It's been a long time ...

[janda]

I know, where have I been all this time? I have not been anywhere near the blogs recently and feel I have missed a lot of chat, support, encouragement from C25k friends. However, it has not been because I have stopped running. On the contrary. I am going along quite nicely and really enjoying my three times a week and the programme I have set myself.

I had set up a three times a week 10k 'maintenance' plan through one of the Runners' world interactive tools and that was fine so long as I had the 2014 Plymouth Half Marathon in sight (about 12 months away) and I was motivated enough to build up my mileage. Then I got a new job (starting in September) and I thought about the Brentwood Half Marathon this October. One, because it's close enough to the new school. Two, because I know I can easily be ready for it. I also decided on the Hampstead Midsummer 10k (around midsummer, surprisingly) and my first ever Parkrun.

So, I have had to revise the maintenance plan into a 7-week prep for the 10k followed almost straight away by a 12-week prep for the Brentwood Half. The routine is fairly simple, with Sunday being my long run and just building it a little around 10k - 13.5k, a tempo run on a Tuesday (8k total with the middle 5k at about 70-80% pace and the other 3k divided into warmup and cool down with no target pace really, even if it should be about 6m22s per km or a speed run (more on that next week) and an easy run of about 3.2k - 5k onThursdays.

It's all great stuff and I guess I could have moved it on quicker but I have really been enjoying my runs more and more so haven't felt the need. What has been so good has been the longer runs allowing me to explore less familiar parts of this area close-up. I can follow the brook from outside the front door and run along paths I'd never known about and parks I had driven past but never set foot in. I have abandoned all running music for my own mix of tunes. It's done wonders for making me listen to music I have bought and downloaded online. And what joy to catch up with some great stuff. New David Bowie, Richard Thompson, Nick Cave but also the sort of stuff I mainly put on in the car or play at home: John Williams playing Rodrigo, other classical (Rachmaninov, Brahms, Beethoven and more).

My message to all who read this is just keep running and enjoy yourself. It's been the best thing I have done for ages. Happy running!

[DeliaItaly Graduate]

Hello there James! You have been sorely missed. Glad to see that you've become a real real runner now, so warmest congratulations and hope to keep reading your blogs, Delia xox

[janda Graduate]

Thanks Delia. I am trying to keep up with your blogs too. Better update that photo sometime: seems that everyone else has already done so. James

[Landesman Graduate]

That's really impressive, and interesting and helpful, as I'm in the process of trying to sort out a weekly schedule that works for me. No particular objective except 10k first (8k so far) and then improving times. I have done the NHS 5k+ podcasts twice, the second time round combining thgem to make them a bit longer, and now I'm trying some of the Audiofuel running downloads.

I so agree about being able to appreciate the surroundings when running. I have always found walking a bit slow and cycling a bit too fast to fully appreciate what's around one while outside, but running is about right!

[janda Graduate in reply to Landesman]

Hi Landesman. Thanks for the post. Have you tried the B210k programme? It is a good way to get to 10k in the same systematic way as C25k does. The podcasts aren't as good as Laura's but it does the job all the same. The Audiofuel stuff is great for getting you running in time snd perhaps I will come back to it one day. 8k is great by the way! Keep on running. James

[Landesman Graduate in reply to janda]

No, I downloaded B210k before I finshed the C25k programme, and promptly forgot about it! Saw the 5k+ podcasts and did those instead.

You're right, I'll dig those out and do them next. Thanks.

[SBG356 Graduate]

Good to hear from you James and even better to read that you are doing so well with the running! 5k, 10k now a HM in sight - brilliant!

Sue

[janda Graduate in reply to SBG356]

Hi Sue. Good to hear from you again. I'll try to do more to stay uptodate. Good luck. James

[Rollertoaster Graduate]

James! Nice to hear from you and back after a while with such positive news! It sounds like your running is going from strength to strength. Well done and keep us up to date on the training

[janda Graduate in reply to Rollertoaster]

Hiya. Thanks for the post. Yes it is all going fairly positively. Hear you are doing the 5x50 (or is it the other way around? Either way keep running! James

[Pearsey]

Ah James! I wondered where you had got to. I returned to running 5 weeks ago-just completed week 5 this morning; my first 20 minute run!! Like you I am thoroughly enjoying it this time round. It appears to be so much easier-or is that because I now know how to run effectively and can pace myself better? I am using all the stuff, I think for week 8 or 9, that Laura talks about-using arms as pistons and keeping my head up.

Not sure if you read my blog, but Richard died 8 weeks ago last Tuesday-hence the return to running. My knee was fit after 5m, but I decided to wait, as I didn't want to have a running programme in the go when he was starting his new treatment. He went down so fast! he was looking really well up to 2 weeks prior. Running is my way of not only coping but as a tribute to him. As a family we were going to run in Race for Life in Poole Park on 23rd June, but as no men allowed to race we have opted out and are looking for another run to compete in. This is actually good, as gives me more time for training. Only another 4 weeks and I graduate again! :-). I will then move onto stepping stones after a further 2 weeks of week 9. Not so sure about the dreaded stamina, but there again I can stop if I don't get onto it and switch to something else. I am sure I can do that this time round, as I am appear to be a lot fitter-no problems coping with 20 minute run this morning anyway.

Good luck with the new school. Is it promotion, or still teaching the same subjects?

So good to hear from you and read how you are progressing-I have a lot of catching up to do!

Keep on Running

Colette xx

[janda Graduate in reply to Pearsey]

Hi Colette. I did read your blog and I'm sorry about your and all your family's loss. It's a fine tribute to Richard all that you are doing. I think running also gives you the focus and 'headspace' if you want it. It's a way of building and sustaining that inner strength.

Thanks for your kind words about the new job. I'm actually taking up my first headship and really excited about it. I'm sure the running has helped me focus on my goals better. I will need to make sure I keep that space in my week for my runs.

Great to hear from you too. Keep blogging and keep on running.

James x

[gdeann Graduate]

Happy to see you James! I was totally blown away to see the new profile pic, what a change! I bet your family is so very proud of all you've achieved and all of your future goals your working towards. Wishing you continued running success! Gayle

[janda Graduate in reply to gdeann]

Thanks Gayle. Good to hear from you too. And you also have a lovely new photo! Hope things are well with you and Steve. Hope to keep up with your news and running blogs. Enjoy! James x

[Hidden]

Nice to hear that all is going well, it's lovely when it all drops into place isn't it. You can definitely do a HM this year. Enjoy your longer runs.

[Pearsey]

Tried to reply-guess what? Snap,can't find the page!!

So odd James I had a strong feeling that the move was to do with Headship. Many congratulations!! So excited for you!

Thank you so much for your kind words-yes, I agree that running gives head space. I promised Richard I would restart & it may sound weird, but when I was struggling in week two it was as though he was running with me, giving me a push or helping hand when needed. Again today he was running beside :-it was such fun!! Richard had said that when he got better he wanted to do the programme himself, so who knows, maybe he is.

Do hope you continue to find time for running & blogging. Quite by chance I read your blog today-so pleased!!

Maybe in the Header put Hands. I'm writing Pearsey, then the title.

I agree with Gayle re the new pic. I cannot equate with the James from the before. Amazing!! Well done & speak soon.

Keep on Running

Colette xx