Run up that hill?

muddypaws

I've been reading and enjoying the other training logs, so as I'm going to do the run every day October challenge starting tomorrow, thought I'd start my own.

I'm a 51 year old woman who hadn't run for more years than I care to think about. I have started the C25K a couple of times but gave up after a few weeks. My son passed away in March, and I felt that I needed something to focus on, and get me up and out of the house, so decided that exercise would be that thing, cycling and running (usually with a dog), and I started the C25K again in the summer, and felt an incredible sense of achievement when I finished it. I incorporated Park Runs into it, and love them, the sense of community and encouragement really helps to keep putting one foot in front of the other.

So far my fastest time is 33 minutes, but I seem to be going backwards now, hence the Run Every Day thing, to see if that helps me to improve. I'm going to follow the Ron Hill training plan, but tweek it a bit with stuff that I have going on during the month. I find it amazing that its the Advanced training plan that I'm following, not the Beginners one http://www.ronhill.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Challenge-Training-Guide-Advanced.pdf

I would love to do the DCM in 2017, but my first target is TDM 2017, a canicross event in the French alps in the summer, 10 races over 9 days :eek: I have friends from other countries that do it and they all rave about it, and go back to it year after year.

October starts tomorrow at the Ballina Park Run.

mel.b

Muddypaws - that tdm event sounds amazing. I'm going to have a better look at the website when i am home and can use google translate easier.

Good lick woth the run every day Oct. sure you're out everyday with the dogs anyway, whats adding in a bit of running

muddypaws

mel.b wrote: »

Muddypaws - that tdm event sounds amazing. I'm going to have a better look at the website when i am home and can use google translate easier.

Good lick woth the run every day Oct. sure you're out everyday with the dogs anyway, whats adding in a bit of running

It would be great to send a few people over from here, would be good craic driving over together.

Younganne

Welcome to the logs Muddypaws, I'll be following with interest. The TDM sounds like a great event

Sorry to hear about the loss of your son. Look after yourself.

I ran every day in July and almost made it through August, but 28th was the end of my 60 day running streak. It's definitely something I'll revisit after DCM and something I really enjoyed!!

muddypaws

Saturday 1st October

Ballina Park Run. Started off well, but my hip started to hurt around 2km, I kept going, but as I need to be able to cycle in a couple of weeks, I dropped to a walk between 3-4km, which was less painful. Rain the last km, so time wasn't great - 36.08

Sunday 2nd October

Was racing in Tipperary, bikejoring and scootering, hard work on a very hilly course, mainly grass, going downhill was interesting, and scarey, trying to stay on, coming up was hard work. Ran up the hill with the scooter and dog, so feel I fulfilled my run every day obligation. Came 3rd in the bike class, and won the scooter, so a good day all round - the results are due to the dogs hard work, rather than mine

Monday 3rd October

Shattered after the weekend, but dragged myself out to the exercise field with the dogs and ran round and round and round and round (12 times) in the rain. Not easy to run with dogs darting in and out wanting to play, and one of them in particular wanted to stick very close behind me, and kept hitting my heels, I think he was deliberately trying to trip me up. But I did 1.6km in 15:24, so taking that as a nice recovery run.

muddypaws

Tuesday 4th October

Hills - 6 x 30 seconds.

Wednesday 5th October

Cycled 16 kms in the morning, so then went for a short run to fulfill the run every day plan. 1.7km in 15 minutes in Lough Key Forest Park

Thursday 6th October

The plan called for 2 x 10 minute runs, one in the morning, one in the evening, so I ran to the local shop in the morning, 1.5km in 11 minutes, and then just around the roads in the evening, 1.66km in 12 minutes.

Friday 7th October

20 minute run on the plan, so 3.04km in 21m 36s in Belleek Woods, Ballina, my local Park Run venue. I think I freaked a few people out in Lidl wearing shorts in October.

Week 1 of run every day completed.

muddypaws

8th October

Biked with 2 dogs at Lough Key, 5km each, then did the Park Run. 38.17, not my slowest, but not great, walked 1km of it.

