Saturday 30 October 2010

Saturday Seven

OK, well it is now apparent why I was so tired all day Thursday, just could not get going and felt knackered the whole time. Wasn't just end-of-week syndrome, I have obviously picked up some ghastly bug or other as I woke up in the early hours of Friday morning sick as a dog (pardon the expression, Jasper)

I was due to do a little 3 miler but it was all I could do to lift my head off the pillow really, so that was out of the question. Not at all good. I did manage to get up later in the day and make a quick trip to Tesco for some supplies, however bad you feel, you can't do without certain things and loo roll is top of that list!

Drove past Father Christmas on his bike - still not entirely sure about that one - and returned home straight back to my bed.

So today I have woken up feeling somewhat trampled, but I think I'm okay. Got a bit of a bad head and feel a bit floppy but I am hoping I can manage the seven miles that I have planned. If not, I'll have to give it a go tomorrow instead.



Well, with hindsight it was more than a little ambitious. Don't think I even managed half a mile and now I feel ten times worse. Sigh.

I obviously need time to let myself recover from whatever the heck I have had, or indeed, still have. Well, at least Jasper will get walked, I think I can manage that.

So thats it for this weeks plan, I will not reschedule the 7 miler for tomorrow, I think it's best to just leave it and continue from where I am. That will mean I am looking at my next run being a 3 miler on Monday, by which time I hope to be fighting fit again.

I hate being poorly.

Thursday 28 October 2010

Late night with Joe McBain

Just a three miler, but I had no time before work to get this in so it had to be a late nighter. Never mind, still time to watch The Apprentice and have a glass of vino!

PS Note to Nic, when I say I'm gonna do something - I do it! :-)

Monday 25 October 2010

Golf Course Circuit

A four miler on the cards tonight, and as this is an easy week I should be feeling nicely rested, and indeed I am. September and early October were pretty tiring on the old legs and I was feeling like I could use a little easing off.

So, a circuit of the Golf Course it is. Trudged up School Brow, boy it's hard work that hill - good job it is only short, and then I was away. Felt like I was nipping on a bit more on the last mile, and the Garmin agrees with me. I thoroughly enjoyed this run. To be properly rested and know an easy week lies ahead is nice :-)

The new shoes felt great, when I first pulled them on I was struck by their stiffness in the upper, but once I stepped out I pretty much forgot them. All is good!

Here's the map...

Saturday 23 October 2010

Joe McBain three miler

Well, I still don't know who the heck this fella is, but I have sent a few emails enquiring so if I get any helpful replies, I'll let you know. In the meantime he is a good bloke to run to and fro for a three mile outing!



This one was the first run with my new GT 2150's and crikey, what a difference. I was very aware of the new shoes from start to finish, not sure yet if that is a good thing or bad, but time will tell I'm sure. My initial thoughts were that they certainly are more supportive than the 1140's. Feel as if they sit higher around the ankle and the heel, although I know they have lowered the heel on this model. They felt cushioned without feeling too spongy, and offered plenty of arch support.

My ankle that I hurt two weeks ago was definitely aware that I had a change of shoe - every impact with the ground I could feel it here, but it felt like a corrective twinge rather than a damaging one, if you know how I mean. It wasn't painful, just making it's presence known really. I imagine this is simply down to the control the new shoes offer, whereas I was probably over pronating in the old ones.

Didn't need the head torch or any reflective gear today as the new shoes were enough to dazzle the man in the moon.

Oh, and it was daylight anyway :)

Friday 22 October 2010

Shopping time!

 Since squeezing the last bit of wear from my Asics on The Great North Run a month ago, I have been wearing a previously underused pair of New Balance shoes. They had a fair few miles left in them, but they were shelved after I realised that I had a slight over pronation going on that had led to a knee issue a while back.


ASICS GT-2150

Using an orthotic with the NB's has been okay for the past few weeks but I have just ordered a new pair of Asics GT 2150's which should hopefully land tomorrow.

