A tough first run this week, 13 kilometres with an 800 metre climb. I have done it before but it felt particularly difficult this time. I have a suspicion that I hadn't properly fuelled, and I forgot to take any water. My legs felt weak and wobbly after only one hour. More walking than running, in very slippery and muddy conditions. However I was surprised to see that I was actually only 10 minutes slower than the last time.
Tuesday was my 44th birthday. My wife paid for my registration to the Echappe Belle 'Parcours des crêtes' race and I treated myself to a Garmin Forerunner watch. Up to now, I have been using my iphone and the Strava application to train. But wearing my phone on my arm is a pain as the velcro strap on the holder has a tendance to release at the first opportunity. In addition the display isn't very easy to read through the protective cover. With my new running gadget I can continue to monitor time, distance and pace; but I will also be able to monitor my heart rate to improve my training.
Thursday evening I dragged myself to the gym but felt very weak and demotivated. I forced myself to row for three kilometres, then did some weight training. I finished off with a reluctant session on the bike and some running. Nevertheless I left the gym feeling very dissatisfied with myself. I suppose some days are good and some are bad.
The next morning dawned very cold but the opportunity to try out my new gadget got me out. It took a few minutes for the Garmin watch to find a satellite signal, but I warmed up as I waited. I had planned on my usual 10 kilometre run around the village and reservoir. As I had imagined it was much more convenient to monitor my activity on my wrist as I ran, and for the first time I was able to monitor my heart rate. Now I just need to work out what to do with this extra information.
For the next two days I was on a quick business trip to the UK and, as I was travelling light, I was unable to carry my running gear. However I did some felixibility and strength exercises; squats, lunges, sit ups to ensure that I didn't get too lazy. At the airport I picked up a free copy of Coach magazine and discovered a new exercises, 'The mountain climber'. This exercise is billed as a full body exercise, particularly hard on the core and legs and if done fast enough gives a cardio workout. Starting in a press up position the knees are alternatively lifted to the chest and back. It certainly offers some variety from squats and lunges. I find variety important in fitness training to avoid getting bored.
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