RUN 192 - Running out of patience

Saw my osteopath again last week, waited 3/4 days before running, kinda expected to be all cured, but there is still tension, i need more time, its definitely getting better, but its killing me not getting out running.  I need to fix my bike and keep active while this heals, nothing keeps my attention like running does, thats something i need to work on in the future too, i need to compliment my running with other core and cross training, im not a gym person though, i think i'll look for a class the wife and i can do together.  I have so much more i want to achieve.

[low tide, i should lower my expectations too]

Run 191 - High tide & High Confidence

My first run after a week of niggling back pain, i never felt as strong as i did today, partly my desire to get back out there, and partly the new running shows my wife bought me.  These are absolutely the best shoes i've ever had (Brooks Adrenaline GTS10) ... ive been wearing these Brooks since the GTS7, and these are by far the best.  Theres so much support and theyre so light, cushioning through the midsole and the front of the foot too, cant wait to race in these! (oh and i'll be seing a chiropractor in the next couple of weeks, after which ive resolved to give more attention to core training, im unbearable when im not running!)

 

[High tide along the Putney embankment]

RUN 192 - So much to learn; the pursuit of truth

I guess after 190 runs blogged there IS still more to learn, this journey to discover what running is to me and understand it's value may never end, or maybe, as I'm beginning to realise, the truth of any matter only reveals itself when it's over (you never know what you've got till it's gone) in which case I hope I never find out. The best we can do is recognize those people and pastimes which bring us joy, persue them with vigor and know that our lives are richer for it.

[Fulham Football Ground]

RUN 190 - New shoes & nowhere to go

Full of excitement for new shoes, full of pain in my lower back after weeks of building tension (need a new mattress) can't run, not happy.  Will see what tomorrow brings.

[new shoes, nowhere to run]

RUN 189 - The wrong back-pack

Ok, so i guess i might have spoken too soon, runners do suffer from equipment failures too... although the real failure was in mine.  Should have just taken the camel-pak, but i didn't want to carry it in addition to my work bag, so had to run with one strap over my next and the bag under my arm.  Yes it slowed me down, but i had the time, and i choose not to be too obsessive about my training schedule; every run is a good run.  Got changed in the (really quite nice!) toilets at Picadilly tube, from Picadilly across Green Park, past Buckingham Palace and towards Fulham, got directions to the Kings road home a nice lady and plodded on, bag under arm.  Full of confidence and determination i arrived home in the perfect mood to plow through a pile of paperwork and bills that needed attention.  [didnt wait for the Garmin to track the satellite, so no info today!]

[Running from the hustle & bustle home]

RUN 188 - Man-power 1 : Pedal-power 0

Monday is usually a cross train day for me, cycled the 10 miles across London to work this morning, feeling energized and ready to start a busy week. Began the ride home; a little later than I’d hoped… made it about 1.5miles and blew a tire, no pump, no tools, no chance to fix it. I’m sure you can’t take a bike on the bus, and I couldn’t see myself dragging the bike underground into the sweaty tube, so I ran. That’s what I love most about running, and why I’m not interested in cycling; cycling needs too much stuff, there’s too much between my body and the endeavor. Except for social conventions, I could run home naked if I wanted to, it’s the most honest and natural expression of fitness and endurance (swimming’s a close second!) Its true, I wasn’t prepared; I had no pump, no tools etc and a more experienced cyclist would have been back on the saddle in 20 minutes I’m sure. But you know what, running that bike the final 8 miles home, I would estimate I was passed by 50-100 such people, who must wonder why I’m running 07:30/m miles pushing a bike along the pavement; not one offered any assistance. In my experience, runners have a greater sense of camaraderie which today only went to prove. So if you’re a cyclist too, and encounter someone in need, lend a hand, you might need one too one day.  [8.5m - 01:05:10 - 07:38/m]

[The offending bicycle tire, not looking as flat as it is]

RUN 187 - A New Commute

We’ve moved again, closer to the city, and a quarter mile from the river, my run routes just got a new lease of life, and now work is under 10 miles from home across the city, close enough for me to consider running to work a few days a week as part of my schedule. Ran the route home for the first time, got a little lost, felt a little slow but ran steady, there are options for me to shorten the run route too, throw in a bus, train or river boat, even one of Boris’ bikes and I should be able to at least run home each day, or at least move my long runs into the work week, shorter runs to the weekend and free up some more time to spend with my wife. Although im missing my coastal runs now, must sign up for the Endurancelife 2010 series, also looking at Loch Ness, Normandie, Norway ‘midnight sun run’ and a few others too for the 2010/2011 season, ill update my schedule in the next week or so. [8.72m - 01:14:01 - 08:29/m]

[Londons new cycle network goes live]

RUN 186 - Me and my Garmin

Just like every other run I turned my Garmin on before changing, then walked out the door and forgot it.  My instant reaction was fear, that i wouldn't know how well i was running, and that i might get les out of the time i was about to spend.  That was of course untrue, just as it has been each of the other times i've forgotten my watch, or if the battery has run out on a long run.  For me, the assessment of each run adds to my enjoyment and evaluation of each runs worth, the danger is that i come up short; maybe not enough distance, or not quick enough.  Its definitely an extra layer of the high i get, validation that i have done a good job! but do i need it? o think i do.  That's not to say i didn't enjoy running without the Garmin, and perhaps theres value in the occasional watch free run, but maybe thats because i know my body well enough now to know if im feeling strong, running hard, pushing myself or taking it too easy.  I know i can run at a 7, 8 or 9 minute mile without the watch, but maybe thats not it.  I look for interesting places to run, its a chance to experience more of the world around me, but thats only at most half of whats happening.  What im doing is more about me, my body and my abilities, which is why i dont listen to music, i want to connect with my body and listen to its needs, my garmin helps me understand more about how im performing, and thats why im going to charge her up right now, ready for tomorrow!

    

    [Sun setting over the River Thames]

RUN 185 - You're stronger than you'll likely ever know

If theres one thing running has taught me its that I have much more potential than i'll probably ever know how to release.  When i don't run i get anxious, i'm afraid of loosing momentum, i don't ever want to hear myself say "oh yeah, i used to be a runner, i ran a bunch of marathons" i suppose i'm afraid of failure.  That fear motivates me, experience shows that i grow stronger and stronger, while a week off running gives a physical break, my mind seems to continue training, often when i doubt myself most is the time i prove to have made the most progress.  Today, a strong run out through Fulham Palace Gardens, across Putney Bridge past the University rowing clubs, and a fast strong return leg.[3.69m - 26:22 - 07:08/m]

[River Thames & the University Rowing Clubs at Putney]

RUN 184 - Sometimes you just have to MAKE time

There are days when it seems there is just too much to do, no time for everything, something has to give; sometimes it just is the morning run.  There are days when thats ok, and others when the opportunity exists for something special, something out of the ordinary, and you simply have to make time.  Like today, i'm in a wedding, in a city with miles of near perfect lakeside running track; and the chance to run with a good friend and catch up for a few miles together.  Throw in a movie set (Transformers 3) and it makes the effort thoroughly worth while.  So why not everyday?

[Helicopter filming Transformers 3 on Michigan Avenue!]