Eaten up and spat out

I had a meeting at work yesterday and so didn't get in until quite late. It was time for step exercise, so I chose to do a sort of interval session whereby I did sections of 2 minutes while holding 6KG weights and 3 minutes with only my own weight. I found it really easy, and when I came downstairs to see all of the recovery drink was gone, I saw no issue with that as it hadn't been one of those exhausting sessions.

Today I had to go to work for the morning, so when I came in I got ready to tackle a one hour run/walk, using the same run/walk ratio of 4:2. William had said to use this sort of ratio until I had built up some time on my feet and then I'm to start increasing the running parts. It was a beautiful day and I was looking forward to doing my longest run for a very very long time.

I instantly felt like it was very hot (it wasn't ... it was only 19 degrees) and within about 15 minutes I had already started to find the running parts tough. I just kept on though... it's been a long time with no exercise for me and I'm bound to get very uncomfortable as I'm bringing my fitness back up. Most of the walk breaks were on the flat and ironically I had to run most of the uphills. I had remembered to take my inhaler before I went, so I knew the horrible breathing and being on the verge of hyperventilating was purely down to lack of fitness (sadly!). I was running up a very sharp hill when my phone rang and I stopped my Garmin and took the call. To be honest, I was very grateful for the break which was around 1 and a half minutes.

By the time I got to one hour, I'd done 5.44 miles, however if I'd done the run as fast in the second half as I had done in the first I would have reached 5.6 miles. I got in the house and I felt absolutely exhausted. I felt like I'd ran in an oven because I was so hot and bothered and I literally had to sit down and do nothing for 15 minutes. Drinking my recovery drink even made me feel sick!

I hate getting fitness levels back after a break, and as this has been my longest break from running, I'm finding it very tough. However, during the run when I was shattered I just kept telling myself that it's this uncomfortable horrible feeling which is inevitable under the circumstances, and I'm unlikely to get my fitness back until I have pushed through these feelings a number of times.

The plan was, once I'd got to an hour, I would start increasing my running times, however as Monday is another one hour run, I think I'll stick with the 4:2. If it feels a little easier, I'll start running further on the next run. The good news is, my foot is great and fortunately not holding me back in any way.

So, I've ordered my gel toecaps (because once I get to 2 hours running I'll definitely need them), I also ordered some straps for when I'm doing my weight lifting (as I suspect it won't be long before I'm back up to my usual lifting weight... shame the fitness isn't coming back as quick as my strength) and last but not least, I ordered some Brooks Ghost 5 trainers. They may have to go back as I've not tried them or anything, but something tells me the trainers I have at the minute are going to be perfect for shorter distances but maybe not a marathon. I have tried everything else (last week at Start Fitness) but they do not stock Brooks... in fact there are no shops near me who stock them. So... nothing ventured nothing gained... if they are no good, they'll go back and I'll have lost nothing.