Weekly Update

This week I did over 3 hours of training. This did include a faster swim session, a cross country and a running speed session. I did have more exercise planned but my football match got cancelled.

About 10% of this time was swimming with the remaining being running.

Cross Country Race

I did a 5.6 mile cross country race this morning. I planned to go of faster than normal as there is a footpath only 2 people wide after the first 100m.

So at the start I ran off through the massive muddy puddle. I soon saw way most people ran round it as it was half way up to my knee, I was glad I double knotted my shoe laces.

I did however make up a lot of places but then a lot of people started to over take me. I did not have my heart rate monitor on, just the GPS part so as I completed the first mile in 6:50 (minutes:seconds) and my heart beating fast I knew I went off fast and slowed down by over 1 minute per mile. The pace of the first mile I would have beaten my 10km PB.

However I knew there where a few hills and muddy sections on this course that would slow you down. The last couple of miles my pace was struggling and I was just able to manage a good pace. Then with less than half a mile to go I noticed one of my club mates trying to catch me up, that gave me a boost for the rest the run.

There was about 10 runners grouped together which we had a bit of a sprint finish for the last 100m, with half of this small group going round the puddle but those who went through it finished ahead of those who did not.

I ended up with just over 45 minutes which I was pleased with this route and my early fast pace. I only had a select few cakes after the race compared to the previous XC.

Weekly Weigh-in

This week I have gained 2 lb (1 Kg) and my body fat increased by 0.5%.

I suppose in the chips, large roast dinner, a large selection of party snack food and a fast food meal deal I had in just 3 days over last weekend did not help.

Speed Night and June 2008 Training

Tonights training turned out to be speed based.

When I got to the swimming pool the normal medium pace lanes where already quite full yet one of the fast lanes only had three people in it. So I decided to go in the fast lane. I was able to keep up with the pace in this lane, although I did have took take a longer rest period during the last few of my 100m reps.

Then after this I went out for a running session in the light rain. I did a speed session of 800m reps which I did 5 with a 2 minute rest period between is rep. This felt tough by the third rep due to the fact I have not done this type of session for at least half a year. I was able to complete my planned session.

I then went to the bar at the leisure centre and after 20 minutes England were already 2-0 down, in the end they lost and did not qualify for the Euro 2008 championships.

At least I will have more time for races and training next June.

Weekly Update

Last week I did 6 hours of training with 20% of this being swimming and the rest being running.

I have started to book races for next year and currently have entered two running races for next year.

Weekly Weigh-in

This week I have lost 1/4 lb (0.1 Kg) and my % body fat has remained the same.

Getting Cold

While I was out for a run tonight it is really getting cold as the road gritter was out.

Luckily as it went past I was on a footpath behind some trees. As you would not want to be hit by any grit when the temperatures are that cold.