9th October

Ran a mile around the dog field, not fast but managed to stay on my feet with dogs trying to trip me up

10th October

Stayed in City West Hotel with work, so did just over a mile in the car parks. 1.1 miles in 14 minutes.

11th October

Up early and went to Castletown House for a bikejoring training session on with a friend before work. Did 1.1 mile run before the bike session 14 minutes.

12th October

Did a mile at Cherbourg when we got off the ferry, lovely beach and area around it. 13 minutes

13th October

Managed to get a mile in at a service station on the Autobahn in Germany, slow but did it.

14th October

Walked the trail at the ECF European championships, jogged a mile of it.

15th October

ECF European Championships, ran a husky in bikejore, 5.2km on a very, very hilly course. I didn't manage to cycle up all of the hills, had to walk up some of them, but didn't feel bad when I saw men and women doing the same. A case of get up the top, then hang on for dear life going down the other side. Had an hour rest then back out on scooter with Ghost, 19 month old husky/retriever cross that I had big hopes with. The hills defeated us, the poor dog having to drag me up them, I managed to run up some, and walk up others. It proved I am not nearly as fit as I had hoped.

16th October

31 minutes between my start time in bike and scooter, so didn't do the bike class. Was very worried about the temperature as the scooter class approached, my weather station was reading 15 degrees and 100% humidity, we went to the start line and nobody there could tell me what the temperature actually was. I decided to start the race and see if it was cooler in the trees, it wasn't. Ghost started to struggle after 1km, so we stopped. He's only a young dog, and if a dog overheats once, there is a theory that they reset their internal thermometer and will over heat the next time at a lower temperature. Very disappointed, after going all the way to the Czech Republic, but thats the way it goes. Had a lovely afternoon sitting drinking hot cider and watching the canicross relays, mass starts in canicross are completely nuts.

17th October

Walked the trail before we set off for the long drive home. Didn't do any running, so broke the streak.

18th-25th October

Lots of driving, and no exercise. Feeling disheartened and exhausted.

26th October

10km on the bike in 28:20 minutes, good to get back out there doing something.

28th October


10km on the bike as I had to go to the post office 28:24

29th October

Back at Park Run - yeay. 35:24. My second fastest run, and pb for Ballina, my home run. I think the 33:26 I did at Erris was a complete fluke. Breathing felt fine for the whole run, hip hurting again. Could hear someone behind me for the final 500m, so picked the pace up and sprinted for the line - as much as a turtle can sprint

muddypaws

Feeling very inspired reading all the DCM reports.

1st November

Hills, 1.5km warm up, 6 x hill sprints, 1km cool down

2nd November

10km bike ride - 29:38

3rd November

Today I 'got' running, I feel like I am a runner. Following my training plan, I did interval training. So far my best 5K run is 33 minutes, my plan calls for a 1km warm up, 5 x 1km at 6min pace, with 3 minute jogs in between, then 1km cool down.

5:25, 5:57, 6:42, 6:37, 6:00

Running on the local roads in the rain, having to look over my glasses as I couldn't see through them, with dogs coming out at us, one farm collie stayed with us for almost the whole of the 3rd km, running just in front, lying down, stalking us, running again, lying down, etc etc, and cars coming past. So the 3rd and 4th km were disappointing, but I really think I would have done 6 minutes if we were running in the park, with no off lead dogs or cars coming along. I'm really buzzing after that, maybe the marathon next year is a possiblity after all.

I have my first canicross race on Sunday, even though I've organised races, and do my training with a dog attached, I haven't ever actually raced. Looking forward to it.

muddypaws

4th November

7km run today, never run that far before, so wasn't sure what pace to go at, as didn't want to have to stop or walk. Torrential rain for half of it, otherwise I probably would have carried on to do 8km, running 5 miles sounds like such a lot.

6:58, 7:23, 7:31, 7:36, 7:35, 8:21, 7:18

6th November

Did a sled dog rally in Galway, still waiting for the times to be posted up.

