Week 5 Activity Log - Increasing the Distance

 

 

Half way through my training and I really am seeing the 10k as being there for the taking. I am feeling confident, fitter and stronger so the training so far is really paying off.

 

Saturday of this week starts me off with a Glasgow Parkrun in Pollock Park. Usually, I would like to get there early and take time to warm up, but today we have slept in, so get there with about 5 minutes to spare. 

 

Fumbling about setting up my earphones, doing some stretches, starting the map my run and getting the music started results in me getting caught out on the start line without the GPS going so no split times today.

 

On the run, I was looking to try and complete as much of it as possible without slowing to a walk and indeed and not get held up at the start. So the startline was good, managed to get going ok and managed to find some space that would mean I would not get delayed. Round the course in stead time and make it to my first nemesis - the hill at the top of the glade. I make to the hill and just get my head down and drive into the hill.  It is actually not that big if you just focus on your timing. 

 

 

I made it to the top and managed to keep it going all the way back around.  Second time on it though, would prove to be a step too far. I needed a small walk near the top of the glade and again half way up the hill but once on top, it was plain sailing all the way to a personal best - 31:52.

 

 

Sunday was a rest day for me and on Monday, I managed a 800m swim over an hour at the 25m pool at the Gorbals.  Once again, lasting longer and going greater distances and I do not get tired of the jacuzzi there afterwards.

 

Tuesday run day, finds me back at Alexandra park and 6km to the good. I manage to get all the way around the 3 laps with my music having decided to cut off on me after the first kilometre.

 

This was really disappointing as I had just put in a couple of new tracks to make it ready for the longer distances so today it was a silent one.  I was just relieved that the Map My Run kept going so that I could get my split times!  Run completed in 38:33 - almost a minute quicker that my last run out so the times keep tumbling!

 

Wednesday was a rest day and Thursday sees me back at the Park and feeling like I want to attack my times.  Soundtrack ready and Map My Run with a good GPS signal, I finish my warm up and get cracking. Soundtrack starts as always with the Eye of the Tiger, but I know that as I approach the first kilometre and "After Midnight" kicks in, that I am well ahead and still feeling up for some more.

 

Split pace time 5:40 - perfect, just where I want to be but the second kilometre up mostly uphill so time to dig deep and get over it. Just at the foot of the hill the track changes again - Hey Ya! and I'm ready to get stuck in. I know I am well ahead on my time because this has normally started just as I get past the 1k. Up and over the hill and I am almost at the 2km mark when "All around the world starts".

 

Great timing on this one as it takes me most way through km 3 before them Folsom Prison Blues, get me rolling round the bend and just past the marker.  Still on the original soundtrack, and Don't look back in anger gets me well over the second trip of the hill and I am just at the 4k mark for One by U2. Another chilled out track that really helps me cruise along at I get to the turn before the straight for the 5k. 

 

In need of some motivation now as I pushed at the start and I am feeling it now.  Go Your Own Way starts and I am totally lifted my it - love this track and it gives me just the boost that I need to get past the 5k mark and onto the hill.  A final blast up the hill and I am not feeling like I am going to make it this time but by next new choice, Elvis Vs JXL, what a track and what perfect timing as its enough to get me over the hill for the last time and helps me to pick it up all the way to the 6k marker. I wanted to do some more, but 6k was the target so its time for a good warm down and stretch out.

 

 

What a run and in record time too. The new soundtrack is working well for me. Didn't get my Rocky finish that I have come to love so well, but I'll save that for next week's 7k. 36:57 total time - its getting there slowly!

 

 

Final activity was a 750m swim at TollCross.  Had to stop as I was getting cramps but the 50m pool had me pushing harder on each length so I still see this as a good result.

 

Overall, a great week of activity. I have learnt lessons about getting to the start line early and making sure you have a motivational soundtrack. Some might call mine cheesy, others might find it positively revolting, but it works for me and I am really enjoying myself!!!

 

Roll on next week!