Update on Chatty Sparkly Running

[Shake-and-run]

The 6 week plan had a bit of a set back last week. I did a run with six sparkles (these are 10 second bursts of sprint) and really enjoyed them. The science behind it is that your body stores enough energy for you to run for 10 seconds and not get out of breath. This is true, in my experience, and they are quite fun. I also did a 40 minute run that came in at just under 5km so decided it would be a good idea to just finish off the distance. The next couple of runs were plagued by calf muscle pain so I had a chat with my coach. She thinks I was getting a bit too enthusiastic and doing too much and advised me to go back to 2 x 30 mins and 1 x 40 mins for the next week.

A neighbour had expressed an interest in running so she joined me for the first two runs (she is a cyclist and very fit, but was happy to trot along at my pace and we had a nice chatty run and were able to grab a coffee afterwards). Then our plans for the third run were scuppered when she got the call for the vaccine (and felt she should take it easy for a couple of days) and I managed to fall over my feet when getting up off the sofa (no alcohol involved, but I have acquired a nice bruise on the foot). So this week I have been resting for a day or so then gently trying out the foot on a walk and a cycle. Think I might be ready for a very gentle short run tomorrow.

Good news is I had managed my 25 mile total for Miles for Mind for February with a little to spare. So now looking forward to receiving a medal later this month. Also looking forward to running out of lockdown, being able to meet friends and enjoying a post run coffee on the river bank.

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10]

Fantastic Shakes! 👏👏 I love your sparkles! I too enjoy sprinting for 10 seconds and you’re right, you don’t tend to get out of breath. Interesting about the science. 😀

You’re on a roll, although shame about the bruised foot. You’ll be back sparkling again soon no doubt! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[TailChaser Graduate10]

Well done Shakes! Sparkles is an excellent name for a 10 second sprint, anything is better than 'sprint'! Good to hear you have a new local running buddy too. Looking forward to being able to run with you again.

I'm also drooling (metaphorically speaking of course!) at the prospect of lemon & ginger tea and a brownie. We had to stop and look in the window of the done up cafe in Sheep Street today as they had lots of brownies in the window but it wasn't open yet (possibly just as well!).

[Katnap Graduate10]

Amen!

🐱 Katnap 🐱