Stood on a rig and let 3 dogs pull me round the 4.6km, only had to scoot a couple of times. Then did bikejore, another 4.6km pedalling hard all the way round, came first in our class. Then did canicross, same 4.6km course, came joint 3rd, crossed the line with another woman from our club. Felt like a triathlete

7th November

Hill training. 2km warm up then 6 hill sprints, then a 2km warm down. Went out with a friend that has been running with years, got some great tips, and was great to be able to run and chat, a few months ago there's no way I could have done that.

muddypaws

8th November

Cycled, 10km in the rain and wind 29:34

10th November

Meant to do my intervals on 9th but feeling fluey so put it off, went out on Thursday but just couldn't get going. Plan was 5 x 1km at 6:00 but managed to do 3 x 1km at 6:00 and gave up. Chest and throat were hurting. Feeling really disheartened as it was so difficult to run.

12th November

Learning that you have really bad runs, then you have great runs and the bad runs fade away. Ballina Park Run this morning, the Belleek half and full marathon was also on at the same time, so a rushed start as I had to park somewhere different and walk back to the start line. Ran with the dog and had to keep pulling him really close as we were passed by marathon runners and met them head on. But, but, but, a PB of 32:39, including two stops for the dog to have a paddle and drink in the stream as it was warm. Absolutely delighted with that, not at the 30 minute 5K yet, but it is in reach. I dropped my phone at the finish line, battery fell out so the Endomondo app got knocked off, and I didn't sort the phone out as I carried on with the extra 2KM that my plan called for, so don't know what the time of those was, just that they were slow.

According to Endomondo which is different to the Park Run time:

05:48, 06:20, 06:50, 06:48, 06:14

Have been using a cadence app, and finding it really helpful in some ways, but don't trust it completely as it seems to say odd things sometimes about the pace.

muddypaws

I've been very lax with my training for the last few weeks. I went to the UK for a European championship with the dogs, and whilst I didn't win any medals, was delighted with our time in bikejore, much faster than I've ever been before, so the work is paying off with my fitness.

14th November

20 minute steady run.

29th November

Hill training, 6 x 100m after a 2km warm up, 2km cool down run.

2nd December

Interval training, 1km with 3 minutes jogging in between

6.12; 6.08; 6.30; 6.12; 6.05

4th December

Volunteered at the Beleek 10K today, so then was inspired to do a short 3k to wear my new runners in when I got home. Couldn't find any Brooks Vapors cheap, so am trying Salomon Series Link, seemed OK but heavier than the Brooks.

6.14; 6.35; 6.43

muddypaws

Excuse, not a reason, but I got a temporary job working as a courier for 3 weeks, the 12 hour days meant I was too exhausted to do any training when I got home, then I worked the two weekends at my other job, and put a race on in Lough Key on 18th, which meant going to mark the trail out on the Saturday, then early start on the Sunday to ensure the race ran smoothly. I did bikejore and scooter on 18th, but no canicross, instead I cycled round with the juniors, so 3 weeks with no running meant I was very worried about how I would do at the Christmas Eve Park Run.

24th December

Park Run 33:29

27th December

Beach run at Enniscrone, thinking it would be a lovely quiet run, instead the place was rammed, it was like August bank holiday, so was dodging people, dogs and footballs, but finally managed to run 5km under 30 minutes, delighted with myself. Now if I can do it on the beach, surely I can do it again on Saturday at Park Run?


5KM 29:24

05:51; 05:56; 06:02; 05:52; 05:44

If I can get an official 5K under 30, then I'll start the half marathon training plan, no pressure

muddypaws

29th December

Met up with friends at Lough Boora Parklands, one of my favourite places in Ireland, fabulous place to run or cycle. Did a bike ride first, then a slow 7km run. Have changed my Endomondo to miles now, as I have started half marathon training, so the splits were:

11:41; 13:27; 13:05; 12:34 and 4:45 for .36 of a mile.

Due to an alarm misunderstanding, I missed the New Years Eve Park Run, so didn't manage to do 5km under 30 minutes, really disappointed but decided to start the half marathon training plan anyway.

3rd January

3 mile run along the coast, nice going out, tough coming back into the wind.

10:23; 10:54; 11:35

4th January

A nice run on the beach, thought it would be really quiet, but a lot of people who obviously aren't back to work until next week.

