2010 Progress Entrant - Linda Claxson

Contents:- -Intro- Report -1- -2- -3- -4- -5- -6- -7- -8- -9- -10- -11- -12- -Look Back 1- -13- -14- -15- -16- -17- -Final-

Report 8 - Week beginning 01/03/10

Have you stuck to the training programme? If not any reasons why?

I'm still running for distance rather than time. I do take notice of the time I'm completing each run in but times don't bother me so much.

My last run was 4 miles and I did it in 44 minutes 38 seconds. As much as I'd love to improve on that time I'm more focused on improving the distance.

Have you done more or less than expected? Explain.

Much more. I'm running 4 miles without any stops now and I never imagined I'd get this far.

How did you feel during training this week? What were the highs and lows?

Generally pretty good. I was anxious about my first 4 miler but I finished it strongly so was really chuffed.

Highs:- Completing 4 miles without feeling the need to stop at all and still finishing it with a strong pace as opposed to a shuffle.

Lows:- Still got nothing.

Are you seeing improvements; in speed, distance, breathing?

Definite improvements with distance but I think my times for each mile are staying roughly the same.

My breathing recovery rate is continuing to improve also.

Where are you walking/running; gym, beach, roads, forests?

I'm mainly making use of the Achavanich Rd as it's about 6 miles end to end but I shall start varying it a bit soon and get back into the forests to mix it up and get the use of different surfaces.

Are you training alone/with someone else/mixture? How does this affect your training?

Always alone unless I get hubby to drive me somewhere for a run and then while I run he'll follow along in the car and wait and certain points for me.

I still prefer to run alone as I don't have to think about anyone else - selfish but there you go.

Any injuries?

Nope.

Are you feeling any benefits away from training as a result of the training; health, toning up, more energetic?

Definite increase in energy plus increased confidence in my abilities. I still sleep better on a running day and exercise certainly makes you more regular lol, great for those of us that suffer from IBS.

Are you doing any other forms of exercise; swimming, cycling, yoga, pilates?

I've been so busy this week that I've only managed my running but next week I will be including pilates again for at least 3 times a week. I'm finding that when I first start running I feel stiff so I need the pilates to help give me a bit more flexibility back.

Any other observations?

I'm totally loving running and each time I manage to go that bit further the feeling of achievement is amazing.

I'm definitely going to continue being a runner after this 10k run and will make sure I fit runs in even though cycling will have to take priority.

I'm definitely hooked.