I looked out of the window this morning, with a 2 hour run looming... and saw bushes and trees bending in the heavy wind. Oh dear... today was already going to be tough without the windy weather.
So, I had fruit and porridge, and after an hour started a dynamic warm up. My legs felt like lead as I went through each exercise, and my left hamstring really ached when I did one of them, so I knew I would have to keep a close check on it. There's no way I'm running through something painful (I ignored a painful right hamstring not so long back and had to have a week off running).
So, the first 5 miles were really lovely and I was enjoying the run. The wind was on my back and running seemed fairly effortless. Graeme seemed in a bit of a grump and kept moaning at me because my speed was creeping up, and I have to say I thought he looked fairly knackered right from the off.
As we turned at the 5 mile-ish point the wind just hit us, and it became apparent that the rest of the run was going to be very tough. My back has really been aching from dead lifts and as I bent forward to run into the wind, I started to feel my back ache a bit.
At 3 points on the way back, running uphill had my hamstring really aching and so to ensure I didn't do any damage to it I walked the last half of the 3 hills. I don't see this as a failure though...just being sensible and avoiding injury.
The last mile was pure torture as the wind was so strong, and even running on a gentle downhill had Graeme and I working so hard just to keep going.
Even walking around the block at the end of the run was difficult in the wind. Living by the North East coast means we seem to get the worst of it as it comes in off the North sea.
So, I managed to last 10 minutes in a cold bath (my longest yet), then I had a lovely warm bath and did some gentle stretching. I feel completely knackered, but I've done a lot of exercise this week that my body simply isn't used to, so I'm not surprised really.
And that's it for company on my long run, as Graemes' mileage will be going up now, and mine won't. I think the work "Eeeeek" comes to mind.
Well done - it was windy today. And I think I saw on tv that it was going to be pretty cold on the coast too.
ReplyDeleteWell done on being sensible on the hills...it's a tough lesson to learn.
Is that a complete week now? I guess the first few weeks will be the worst while your body (and mind) get used to it. I wish I was as driven as you, I seem to find excuses all too easily sometimes. Could you do some of your runs with Graeme but take a short cut back so that you get at least some company?
Best of luck for week 2 :-)
No... Only half way through... Sunday and Tuesday are the toughest days so wish me luck! I think I'd rather run alone to be honest, if I'm having a strong day Graeme doesn't seem too impressed... Lol!
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