I should have done this sooner, but was left in no doubt that the NB's were not up to the job when I pulled on the effectively discarded old Asics to walk Jasper and was stunned at how much I could feel the support they afforded, even in their burned out state. Obviously this highlighted how little support the NB's are giving me, so out came the bank card!

Of course, now I have the frustration of waiting for them to arrive, but there are only two little short runs to complete this week, so I'm sure I will survive.

Decided to use the Asics for the required run today. Four miles today in an icy wind. Brrr. The wind is quite a common feature here, by virtue of the fact that I am running on a moor overlooking the Irish Sea. Bound to be breezy from time to time. On the plus side, you get some cracking views... sometimes, but not today! Couldn't really see much of anything through the pouring rain actually.


Tuesday 19 October 2010

Four Miler

Had a longer than intended day at work and was dead beat when I got home. Decided to reverse my normal after work routine and had some dinner first and then took Jasper out, leaving my run to last job.

Felt great running, but had an attack of runners trots - probably the dinner - and had to stop briefly. Still, the plan required 4 miles and that's what we got, and I got to play with the Petzl again. Still very impressed with it!

The ankle is a little grumbly, but strapping has been dispensed with and it feels strong, so I'm happy. Here's the map.

Sunday 17 October 2010

Six Miler

This weeks 'long run' is a six miler. Seems a tiddler after the half marathons and yet I did feel a little tired. I decided to do my normal four mile route and just detour off it for a mile to make up to six. In the event I forgot to start the Garmin, so it has not recorded the first couple of miles. I think I was still asleep after a bit of a late night!

Despite the tiredness I was pleased that I managed to dig in and keep going up School Brow. You can see from my heart rate that I wasn't enjoying that bit! Easy week ahead to recover and so my next long run is not for two weeks when I have a seven to do. I'll try to remember to set the watch that time!!

Friday 15 October 2010

Petzl Tikka Plus 2 Head Torch

Waited until it was fully dark before venturing out this evening as I wanted to test drive my new head torch. After much consideration I felt the Petzl Tikka Plus 2 should suit my requirements, so tonight was my opportunity to test it out.


A three miler is on the plan for today, so up the road and back it is. Good ol' Joe McBain - dunno who he is (or was) but judging by other street names in Whitehaven he was probably a famous socialist or somesuch. I must see if I can find out.... anyway, Joe McBain and back is about three miles and much of that route is unlit in any way, so a fair test is on the cards.

The torch is powered by three AAA batteries and when I first started running with it I was very conscious of the weight of the thing on my forehead bouncing around, but don't misunderstand - there actually was no bouncing at all, just that it took me a little while to get used to the feel of the thing. The fit against my head was very comfortable, in fact, and the elastic headband is wide enough to fit snugly without having the oppressive feel of a sweat headband. It wasn't too hot to wear either.

The torch felt totally secure and I really didn't notice the feel of it after the first five minutes.

Operation is simple. One button on the top of the lamp does everything. It's a good sized button that needs a firm push, so to operate it requires you to hold the torch at the bottom too. No trouble in operating it at all, even on the go.


The lamp has a ratchet swivel to allow you to adjust the direction of the beam. Plastic on plastic, but it appears to be pretty hard-wearing so I imagine it would last even with extensive use. Stiff enough to not move about uninvited, but not too stiff to make it tricky to position.

This model is rated as having a brightness of 50 lumens and a throw of 35m. I reckoned that would suffice. I have to say, if I were on a bike I would want more than this, but for running it seemed to be fine. The field of vision afforded by the illumination is as good as my eyes would manage anyway, and the main beam lights up a width of a fair sized footpath. As for the length of the beam - I took myself and the lamp up a farm access to assess this across the fields and I would reckon that I was lighting up to about 100ft. There were a lot of various coloured eyes that I picked up out there, I can tell you!!

