There's been a break in my running, not in terms of how long since my last run (5 days, not great, not unprecedented) but in my lack of routine, only 4 runs since 26th November. OK, I had good reasons (and some pretty unconvincing ones too) for not running but when activity drops this far there's the worry that 'use it or lose it' will go too far in the wrong direction unless I do something decisive.
This has partly been triggered by reading Oldfloss 's recommendation 'Failure is an option' by Matt Whyman. The last few nights I have fallen asleep gripped by the ups and downs of ultrarunning. Some of it sounds so inviting, then the reality check - when did I last run for more than 30 minutes? So this morning, seeing a trace of sunshine in the grey skies, I decided that enough is enough.
The goal? Run for 30 minutes. To encourage me, Coach Bennett's 'Comeback Run'. It's only 15 minutes but I got some music and decided I'd just run very very gently for 30 minutes to prove I can still do it.
No muddy fields today, just the brick surface along the waterfront. Mr Y sped off ahead of me, I took Coach B's wise words to heart and ran easy. It felt good. At 15 minutes I slowed to a walk while he gave his little pep talk at the end of the run, then I pressed 'resume' and set off again. Steve Miller singing 'Take the Money and Run' played, I sang along (don't worry, nobody within earshot ).
I pressed stop once I reached 30 minutes. 3.45km covered but that wasn't the point. Yes I was slow but also yes, I was running. Coach B came back to tell me well done.
I didn't look at the numbers en route but checked my VO2 when I got home. It's dropped right down, still 'good' with a fitness age 9 years younger than the calendar says (top 40% for my age), but when I run regularly it's generally up on the 'good/excellent' borderline with an age in my 40s (top 20% for my age).
So today is a step in the right direction. The book is reminding me that I love to go beyond 5k but I need to work towards it. Spring is on its way, my winter mood is lifting and we have a new year coming to start afresh