Day 70b - Another 5km and New PB

Summary: 5km run in 23:56; MTD 48:49km (Target: 100km)

Life has definitely changed. There was a time, just a couple of months ago when I would crawl out of work, jump in the car and get home as fast as I could and have a nap. Yes, a nap. Sad but true. I didn’t sleep at night, I was tired all the time and the thought that exercising (i.e. expending energy) would go some way to addressing my lack of energy problems just didn’t make sense - but in the back of my mind I knew it actually did.

Fast forward two months and I find myself at the opposite end of the spectrum.

Work was good today. Busy! Very busy! I had a few challenges (challenges in HR never end) and I had a few issues that walked in the door - just when I wanted to have a “closed door” day. There are times when I really do need to hide away to get things done. Might work from home tomorrow morning.

But I digress, like I normally do.

At the end of a busy day I was looking forward to exerting myself with another run. I know you can over do it but I figure while I have the energy and mental capacity to get myself out there, I should take advantage of it.

I got home and had the temptation to sit down with a nice wine and chat to the FBH. It was cold outside, warm inside and my 3 favourite girls were home (FBH, CN1 and Sasha the German Shepherd).

But no, I resisted the temptation, got the shorts and shoes on and headed out for a 5km run.

And I said all that to day this: the 5kms was my quickest yet - 23:56!

Having the new footpod and ipod telling me how far I’ve been and how far to go is great as it keeps me focused on achieving the goal. It also means I have had two runs in a row where there was no walking. That is a paradigm shift for me because I always know I can slow down if I really want to. But these last two times I have focused on keeping up the pace.

Other Things I’m Learning

• Run relaxed - I find I get more energy each time I remember to relax my arms and keep my head up.
• Breathe properly - breathe in for 3 paces and breathe out for 3 paces (works for me)
• Focus on what’s working - in most of my runs my feet hurt, or are discomforted. This makes me want to slow down and maybe walk but I am realising that, apart from my feet, the rest of me feels fine.
• The Head Rules - this is the key thing for me. My body does what I tell it to, not the other way round.

I may take a rest day tomorrow, but then again I have to have something to look forward to after work!