Successfully completed the 10k

I managed to successfully complete the 10k yesterday in a pretty good time for me (50min 51secs).  Results from my Garmin are here and results from the event are here (annoyingly the event didn't record the chip time, but only recorded the gun to finish time).  My wife (running number 248) and father in law (number 569) also completed the event.

As I said elsewhere, I've never been astoundingly quick, but looking at the results was a little bit sobering.  Although I was pleased with my time in the M35-39 age group there were 54 runners and I came 40th.  Looking at about half way up the field, I should be looking at about 47min 30secs, which is a big step up for me but is something to aim for.  Unlike the half marathon though, it was quite a competitive filed with lots of good club runners etc.

It was a good event although the roads weren't shut for all of it and at some points the pavements were busy with pedestrians so it wasn't totally ideal.  I would still look to do it again though.

So, all in all, a good event for me and further proof that I have come back from my injury fairly well with a good time for me. 

I've entered a 10k next week

I've been keeping up the running/stretching combination and have been upping the distance a bit on each occasion I've been out.  This morning I went out for a 5 mile run and the route I did I know very well- it's the Torbay Half marathon route, and also the Torbay 10k route.  I've actually been pretty pleased with my progress over the last few days, so I've decided to enter the 10k next weekend.  Time wise, I'm hoping go go under 55mins, but I'm really just pleased to be able to think that I can enter and complete the event.  A few weeks ago, that really didn't seem possible, so I am pleased.  I feel I need to make sure that I keep up with the stretches and core exercises and see how I get on from there.

Over the last few weeks, I have put a bit of weight.  I'm probably about 3 or 4 pounds over my ideal, so I think my goal is try and get the off again.  I'm struggling with that a bit though as although I'm back at work, my wife (being a teacher) is still off so the temptation of nice meals, BBQs, a cheeky midweek beer or two, cream teas and nice cheese have been hard to resist recently!

First run out with the Garmin, since inury

On Friday, as well as the gym session in the morning, we also went out for a longish walk from Paignton-Brixham and back (via a pub for some liquid refreshment) along the coastal path.  We've done this a few times over the years and it is really nice walk, so we thought we'd do it again on Friday which was the last "official" day of my 2-week holiday.  Thinking back over the last 10-weeks I have come a long way as even 4 or 5 weeks ago that walk wouldn't have been possible.

After a few drinks and meal with friends yesterday, I decided that if I felt okay this morning, I would go out for a short, slow two mile run.  I'm pleased to say that I managed it with no niggles, although it is really shocking how quickly/easily the fitness reduces.  10-weeks ago I would have easily done that in 16mins (more like 14mins if I was pushing myself) but today it took me 17.5mins and I did struggle.  I'm really glad I went out though, and I do feel I am on the road to recovery.  Before and after the run, I did plenty of stretching too.  It isn't a particularly awe-inspiring route, but the details are here

I do have a hospital appointment in a few weeks as I've been referred to a hip specialist as my Physio discharged me.  I'll keep up with the light training until then and see how I get on.

Back from hols...

....and to the gym today.

I was hoping to be able to go out for my first run in nearly 10 weeks(!!) since my injury.  I'm pleased to say that I managed the one mile that I had planned and I felt okay.  The idea was just to try and jog around with no pain, and I managed that.  Before and after the jog I did plenty of stretching, and finished off the hour session in the gym doing some walking on a steep incline.

So, all in all a good session, but I'll know more tomorrow.  If I wake up with no issues, I can consider the session a success.

A few days away in France (and the GBBF)

Having been on holiday in France for a week, followed by a day in London at the Great British Beer Festival (http://gbbf.camra.org.uk/home), I haven't done that much in the way of exercise.  However, the holiday was fantastic and it was really good to get away from work for a few days.  Last year, we did a train journey through France (Lille and Dijon), Switzerland (Lausanne and Lucerne), Germany (Stuttgart) and Belgium (Brussels).  We really enjoyed the holiday and travelling by train is efficient and stress free so we decided to do a smaller version and visited Dijon and Annecy.

We went to Dijon last year and it is a great place to visit in the Burgandy region.  The food and drink are fantastic and there are a lot of restaurants etc.  This year, as well as relaxing and taking in the centre of the town, we decided to take a walk out to the man made lake (Lake Kir) and have a wander around.

After three nights in Dijon, we took the train Annecy (via Paris).  We chose Annecy as we had discovered that it is pretty similar to Lucerne, which we visited last year.  Lucerne is one of our favourite places, but it is fairly expensive so we were hoping that Annecy would be similar but a bit cheaper.  Our hotel was about 10mins walk from the train station and just a couple of mins walk to the 'old town'.

Lac Annecy

Again, there were a lot of bars and restaurants and what makes it similar to Lucerne is that it is situated on a lake (Lac Annecy).  There is lots going on or near the lake with street artists and performers, boat trips, beaches, cycle routes and an nice path that was used by a large number of runners (making me feel slightly guilty for not being able to run!).  A couple of highlights for me were hiring a speedboat on the lake and also going for a swim in the lake.  I took the opportunity to go swimming twice, the second time before breakfast on our final day.  It really is stunning and refreshing and sets you up for the whole day.

The final stop off was the Great British Beer Festival in London.  I'm a card carrying CAMRA member and ale drinker, but have never been to the years biggest beer festival.l so I'm really glad to have gone.  According to the site, there were over 1000 ales, ciders and perrys along with some really nice traditional food.  I'm hoping to be able to go again, although it hasn't done much for my training regime!

Anyway, very much hoping to go back to Annecy and the Beer Fest and I'm very much aware I need to get back into my exercise now I'm back from holiday  In fact, I'm hoping to go to the gym later today....