Into week 7 of my Couch to 10k Challenge for the Ceridian Payback Foundation which started with a rest day on the Saturday (managed a 7k the night before and knew there was a long hike on for the next day).
Sunday saw me taking to the hills with some work colleagues and friends. Stob Gabhar was the location and this was to be an all day event. I tried to log the full route with Map My Run, but after getting to the top of the hill, my phone battery was whining at me to stop, so I had to switch it off at the summit. The hill walk was approx 7km to the top and rising to approx 1000m up. It took 4.5 hours (1 way) and the calorie burn was logged at just over 3,800.
Monday, I was feeling the effects of the 9hr hike so opted for a light swim to help me loosen up a bit. I have a real problem with my swimming technique so wanted to work on this (as opposed to swimming for distance). In total, I did about 400m.
Tuesday was a run day in Alexandra Park and I was still feeling a bit stiff from the weekend. Had a very good warm up and set off at a light pace. To my amazement, my legs lost their heaviness after about 2km and I felt like I was right back on it again. I was really surprised to still have the 8th km in me as this is an up hill but I did manage it and even felt ready for the 9th, but after the long hike on Sunday, I was not wanting to push it.
Wednesday is a rest day and on Thursday, I came down with a cold. Not quite the man flu that was being accused, but enough in my chest to make me think twice about a run.
Progress is easy to see on this graph. If we remove the track run [T], we can see a clear improvement in distance and lap times. It seems that I am achieving good pace for the first 5 kilometres the slowly struggling near the end. I was just over the 30 minute 5k and feel ready to extend to 9. Will attempt a speed run on the 14th to see if I can make it. (see next week's blog for details!)
Weight log for this week was 99.7kg (15st 10lb). Feeling good again with another 1kg weight loss. The interesting point to make here is that I did less exercise with 4 days of inactivity but I managed to lose weight on this week. This re-enforces the theory that doing more regular running builds muscle where as leaving a gap in the training gives the body an opportunity to burn the fat without building muscle.
Altogether another satisfying week. I have had a good range of activities, maintained my 8km achievement and lost some weight into the bargain. With 3 weeks till the run, I am really looking forward to it.
Finally then, if you like my efforts and can manage to help us raise cash for the Payback Foundation, please text PAYB99 3 to 70070, for the price of a pint, you could really help us help disadvantaged children or if you would like to donate another amount, please click here or on the button.
Thank you all so much for your support on Facebook, by reading this blog, ecouraging me directly and by donating to the charity. The comments, well wishes and donations have really helped my to keep my motivation going and get me to a place where I feel that I can acutally do this!!
Picture of the week...
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