min recovery, 4 x 1 mile 3 min recovery, 1 mile cool down)
    Thurs - 5 miles recovery
    Friday - 5.5 miles @ 10 mile pace (7 mins/mile)
    Saturday - Rest
    Sunday - LSR (10 - 12 miles)


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,685 ✭✭✭RunningKing


    Interesting on your plan for this week.

    I've been doing a run for the last while - its a 7.3m loop of the Ph Park and part of me was wondering if I'll ever see value/enjoyment in running below 7m again. I know I'll need to run less than 7m in a 5k/10k specific training plan.
    But your '5.5m @ 10m pace' is inspired!

    We can get caught up in our own little routines and suddenly these routines are hard to break and become normality.

    I'll be going out later on for a 5m run at 10m pace.............

    thanks - Great log. I'll be watching with interest! (myself, yourself and Blockic seem to have similar times - be interesting to see what our training brings into 2013 and what any differences are)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,821 ✭✭✭blockic


    guinang wrote: »
    Thurs, Fri, Sat - Rest

    You copying my training?! ;):D


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 288 ✭✭guinang


    Interesting on your plan for this week.

    I've been doing a run for the last while - its a 7.3m loop of the Ph Park and part of me was wondering if I'll ever see value/enjoyment in running below 7m again. I know I'll need to run less than 7m in a 5k/10k specific training plan.
    But your '5.5m @ 10m pace' is inspired!

    We can get caught up in our own little routines and suddenly these routines are hard to break and become normality.

    I'll be going out later on for a 5m run at 10m pace.............

    thanks - Great log. I'll be watching with interest! (myself, yourself and Blockic seem to have similar times - be interesting to see what our training brings into 2013 and what any differences are)

    Oh dear. Please don't copy anything I do. I haven't one iota of a notion about what I'm doing. None of the approaches I take are even notionally based on anything scientific. I just go by my time available, my guess on where I am, inputs from other logs, and of course following pointers from Meno.

    My only comment in relation to your above post re distances would be to not make it all about distances. A good session can be had over a shorter timeframe, rather than always focusing on running a specific distance. At the moment, I want my easy runs to be around 45 mins so the 5.5 mile loop of the local area works well. I'm just incorporating a tempo session in to the same loop. As my speed improves my easy session may be 8mins/mile so I would look to do a 6 mile loop then. Or as I appraoch training for a race over a longer distance, I may also look to increase the miles.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 288 ✭✭guinang


    blockic wrote: »
    You copying my training?! ;):D

    I've gone further than that....I've hired some surveillance.

    Every breath you take.....


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,685 ✭✭✭RunningKing


    guinang wrote: »
    Oh dear. Please don't copy anything I do. I haven't one iota of a notion about what I'm doing. None of the approaches I take are even notionally based on anything scientific. I just go by my time available, my guess on where I am, inputs from other logs, and of course following pointers from Meno.

    QUOTE]

    ha ha, dont worry.
    right now I'm in between training plans so I've not got a lot of variety in my running.
    Since end of DCM I've just been maintaining my fitness, with not much structure. I'm starting a new plan in Jan - be sorted then.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 288 ✭✭guinang


    Monday 17th Dec - Rest

    Work & family life strike again. Was too tired for the early start.

    Tuesday 18th Dec - 5.51 miles @ 8.29 min/mile

    Today was supposed to be a rest day, but couldn't get out yesterday so quick reshuffle and away I go. Not a bad run, but nothing worth continuing this log for........

    Looking forward to the session tomorrow

    (then when the session arrives, I'll hate it - then when the session's done I'll be looking forward to the next).


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 288 ✭✭guinang


    Wednesday 19th December - Calf strain....I think

    Kids had me awake early this morning so was thinking of cancelling the run but since it was the session I really wanted to get out and give it a go. Went to put the garmin on but realised there was no battery. No idea how - it was 39% before i started my run yesterday. Decided I'd go tempo around the local loop without a watch.

    Got out the front door and ran about 20 meters and had to pull up. I have a pain that feels like untreated cramp. I have gotten similar before when playing football in heavy ground. Tried running on it again but it was quite sore and I couldn't even do an easy run.

    I'll try an easy 3 mile run tomorrow....maybe. Otherwise I might have to knock it on the head this week.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 288 ✭✭guinang


    I'm off running for a week I'd say. The pain hasn't gone at all today. I can feel it even when I'm sitting at times but certainly quite a bit of discomfort in walking. I haven't really rested since dcm and since I had no consistency before it, so i might do well to listen to my body and rest up for a bit.

    Balls....


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,606 ✭✭✭RedRunner


    guinang wrote: »
    I'm off running for a week I'd say. The pain hasn't gone at all today. I can feel it even when I'm sitting at times but certainly quite a bit of discomfort in walking. I haven't really rested since dcm and since I had no consistency before it, so i might do well to listen to my body and rest up for a bit.

    Balls....

    Bad luck. Hopefully a few days rest will sort it out for you.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,934 ✭✭✭career_move


    RedRunner wrote: »
    Bad luck. Hopefully a few days rest will sort it out for you.
    +1

    You timed it well anyway :D


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,821 ✭✭✭blockic


    guinang wrote: »
    so i might do well to listen to my body and rest up for a bit.

    Balls....

    The time off will do you a world of good, you will be back stronger in no time!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,821 ✭✭✭blockic


    Any news on the calf?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 288 ✭✭guinang


    It's almost there. Went out for a 3 mile run on Monday and there was a little tightness but felt ok. I'm going for a 6/8 mile run tomorrow so hopefully after that I can get back in to the training again.

    Honestly, it couldn't have come at a better time. Obviously, my body needed a break but I don't think I would have been too motivated to get out over the last two weeks anyway.

    Great result on your NYD 5k. Super running.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,126 ✭✭✭Trig1


    Hi Guinag....
    I'm on the tri forum and was bored in work so just ventured over here for a read...read your log and your training looks to be going really well...Just reading about your calf injury and it seems to be similar to an injury i used get at the start of last year when i started running..every few days my calf would feel like its tearing or badly cramping, got a bit of advice and bought a foam roller- I now use the foam roller for around 10mins every night to loosen out the calves/i.t. bands/hamstrings and quads... best piece of kit I've ever got- calves have been injury free for last few months..I also wear compression socks when running and find them really good... just a few ideas to get you back on track..


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 288 ✭✭guinang


    Trig1 wrote: »
    Hi Guinag....
    I'm on the tri forum and was bored in work so just ventured over here for a read...read your log and your training looks to be going really well...Just reading about your calf injury and it seems to be similar to an injury i used get at the start of last year when i started running..every few days my calf would feel like its tearing or badly cramping, got a bit of advice and bought a foam roller- I now use the foam roller for around 10mins every night to loosen out the calves/i.t. bands/hamstrings and quads... best piece of kit I've ever got- calves have been injury free for last few months..I also wear compression socks when running and find them really good... just a few ideas to get you back on track..

    Fair play lad. Thanks for the very helpful information. I haven't suffered with this in quite some time (since I played footie which alone is over 4 years ago) but if it becomes more common place then I'll defo sort out a foam roller - I've heard nothing but good reports on these. I believe I didn't rest enough after DCM in Oct, and since I had no consistency in training prior to post-DCM I think I was probably over cooking it a little. I was since reading other threads and many people are advocating 4 weeks rest after DCM but I didn't do this. While I didn't increase my mileage per week immediately after I certainly increased the no. of days training.


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