Lessons!

[Richard7]

So this week has been a bit of a mixed bag running wise.

Firstly I found myself having to go away for work and running in unfamiliar territory. I did two runs whilst away. The first I made a bit of a half hearted attempt to make a route and paid the price. The distance was not really enough and I ended up back at my hotel too soon and a bit fed up. Not wishing to make the same mistake the next day I planned out a proper 5k route and set off from the hotel. In totally unfamiliar surroundings I ended up confused and took out my phone to follow along on Google Maps.

So I always find it strange when I see people running with phones in their hands - why don't you get a running belt or holster ... Or ... I would think! So having had to do a full 5k with phone in my hand ... I apologize to anyone that I may have seen running with hand held devices . It is so easy to make assumptions about other people and make judgements without knowing the story behind the face value! Sorry 😳

My next lesson of the week came Friday/Sunday. I set out for my run Friday with new zest having returned home and being ready for a home run. I pulled on my shoes, pulled on my laces and raced out Friday evening. Within 5 mins my feet started to ache. I concluded that you can tighten your laces too much and result in almost a foot binding situation!!

This morning's run I loosened the laces and felt significantly better.

Finally since the beginning of June I have been engaged in a new training program.

The program is trying to improve my ability to run at a better pace to the end of the distance. In order to do this - I am running slower!

Whilst this sounds counter intuitive I kind of get it. The idea to gradually increase my distance again with a gentle run. Some speed work is included but only for relatively short distances.

So I was beginning to think I was getting out of shape with all this slow running until I went out for my long run this morning. I was very pleasantly surprised when I managed to get to 10k.

All in all a week of lessons showing that you never are too old to learn new tricks.

Happy Running everyone.

[backintime Graduate10]

Yes ! My slow running is helping my fast (for me) running

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10]

This running teaches us so, so much doesn't it... ? With me it is patience! You did find a lot of things out!

Getting lost.. fun.... phone carrying... many of us have had to do it, I think at some point ?

The tight laces did make me smile though...numb running!

Hidden is doing some really interesting slow running in her current HM programme..it is fascinating isn't it

Huge well done you.. as ever, doing terrifically!

[Richard7 Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

Ha ha - I like that numb running!! The next time I see someone running with their phone I will just wonder where they are from - although I am sure there are many other reasons. 😃

[Hidden in reply to Oldfloss]

Richard and i are watching each other's progress on Strava. He's been doing the slow running longer than i have and it's paying off x

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Great to have that.... I looked at using the Polar plan... but you were right.. it needs the rest of the tech gear.. and does not sync with Garmin

[Hidden in reply to Oldfloss]

I suspected so!

[Richard7 Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Mine is not using HR is just pace plain and simple - I am using Garmin Coach plan having treated myself to a replacement Garmin 245. I told it I wanted to do a HM in 2h30 which would be around 7m8 per km and now it has me slow running at 7:43 - 8:21 on my easy runs. Speed repeats on Wednesday looks more of a challenge though 😃

[Hidden in reply to Richard7]

that's a decent pace!

[Richard7 Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

It's all relative - if I am still moving at your age I will be happy - but even happier if I can still be running like you!!

[Hidden in reply to Richard7]

Thank you 😊 I’m faster normally than I am in the hr zones, but the thing everyone says is that it slows them right down till they get fitter

[Hidden]

I often keep my phone in my hand, not in it's armband, if I'm on an exploratory run and taking photos. Youre doing really well with the slow running. \I'm watching you with interest x

[Richard7 Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

I guess that this is just ignorance on my part thinking that like me people would just prefer not to carry their phones. I must admit the photo thing I get too as if I want to take a photo it is a fiddle removing it from my waist belt. I just worry I will drop my phone if I carry it!!

[Hidden in reply to Richard7]

I get caught up in the whole process of photography. I actually DID drop my phone taking a photo and had to have the screen replaced!

[Richard7 Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

I rest my case Ma Lord 😉

[Hidden in reply to Richard7]

I’ve reluctantly put on screen protectors now and still keep it in my hand when running if I’m taking photos. The accident happened because I had dog on lead in the other hand, and she leapt forward because she saw another dog 😂

[Richard7 Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

I fear I am decidedly more clumsy and it would fall out of my hand at the earliest opportunity 😬

[Hidden in reply to Richard7]

Haha - I’ve dropped my water bottle but not my phone! (Except with the dog incident)

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate10]

All very interesting Richard. I am watching your progress too, and see you have gotten quicker. Great work. Remember, loose laces though!😊xxx

[SaskAlliecat Graduate10]

Sounds like a very enlightening week!

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate10]

Every day is a school day! If we're not learning we're stagnating 👍🏻😉😁

Too tight laces is really not nice 👎🏼