10:33; 11:18; 11:37

5th January

Training plan called for another 3 miles, with a 4 mile run on Saturday. As I wanted to do Park Run, decided to switch them around and do the 4 mile on Thursday. Very slow, but I think thats the way its meant to be? Was also running with Riley, a big dog, who should be really good at this running lark, but would rather potter along looking cool.

12:44; 12:40; 14:31; 13:58

7th January

Park Run. After a very broken night with very little sleep, I knew it wasn't going to be a good run, turned up nice and early thankfully as there were loads of Operation Transformation participants there, and had to park quite far away, but the walk was a nice warm up. Just really didn't feel it today, couldn't lift my feet, so a very disappointing time, although very consistent.

I think I will revert to the training plan, and whilst OT is on, will do my LSR on Saturday (I know to most people 4 miles isn't a long run, but it is for me at the moment) and either volunteer at Park Run, or incorporate it into the run.

11:16; 11:20; 11:18

Something I noticed today that I haven't really noticed before, was the amount of dog poo in Belleek Wood, so annoying to see, its that kind of thing that makes landowners ban dogs from places, so if anyone is reading this, and they have a dog, please make sure you clean up after it. Picking up after Darcy today probably added 40 seconds onto my time, but thats just part of running with a dog.

Off to Norn Iron tomorrow for a sled dog rally, three classes entered, fiirst class standing on a rig being pulled by 4 dogs, so not much work needed, then bikejore then for some reason I have also entered the canicross class, so more running, but the training plan calls for cross training, so that fits in perfectly.

muddypaws

Sunday was a cross training day, so spent it in Castle Caldwell racing at a sled dog rally. First two classes could count as cross training, but running in the canicross event probably wasn't a great idea.







Rest day in the plan today, but unfortunately had to drop the van into the garage for major repairs, so cycled the 8 miles home.

muddypaws

Due to a sick van, and cycling to drop it in and pick it up, didn't stick to the plan this week.

9th January

Rest day on the plan, reality was an 8 mile bike road home from the garage.

11th January

8 mile bike road to the garage.

12th January

3 mile run in and around Belleek Woods in the snow. Its the first time I've run with hat and gloves on. The hat stayed on all the way, the gloves came off after about a mile.

10:23, 12:17, 11:52.

14th January

Ballina park run plus an extra mile. Forgot to pause the phone whilst getting my PR tag scanned etc, so the 4th mile was quicker than I recorded. Delighted with this run, as it was a large field and we got held up a few times, but passed a lot of people.

10:03, 10:50, 10:49, 12:52

muddypaws

Due to personal reasons, I didn't run at all for a week, and had two nights with only an hour or two of sleep, and no home cooked food for 4 days, but did Park Run in Conwy, North Wales on my way back to Ireland from southern England, first time without a dog, gosh that is hard work.

21st January

Conwy Park Run, including two ramps to go onto a bridge across a railway line, and out and back course, usual friendly Park Run atmosphere.

10:03; 10:24; 11:05

Back home and back into training mode.

24th January

3 mile training run, trying to keep it slow but not sure if I am running too slow, although this was hard work, so maybe I couldn't have run faster even if I'd wanted.

11:21; 12:49; 12:48


27th January

5 mile run, my longest run to date, so took it very slowly, just wanted to make sure I would finish it. Who knew I could run 5 miles without stopping?

11:26; 11:57; 11:58; 12:10; 12:20

28th January

Ballina Park Run, huge entry again, probably should have had a rest day before a race day, but wanted to support Park Run, and wanted to stretch the legs a bit, so decided to go very slowly and include some walking.

11:00; 12:02; 13:30

29th January

My training plan has Sunday as a cross training day, the majority of the sled dog races in Ireland seem to be held on Sundays, so thats handy. IFSS sled dog race in Garryhinch, Co. Offaly. A 3.30am alarm call, 3 hour drive and a fab day out with friends. First class was 4 dog rig, not much work for me, just hang on and scoot every now and then. Second class was bikejore, a 5.5km course, with lots of twists and turns, but really delighted that I pedalled hard the whole way round and could manage it no problem.

