I'm back! After having to take a few more rest days to nurse a non-running injury I set out for W8 R2 this morning, my first run for a week.
I've got to say, that on the actual runs I feel fine, I stick to a steady 8min per KM, and my breathing is controlled.... at the half way point I mutter "no blinkin chance" when Sarah suggests I could speed up if I feel strong, and carry on plodding at my metronomic pace. Whilst I still find it challenging, I am sure I could carry on for those extra two minutes now, which means that after my W8 R3 I'll be ready. The improvement in my cardiovascular performance has been nothing but life changing.
My issue is the recovery..... I am still of a certain stature (although over 2st lighter than I was on W1R1) and the earlier runs were more forgiving. 28 mins of impact takes its toll on my body, I am finding one days rest isn't normally enough, and I'm having to build in extra days. This means I'm probably going to miss my target of graduating before my Birthday on 5th August... however, I feel like its a foregone conclusion, and if I have to wait a few more days, I'd rather that than an injury.
I am working on my strength, and using the exercises on the NHS website, I think I may start looking into Yoga/Pilates too to help. Anything that will aid my body in either limiting the damage I cause when running, or improving the healing.
See you at the finish line!