Inching steadily towards my goal

A busy week at work yet again and a poorly doggy have given me plenty other than running to worry about but I've somehow managed to still nail a reasonable week's training the week before my Ljubljana Half taper. My new Asics arrived to give me a bit of retail therapy; they're nice and bright for the dark nights of the winter.

Monday was a recovery run at club and the committee meeting. On Tuesday I wasn't able to get out or on the treadmill to run so I did one of my old faves, a Davina DVD with some good plyometrics thrown in; all of which I could feel in my glutes on Wednesday when I met up with the group that do reps at Cannon Hill park. I'm normally away on Wednesdays or Guy is late so I like to be home for the dog, but owing to Jess being at the vets I was at home and as Guy was home too I had the chance to go to a different session. It was a good workout on Park Hill near Cannon Hill park and in spite of the aches in my legs I enjoyed the session taken by Suz. We did some exercises after the session too; designed to get the glutes firing. 

I decided to do reps at club on Thursday as well since it was designed for those taking on the Great Birmingham Run on Sunday so I knew I'd be able to take it steady if needed. There was also a focus on posture and some useful tips and reminders. My posture and arms need a lot of work but I'm trying to take it a step at a time and not give myself too hard a time when I see the photographic evidence of my poor form!

I had a rest on Friday and a sports massage; my legs felt really fatigued afterwards and I was glad to get an early night. I'd not planned to go all out on Saturday at parkrun but I felt alright in the morning and it was a bit cold so I took the time to have a warm-up and lined up reasonably near to the front (not ridiculously so - I'm not crazy!) Once again though I went out at a pace that was ahead of PB pace (not as bad as my disaster of a few weeks previous), and couldn't hold it. Still it was another 5 seconds off last week and edging closer to my Cannon Hill PB (13 seconds off that and another 5 on top would be a "proper" PB). 

Today's run was an 8-mile easy run, taking advantage of the roads around Bournville being closed for the Great Birmingham Run. A few of us set out early so we could be back in time to watch the race from Bournville Lane. It was the first time I'd been a spectator having run it for the last three years. I really enjoyed looking out for my club mates and other runners from local clubs as well as cheering along those running for charity and in the usual mix of costumes and charity vests. It was a great reminder of the joy in running and the amazing camaraderie. I'm so excited now for next week's trip to Ljubljana - hoping for a good race, but mainly looking forward to the trip away with Guy and my running friends. 

Warming up to spectate at the Great Birmingham Run. Loved the closed roads and perfect running weather.