Third class was canicross, which I know isn't actually cross training but, it has to be done. I ran it with Vincent, a short little wooly husky who usually runs with a son's friend, and is currently leading the national junior championship. Unfortunately football took priority for the lad today, so I got to run with Vince. 5.5km of very much a cross country route, some hard packed forest trails, but a lot of mud, leaf covered trail and some stoney sections. We got left by the fast runners, but I left some runners that I stuck with last time they ran, we came 2nd and I could really feel the difference in my fitness, my legs felt like lead for the last mile, but I kept pushing on, telling myself I could rest tomorrow. Huge feeling of achievement crossing the line, had to stand and catch my breath for a while, but having cycled 3 miles hard, and then run 3 miles hard(ish) am feeling really positive about future running plans.

09:16; 10:02; 10:22

muddypaws

The Trophee Des Montagnes opened this week, and sold out within hours, with a long waiting list. I didn't get a place, so thats the first of my planned events not going to happen this year. However, I have signed up for an adventure race in Galway, and hopefully will do the Rock n Roll in Dublin, just need to decide whether to go for the 10K or half marathon.

31st January

Sore legs today, but did a slow 3 miles running from home with one of my old dogs, so it was run at his pace

11:57; 12:41; 12:46

1st February

Training plan called for 4 miles, but due to the wind and rain, and knowing I was going somewhere nicer the next day, did 3 miles along the river and then the coast.

12:31; 11:46; 12:06

2nd February

Went to Lough Boora Discovery Park with the Canicross Ireland committee to work out the trails for a race on 12th February. Ran 4 miles with one of the other members, absolutely delighted that I could run that distance chatting the whole way round, a few months ago I could hardly breathe when running, let alone talk. A lot of cross country in the run, through bog and grassland.

10:29; 11:57; 12:33; 11:23

4th February

Did my first volunteer stint at Park Run this morning, then did my run afterwards. Did the first 3 miles on the Park Run course to record it as a PR freedom run, then carried on going for another 3 miles. I ran 6 miles today, thats 10K. I am getting such a buzz out of all of these little achievements, I am not fast, but I am running comfortably. My toes hurt this morning after about 3 miles though, as they did last week on my long run, the pain stopped after another mile today, or maybe I just stopped feeling it.

10:52; 10:49; 11:50; 12:19; 12:35; 11:21

muddypaws

7th February

Got caught up doing stuff in town, so started my run later than planned, ended up running in twilight in the woods, not one of my best ideas. Absolutely gutted that I must have hit pause putting my phone in my pocket, so didn't record the first mile and a bit, I felt really strong, and it seemed like I was flying, so then carried on with the full 3 miles, but slowed down in my disappointment.

8:00 (in my dreams); 10:54; 10:33

8th February

Had to head to the UK for a family funeral, so very smugly stopped off in Dublin on the way to the ferry to do my run. Was quite fitting to run in Fr Collins Park, as it is built on the fields that my Mum used to play in, she grew up in one of the cottages across the road from it. Was stunned to meet my nearest neighbour from Sligo in the kids play park with his Grandchild, so stopped for a chat which wasted time, and I couldn't do more than 2 miles, as I didn't want to miss the boat, but was pleased to get the run in, knowing I probably wouldn't do any running in the UK.

12:02; 10:32

13th February

Didn't run at all in the UK, my van broke down on the way home, managed to limp home but with a broken starter motor, couldn't go anywhere except by foot or bike, so decided to run to the local shop for bread and milk :rolleyes:

11:13; 02:48 (1/4 mile)

14th February

Took the van into a garage to be fixed, so, as I was going to be hanging around for a few hours, decided to use the time wisely and do my run. Tough to run with a back pack on and no dog out front, my legs were so heavy, it was not enjoyable in the slightest, also a different experience to run through a town centre.

