Placebos

Yesterdays run was done at a deliberately easy pace. I kept to the 4:2 run/walk for the hour but started off much slower which helped immensely. I found that even towards the end of the run while running uphill into a headwind, although difficult, it was much much more comfortable than Saturdays 1 hour run. I even began to recover from the uphill while continuing running on the flat. I was also amazed that my back wasn't hurting at all... after all those deadlifts and getting to my current PB... I was totally shocked that I wasn't in a horrible achey heap. I remember all too well how Mondays' run would always feel difficult every week when I was into my full training prior to being injured.

Today I was attempting 6 minute intervals with 5 minute walking recoveries for 3 intervals. Last week it was pure torture for 5 minute intervals and I expected the same. I did my 10 minutes warm up followed by 6 minutes at 8.50mm pace and walking recoveries at 4.3mph (which is around 13.55mm pace). I couldn't quite believe that I managed to maintain this for the whole lot and even did the 10 minute cool down afterwards (I was too knackered to do that last week!)

I came downstairs feeling quite refreshed and had my recovery drink. I felt great. It made me think about a few weeks ago when Graeme had told me he recovers really quickly since becoming vegan and he feels much fitter. Paul (Graemes' brother) had also said the same thing, and to be completely honest, I thought it was just complete crap and it was a placebo effect for them both after they had read Rich Rolls' and Scott Jureks' books, where they both document the fantastic effects on recovery a good vegan diet has. Now I'm not so sure... maybe there really IS something in it! I know one thing... my recovery drink is probably enough to make most peoples stomach curdle! When I first started drinking it I thought it was rather yukky... now I look forward to it after each session. I have 250ml Oatly chocolate milk with 2 scoops of hemp protein and a half teaspoon of spirulina powder. I then follow this with half a teaspoon of Marmite (which I used to absolutely hate but am now rather addicted to!). Only thing is, I have to share the Marmite with the dog, who is also mega addicted to it! :-)

So... we shall see how it all pans out, but at the moment I feel absolutely brilliant! My plan for September was to run as many miles as there are days, by the end. It's the 18th of September and I have already done 32 miles :-) Of course, I am still run/walking, but I don't think it will be long before my midweek runs are done without the walking... if all goes as well as it has done so far, that is!