This head torch offers a simple set of options. High intensity white light, normal intensity white light, high intensity white flasher, steady red light, flashing red light. Changing modes is simple, as I said earlier, all done on the one button. And the lamp 'remembers' what function you last used so if you turn it off while it is on red flasher, that's what it will come on as when you switch on again. I think that has to be considered an essential function really, but not all head torches do that.

Overall, I was more impressed with it than I expected to be. I felt far safer running along knowing that I could see where I was stepping, and I was blinded by far fewer car headlights, presumably because they were able to see me sooner? I was wearing all my usual night time running clobber, so no other change there.

I did feel that I looked a bit of a twit, but then I reminded myself that it was dark and no-one could see me. Heh heh.

Would I recommend this torch? Yes, I would. There are probably other makes which are good, but Petzl have a good name, they offer a 3 year warranty and the price suited. I would not recommend going for a lower specification than this one in any case, maybe the next one up for running if you want to spend a few more quid, but I personally think a higher brightness rating would leave me worrying that I would dazzle people! Yes, I felt a little more comfortable with this on, despite feeling that I looked like a dalek and I will be happy to take it on all my dark runs. Even through streetlit areas the whiteness of the lamp made the ground much easier to see than this stupid orange we are all bathed in.

In a nutshell....
Get one.

Thursday 14 October 2010

200 Sit-up Challenge

Before I went to bed last night I reviewed my training plan to see how many miles I am supposed to run today, and seeing it was just 3 I resolved that today is the day to tackle the 'final test' in the 200 sit-up challenge. I have followed the programme conscientiously so there is no reason why I shouldn't be able to do 200 in one go....

I always find it helpful to have a clear picture of what is expected of me before I go to sleep the previous night. I think it helps my mind to prepare myself for whatever it is - not just with running and stuff but I guess with everything really.

Anyway, I tackled the Sit-up challenge first thing. Decided to count down from 200 rather than up as I was a bit concerned that as I started to tire hearing those big numbers would just make me feel more tired. It seemed to work although I have to say the last 6 or 7 were a bit shaky!! Actually it wasn't as hard as I thought it might be. After a while you sort of get into it and go into autopilot, even daydreaming a little. Yep, honestly! Anyway, I've done it now so I have to think about what is the plan to maintain this. Should I do 200 every other day or something like that? I guess that wouldn't be a bad idea. I'll see.

Next up, time to get that 3 miler in. the usual trip up the road and back does the job nicely, and I am getting into the 4 mile 'round the golf course' route too, but I need to start planning ahead and devising some longer routes for the coming weeks. It's okay for my days off, but on work days I don't really want to waste time travelling so need to plan some runs in this area.

Wednesday 13 October 2010

Golf Course Circuit

The training plan said 3 miles, but 4 would have kept me level with Diane on our Fab 40 womens challenge for October, so I did another of these! Heh heh.

Surprisingly I had terrific ankle trouble initially, but I stopped and adjusted the strapping and lacing on my shoe and after that it was absolutely fine.

Phew!

Tuesday 12 October 2010

Golf Course Circuit

Back to work today after a rather nice ten days off. I was getting used to being a lady of leisure and Jasper was loving it too! Ah well, apparently there is an unclaimed jackpot prize on the lottery from the weekend - where the heck did I put that ticket, y'never know....

Yes you do. Sigh. So back to work it was, and also down to business in the running stakes. The only other event this year that I have to come is the 10k in December, which is no great shakes, so the real task is to concentrate on building up my distance and strength and getting this ankle better.

It held up very well on Sunday, although there was a fair degree of pain, and throughout today it has been bothering me pretty badly, but I have kept it strapped for support and it's not been too bad at all really.


First few steps on my run tonight were very uncomfortable, but once it had loosened up it was okay. Not perfect, but okay. Did a circuit of the Golf Course as this is about 4 miles. It was very foggy up on this hill, and consequently not at all cold, despite having been a pretty shivery day. All in all an enjoyable run, you always feel good after a long run and then a day of rest.

I did consider that I should rest the ankle, but having taken advice, I am happy that it will be okay as long as I am sensible. Uh, me? Sensible? Well, it could happen.