11:51; 13:08; 14:09

15th February

A nice 4 mile run in Belleek woods with a friend, she is a much better runner than me, but stuck with me and my plodding

11:18; 10:58; 12:32; 11:09

muddypaws

18th February

Erris Park Run for their first anniversary, 167 runners, the OT cameras were there Slow start from the back, but managed to get out of the pack and running. Had a tractor pass us head on, then two cars come up from behind and go past us, so had to get off the road and stop, but still managed to get my first official sub 30 5k run

08:58; 09:48; 09:46

19th February

Training plan calls for a 7 mile run, so headed to Lough Key at an ungodly hour this morning, ran two dog teams first, then went for the jog with a friend. Started very slowly, as I wasn't sure what pace to run to make sure I did the full 7. Absolutely exhausted now, and didn't even want cake afterwards :eek:

13:32; 12:54; 14:58 (stopped to let a group of runners past); 12:32; 13:13; 12:16; 12:21

muddypaws

22nd February

3 mile run on the plan, did it on the beach, but really should have checked the tide table first, running in soft sand is very hard work.

3 miles - 40:01

Splits: 11:37; 14:15; 13:58

23rd February

Doris meant I had to duck under some fallen branches and trees, and slid around a bit in places, but managed to get my run in without getting wet. Absolutely buzzing after this session, had meant to do very slow first mile to warm up and again for the last mile to cool down, but that didn't happen. Lost about 40 seconds on the 2nd mile while the dog went to the toilet, but its great to run somewhere with bins, so I don't have to carry the bag all the way around. I even managed to sprint the last 100 metres or so, today I love running.


4 Miles - 42:16

Splits: 09:58; 10:34; 10:04; 11:25

muddypaws

25th February

An evening canicross race in Castle Saunderson, Co. Cavan. Not quite dark when we were running, was very muddy underfoot in places, so lots of slipping and sliding.

3.1 miles 31:51

Splits: 10:10; 9:59; 10:16

Had to go to London for an inquest, and whilst my intentions were good, the reality wasn't. I had planned on running in Alexandra Palace on two days, but didn't actually run at all while I was there, probably a combination of stress and not feeling very healthy for a few days.

3rd March

Warm, sunny day, had intended on doing around 3 miles, but didn't have the energy, so managed to do 1.2 miles. I can't believe how much of an effect missing a few runs has on my fitness.

1.21 miles 13:49

4th March

I was racing at a sled dog rally in Moors Valley park in Southern England on the evening of 4th March, so travelled down early and did the park run there. Lovely course, and a huge field, so very slow start while it thinned out, but still happy enough with my time of 32:03.

8th March

Back into training properly, but struggled again. Met up with some friends at Doorly Park, Sligo to use the cycling and running track that is lit until 10pm.

2.86 miles 32:56

11th March

Working in Galway, so did some park run tourism at Oranmore. Second time I've run there, but the course has changed slightly. Two laps of the park.

5km 32:27

Splits (in miles): 09:47; 10:50; 10:39

I have been following the Hal Higdon Intermediate half marathon plan, but am disappointed with my 5K time not improving as much as I'd hoped from it, so decided to mix the Hal Higdon with a programme that a PT friend had given me previously, to see if it would make a difference. A LSR each week, plus 3 sessions, one of hills, one interval and one 5km run, which will usually be Park Run.

13th March

Hills in Belleek Woods, 1km warm up, then 6 x steep hill, jogging back down, then 2 km cool down.

15th March

Interval training. 1km warm up, then 1km at 6 minute pace x 5 with 3 minute recovery jog in between.

16th March

6 miles - 1:12:06

Splits: 10:50; 12:10; 12:27; 11:46; 11:54; 12:39

18th March

Lough Key Park Run. 31:17

20th March

Hills. 1km warm up, 6 x 100m hill, 1k cool down

22nd March

7 mile LSR in Belleek Woods, was meant to be 7 miles, but had my endomondo set to kms, so estimated 12km was 7 miles, better to go over than under I guess. 7.5 miles run, lots of hills and a few stops for the dog to have a paddle and a drink.

7.5 miles - 1:40:23

Splits: 13:20; 13:22; 11:56; 13:22; 14:27; 15:33; 12:36; 05:49

25th March

Sligo Park Run.

5km - 30:44

muddypaws

28th March

Hill training. 1.km warm up and cool down, 6 x 100m hills with jogging back down.

