April already...

A slight update. I've been mostly be tied up in knots at work. But I've been spending time in the gym mostly, so a little bit heavier now. Running on a running machine is hard as I experienced the other night trying out a gym away from home. I just about did a 50 minute session but had to walk 3 or 4 times. I had been sick before and also not been running nearly as much. I do want to be running at least 50 minutes once a week as I am looking to return to 10k running through the summer (and keeping the weight) on May 24th for Myra Garrett 10k. 10k runs in Staplehurst and Rochester are also ones I'll consider later on in the summer.

Track Training

It's been the first time for a very long time that I have run on a track. I was lucky enough to be at a workplace that had an athletics track. So I had nice run round. Firstly, a little warm-up of 2 laps. I tried to run round one lap (400m) and it took me 1:15. Another jogging lap. Another 400m run of 1:24. Then a rest. A set of 5 laps in just under 10 minutes. A minute's rest. Another set of 5 laps in 11 minutes. Some sprints with someone else who was training. Another quick rest and then a last set of 11 laps in 23:40. So that's about 28 laps altogether. Conditions were a bit slippy, particularly in the inside lane. That made it very difficult turning. So I ran around in lanes 2 and 3 all the way round.

I am still trying to run twice a week. One long run on Sundays and a mix (like above) during the week. Plus I am hoping to get into the gym twice a week.

Keeping on

Well I am back to running over 10k. I ran 11.5km (7.25 miles) as I tried to see out an hour running. That's about 52:30 pace for a 10km, which is not quite at my optimum pace. I figure I would have to run the course I did in 58 minutes. So that would be next targets as I am likely to stick to this distance for now on Sundays. Working out at gym is definitely helping me as I do use my upper body and breathing to move and felt for the most part comfortable. For now, I don't think I am truly running 7.25 miles. I was trying to keep myself together on the return leg (I ran a round trip). I'd love it, if I can cruise for 50 minutes and then run the last bit.

Targeted Runs:
May 24th 2009 - Myra Garnett 10km
June 7th 2009 - Eltham 5 mile

Other runs considered
March 1st 2009 - Greenwich Meridian 10km
April 10th 2009 - Folkstone 10 mile
June 14th 2009 - Bluewater 10km
June 27th 2009 - Staplehurst 10km
July 12th 2009 - Cliffe Woods 10km
October 11th 2009 - Petts Wood 10km

I am currently trying to get to the gym twice a week and running once or twice a week.

I got my top off!!!

Don't believe everything you see on websites. If there is a store, just visit if you can. Managed to make some time and dropped down to the Decathlon in Surrey Quays. I got a Isolate 4000 top in my size of medium and was well pleased with it. Gosh, it reminds me when I was a kid when it was so much easier to get a matching track suit top and bottom for a veritable small price.
Possibly couldn't have happen at a better time. With being out of the office a fair bit recently and little change of gym action, looks like I'll be reverting back to running for the moment until I can figure out if I need to go to Fitness First instead.
At the moment, I am running up to about 40 minutes.

Wrong Size

Folks, I am frustrated. I am badly looking for the Isolate 4000 Top but it would appear that it is not in my size anymore. I could squeeze into a small. But it would be very very tight, so no I don't think I'll get it. :(
I did get the Canterbury baselayer (hot) but it was only in navy blue and it actually meant to keep you cool not warm. So ok for later on in the year, not just now. I see that another canterbury top has gone into discount. I'll wait until I can use my 10% discount voucher I got for buying the other top from sweatshop. I was told the best brand to go for is Helly Hansen...

Compression

I did manage to go out and get that Canterbury compression top at sweatshop. Except they seem to have a hot and cold version. The hot version keeps you cool, whilst the cold version keeps you warm. Obviously the cold version is the one you want now but guess what it wasn't on special offer.

My weight has dropped to 70kg whilst being ill again. But did manage to go for a little run.

Shops for running kit (UK)

A friend says he is going to do some running in the not to distant future and asked what do I recommend.

Well I got a pair of Kalenji "Isolate 4000" tights before Christmas at Decathlon. I really should have got that corresponding long-sleeved top. Looking at their site tonight, they have got some sales prices but they are still quite dear but I have been to the store and seen the quality.

Another place, I would recommend is Sweatshop and they currently got a huge sale on. For instance, there's a compression top that is half price that I am going to go after.

JJB Sports may be another place to consider but there doesn't look to be any sale on atm even in January. This is not to be confused with JD Sports whose selection leaves a lot to be desired. Lilywhites have gone down the discount route but their running items are surprisingly dear.