This past two weeks, I've been back on the running routine. I've spent far too long dithering and neglecting my runs. Due to life in general, I'd end up running once a week, or maybe once every two weeks.
Every run felt harder as my fitness levels dropped. I knew something had to be done, and the xmas break was the perfect opportunity 
As a day job, I work in the construction industry and generally, the industry closes down for near enough two weeks at xmas so it means I've had a nice long break. It also means I can go running in the mornings with no rushing about, and no work commuting to worry about.
It's actually been really nice. I've managed 5 runs in the last 11 days and I feel great!
First run (22nd Dec) was tough & I stopped for a breather once, getting back into the swing of things and it was a sniff over 4k. My pace was low as well. I think between August when I relaxed my running and now, I've added a minute onto my average pace (from 5:58m/km to 6:51m/km) but that's not really that important right now.
Next run was xmas eve, that again was tough but I upped the distance to 4.6km. I had to stop again for a breather, this time twice. Generally after an uphill section though.
For Christmas, I got a Garmin 110 which my wife had wrapped up, schweeet!
Boxing day run was good, that was 5k with the new watch. Felt funny, but I loved it. Again, one walking break.
Next run was the 28th Dec. This was 5.1k and was equally tough but getting a shade faster too but I also had to take THREE walking breaks. Something twigs. I'm running faster but requiring more walking breaks. Maybe if I run slower, I'll run continuously?!
So this morning I ran (31st Dec). I wanted to run slower to see if I could run non-stop for 5k. Maybe I had been pushing myself too much? Anyway, I got to 2k and wanted to stop, but said no. Same at 3k, 4k and reached 5k. Non-stop. I was so happy!! So happy in fact, that I carried on running and reached 7.1km before my brain realised I was at the end of my road and stopped running without my control! I was starting to get carried away and wanted to hit 8km… maybe next time.
So now I know I need to slow down to be able to run for half hour continuously. Maybe I'll try some interval training during the week. Some 7m/km jogging interspersed with sprints to try and improve my times and use the ol' long slow weekend runs to increase distance / endurance.
Either way, 7km! Epic end to 2012!
Thank you all for helping me on my 'running' journey. 2012 has been the year I took up a sport, and bloody enjoyed it!!! The support and community here has single-handedly kept me going. I'm sure I would have stopped after a week had I not had the advice & support along with the inspirational stories from you fine fine folk!
Happy new year! Here's to a lot more miles in 2013!
hope to be back out there soon!! 
C2k5 complete (again!)
Graduated and thank you
W5R2 - what's the point? 
Consolidation Run 6 - Guess who’s back! 🙋🏼♀️
