I ended the last week a little dispirited, although not put off altogether - it’d take quite a lot more to do that, I think. I took a couple of days to think about it (thanks for the nice comments, all) and geared up to start again.

Rather than dive into the 17 minutes at a time, I figured I’d start with a shorter run to get back into it.

I’ve left the previous run in there for comparison. It’s fascinating, because that first run was one where I started off too quickly and felt terrible afterwards.

This time it was a much more consistant run, but no faster at all. Afterwards, I felt okay, although I was bugged I had nothing left to speed up at the end.

Still, consistency is progress in itself, I reckon.

Week 8, Day 1

Run 17 min/walk 1 min. Repeat x 3.

I was actually dreading today’s run, something I haven’t really done for weeks and weeks. There are times when I don’t want to go out, sure, but actual dread is an unusual feeling.

I was concentrating on the mental side of things, as clearly that’s something I’ve been struggling with recently. I took it slow and steady, and it was a really, really good run. My feet ache and I got a bit of a headache towards the end, but considering the extended length (5.6k!) I’m really happy with it.

I had a vague aim in my head to keep under 9:25 which I just missed out on, but that would have been a bonus, so I’m not worried.

Time Trial

Week 8, Day 2

Run 17 min/walk 1 min. Repeat x 3.

This one started out well, but by the end of the second run I was struggling a bit. However, I gritted my teeth and kept on going, and turned out to be the best yet. Yay!

At one point, a lady in a bright pink top overtook me and shot off into the distance which was a bit depressing but as a very wise Mary once wrote, and a wise Baz once put to music:

“The race is long, and in the end, it is only with yourself.”

It was quite warm out and I got particularly thirsty today. I think I’m going to stop pondering the idea, and pick myself up a water bottle. Does it have to be water? I prefer squash.

Week 8, Day 3

Run 17 min/walk 1 min. Repeat x 3.

This didn’t go so well. I hit a hill at the start of the second stint, and although I’ve done it many times before, this time it just took everything out of me. It was a total struggle to get to the end of the 17 minutes. I stopped after that. I’ll redo this day.

I’m disappointed, because it was looking like a really strong week, but I’m not disheartened. It was an executive decision to stop really. I perhaps could have dragged myself through another 17 minute stint, but I have quite a lot to do today and didn’t want to be wrecked. I knew it wasn’t going to be a good run, so I stopped and will try again.

Week 8, Day 3 (repeat)

Run 17 min/walk 1 min. Repeat x 3.

Good run, but I’m slightly annoyed I couldn’t improve on Day 2. However, getting to the end is success enough for me.