30th March

8 mile LSR.

Splits:

11:52; 12:18; 12:46; 13:01; 13:05; 12:55; 13:14; 12:27

1st April

Castletown Parkrun, the Endomondo on my phone didn't switch on, so PR time of 30:50

6th April

9 mile run in Lough key Forest Park, was fairly warm, swapped dogs around, so did 3 miles with 2 dogs to start, back to the van and swapped for a different dog for next 3, then swapped again to run the last dog. Stopped at the lake on each of the 3 'legs' to let the dogs have a paddle and drink.

Abysmal splits, but I console myself with the thought that at least I did it.

12:58; 15:26; 15:04; 12:35; 12:51; 14:51; 12:13; 14:46; 16:49

The fastest mile was the 7th, when I started running my fittest and fastest dog, he took off like a rocket, so it was a case of staying on my feet and bouncing.

8th April

Ballina Park Run. My Endomondo time was 29.59 for 5.2 km, my official time was 30:33.

Splits in miles (according to me)

09:14: 09:23: 09:32

Evening canicross run in Killykeen Forest Park, Co. Cavan. Didn't record it on my phone, official time was 33:34 for 4.6km. I took it easy, having done the Park Run in the morning, probably not the best idea I've ever had.

13th April

Hills, 1 km warm up, 6 x 100m hill sprints, 1km cool down

14th April

Super Cooper 5km Fun Run in Enniscrone.

Nice community event, run along the road and pavements, including going up a set of steps. Enjoyed the run, didn't push hard, as there were lots of other people running and walking, and happy enough with the time of 33:36.

Splits:

09:58; 10:48; 10:58

15th April

Ballina Park Run

Today showed me exactly how wrong my new phone is for measuring my runs. My old phone used to measure the course at 5.1 or 5.2km, the new phone had it at 5.68km. I thought I was doing well enough, listening to my phone and the pace I was going at, until I realised how far out it was. In my defence on this one, the dog stopped for a large poo not far from the start, and as I wasn't wearing my running jacket, it took me not far off a minute to fish a poo bag out of the pocket on the back of my running belt and pick it up. Thats my excuse, and I'm sticking to it. I asked what my time was as I crossed the line and thought he said 30:50, which I was disappointed with, as I'd tried to keep the pace up the whole way round, it turned out he must have said 30:15 and my time was actually 30:10, so I was pleased with that after all, without the toilet incident, I would have been under 30 - next time Ballina, next time.

PR time: 30:10

I really do need to get a more accurate way of measuring my running though, if I want to improve my time. I do have a Garmin Forerunner somewhere, so will find it and the charger and try that, see if it makes any difference. As my time isn't improving as much as I'd like, I'm wondering if I am over training, my legs are still aching now, on Sunday afternoon. Maybe thinking I could go from not running at all to doing a marathon within 15 months is unrealistic. I will carry on with my training, and may finally get around to joining the local athletics club for help.

muddypaws

17th April

1km warm up, 6 x 100m hills, 1km cool down

20th April

6 mile slow run, hamstring feeling a bit tight, so just did 6 miles, as I've got a 10K in a few weeks, don't want to go below that at least once a week.

Splits:

10:46; 12:27; 11:48; 12:32; 13:13; 12:34.

22nd April

Lough Key Park Run - or walk in this case. Trained dogs on the bike and did a dog walk beforehand, then jogged and walked the course for my 25th Park Run.

43:46

23rd April

Easkey Castle 5K fun run.

Thought I'd done well enough on this, and was really disappointed to get my time, that 30 minutes just seems to be a wall that I can't get through. Feeling better after talking to some local athletics club people, and am going to go along to the Fit for Life sessions and see if that can improve my time and get me under 30 regularly. I think maybe I run rather than race, and I need to get my mind thinking differently. I also need to stop being so considerate and always starting at the back because I have a dog. It means that we have to then get past people who are walking, but start near the front, and people who sprint off then start walking about 100 yards in. We may not be one of the fastest, but we do run.

30:18

Splits:

9:35; 9:34; 10:18 (plus the .2)