Joining the dots

The temperature says 0 degrees Celsius, and I've decided. I'm all prepared for it, if I back out again, it just won't happen.

(I had already missed my Febulous long run target last week - 6.6 instead of 10 miles, due to a busy schedule, and preparing ahead of the big freeze)

So I did. Left everything behind at work except for the running backpack and a few essentials, and I'm off. On a familiar route to Richmond and beyond. Except with the sight of a few ice blocks here and there...

On a more encouraging note - this run will mean I have joined the dots in the last few years in terms of running along the Thames on training runs (rough times):


Isle of Dogs to Tower Hill - 30 mins
Tower Hill to Embankment - 25 mins
Embankment via Hyde Park and Hammersmith to Kew Bridge - 1 hour 5 mins
Kew Bridge to Twickenham - 55 mins (today)
Twickenham to Staines - 4 hours
Staines to Windsor - 2 hours
Windsor to Virginia Water (via the Great Park with some detours) - 4 hours



It's a lot harder running in this temperature and with my injuries still bothering me, I feel heavy. The gritted Kew and Richmond bridges, all the fumes from the traffic standing still in the queue, I didn't feel alone, although the run did feel a lot longer than usual.

I started picking up speed after leaving busy Richmond high street behind, and into St Margarets...however that's also where I got lost! I had to just trust that the road was leading me somewhere, and sure after 4.5 miles, it seems to lead me into familiar territory in the surrounds of Twickenham high street, and I was in the station, with a few minutes to spare before the train home arrived.






I took my hand out of my running gloves, and struggled to count the coins for a drink at Puccino's at the station (where everyone was keeping warm). My hands were freezing up! 15-20 minutes later I was home and showered and served a warm meal. I was so glad to be out of the elements and am looking forward to an early night!
 
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Running @ 60% body weight

It's been a busy week and a very cold start. Visited the gym twice and had a good relaxing swim and then some intervals @ my 10k pace.

Then it's my usual visit to thep Physio - I asked for the chance to try out their Anti-gravity treadmill , and my wish was granted. I was led to the next room and had the machine turned on for me.

It felt like a muted saxophone, where the equipment in question was enclosed in a bag and you can't see what's going on inside.

Before I got in I had to endure a 'fashion statement' - wearing a lycra 'dress' with a zipper outside, this is so that I can be zipped onto the treadmill. That done, shoes on, I stepped inside and allowed to be zipped.

'Its safer than a normal treadmill, you can't even fall off!' - physio Scott says. true enough, you can't even see your feet and everything has been held in place. I adjusted the settings on the touchscreen - mistaking mph for minute miles...10mph was a bit too much for me! It didnt feel anything different initially. I realised i was still on 100% body weight!

when 40% of my weight been taken off (by way of inflating the bag and lifting me off the surface of the treadmill) - on pressing the 60% of body weight dial - I can feel it. A lot lighter, I can lift and run in good form, without the impact of the pounding of the ground.  I also feel bloated.

Not quite like walking on air, or flying, but I can manage it! I continue for a mile - and called it a night.

Its good to be there - and to think , as they say , you  can run 2 secs/mile faster for every pound shed. How to lose weight quick while still having the energy to sustain training?


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