Mid-Week Round-up - Slow, Slow, Quick, Quick, Slow

I didn't get time to post on Tuesday or Wednesday, so I'll summarise...

Tuesday

I'm trying to get more structure into my training, starting on Tuesday evening. A two mile SLOW jog out, trying hard to keep my pace right down to around 8:20. Even at that pace I caught up with my old club mates on their way out to Moseley Bog. I drew up alongside Gavin who was bringing up the rear and had a chat with him until we went our separate ways.

Arriving at Swanhurst Park I did a little stretching, then started my interval session: 4 x 2 mins at around 6:10 off 2 min jog recoveries. Well, that was the plan! My first interval was at 5:46 pace, the second at 5:49. The third interval was slightly slower, at 5:59, but by the time I'd finished that I'd detonated, and collapsed in a heap! After a few moments I got up and did some stretches then headed home to consider the error of my ways.

Wednesday

The usual session with Joe. My left hamstring and right Achilles were slightly painful after Tuesday's exertions, but I managed to keep up with Joe and we clocked out second fastest run anti-clockwise, fourth overall. Beers afterwards during which we discussed possible half and full marathon for the rest of the year. Joe has a place in the Chester marathon, but won't be able to make it. Chester is one race where transfers are allowed, so I may take his place. On the other hand, we might both do the Spires and Steeples Challenge - a point-to-point marathon-distance run/walk from Lincoln Castle to Sleaford. Two very different events!

Thursday

This evening I ran home from the office. A now familiar run, but again trying to keep the pace down. I feel uncomfortable running slower than eight minutes per mile, and my pace did fluctuate a bit, and only partly because of the hills. Overall, though I covered the 7.59 miles in 1:03:29. That's 8:22 pace, which is pretty much spot on target. As a bonus, I got home just as it started raining!

This weekend

I had an email from Cannon Hill parkrun advising that they were short of volunteers (and specifically a timer - usually my job!) because of the bank holiday. After mulling it over for a couple of days, I replied telling them that I'd decided to run there and back, allowing me to help out. So of course I get another email today saying they now have lots of volunteers so I can run if I like! They've even got one of the regular runner/volunteers, James, to take on the timer. Thing is, I've arranged my training schedule around it now, so I'll be volunteering all the same! Who needs another PB anyway...