Y'never know.

Yes you do.

Sunday 10 October 2010

Great Cumbrian Run 2010

Yesterday I spent the majority of the day with my feet up. Particularly my right one, as this is the one with the troublesome ankle. And I was so cross with myself for having twisted it within days of the half marathon.

So, this morning as I hopped out of bed I was immediately reminded of the injury and came downstairs feeling somewhat miserable. I  really wasn't sure if I would be able to run at all, let alone complete 13.1 miles. Made some strong coffee and some toast for breakfast and switched on the laptop to check the weather forecast for Carlisle. No change, they are still saying it will be warm and sunny. Ok.

It can be as warm and sunny as it likes, but if I can't run then what's the point in even going? Quick read of my emails.... oh.

I have a message from my dear friend Michele telling me that she has had to pull out of a half marathon that she had planned, and wishing me well. That was what I needed. Of course I can make it, I thought. I know that if the ankle is supported adequately I should not do any more damage, and it may well hurt but I can take painkillers if need be.

Off I go then. This event is one big mental block for me really. I took part last year and I cannot express how much I hated it. To be fair, the weather was appalling - rain is okay, but it was accompanied by strong wind that seemed to be in your face however many corners you turned and it was just - well, 'orrible. But I had promised it one more chance and this was to be it. I knew if I didn't manage it today I would never enter it again and I wanted to like it, if only because it is local. So the ankle gave me the perfect excuse to not take part, but thanks to Michele I did not play the 'injured' card and instead decided to tackle it.


I had switched off the auto-lap feature on the Garmin (can't remember why now) and so it has not recorded the mile splits which is a shame as that provides a good picture of how it actually went.

Having studied last years data, however, I knew that the first half is up and the second half is down - well, pretty much! Without that foreknowledge last year, I think I just went out too fast, so this year I decided that if I needed to take a breather it should be in the first half and not in the second! It was a simple enough strategy, and it kind of worked.

The ankle was really hurting for the first two or three miles and then I got used to it. It wasn't worsening so I just accepted it and trudged on as best I could. I walked bits here and there but, hey, I got round.

It's always great to see the villagers out cheering you on, really makes it a special day, but what a shame that the people of Carlisle aren't more interested. It's their half marathon after all. There were about 2000 runners, so it's not a tiny tinpot affair anymore.

Coming back in to Carlisle sooner than I expected felt nice, and realising there were less than 3 miles to go I felt pretty strong and was pleased, but the last mile seems to last for at least two - I think they need to remeasure it! Oh it's a killer, and the finish is on the track at the Sheep Mount Stadium and suddenly running on the nice squishy athletics track after 13 miles of pounding the tarmac really feels wierd. I remember last year thinking I was gonna fall over on it, and it was just the same today.

Stopped the Garmin as I crossed the mat, so I reckon the time is accurate.

Sure I could have done better. I could have run without wimping out on some of the hilly bits, and I could have gone faster but who cares. I have done away with this demon, and with a sprained ankle too! I'm pleased, and I will definitely enter it again. I think the main difference was simply being more aware of the course beforehand really.

So it's now several hours after the run, and the ankle feels fine - well, no worse than it was yesterday. My main concern is toes AGAIN and a bit of chafing in one or two places. Particularly unpleasant is my belly button! I think this is where I have the scar from the op I had in the summer. I have googled and I conclude that the best treatment for this is a well earned beer.

Cheers.

PS. Thanks Michele. You really did make the difference.

Friday 8 October 2010

Last run before the next half.

During the Coniston run I was talking to a fella, discussing various Garmin models actually, and he said he does a bit of Triathlon - I told him I'm okay on a bike but rubbish at swimming, which is an understatement! Anyway, it reminded me of a time at school during swimming lessons when the teacher said that he thought I would make a lot more progress through the water if I didn't wiggle at the waist so much. It occurs to me that I do this a bit when I am running too, particularly once I am tired. And I think the same applies, I would certainly use less energy if I didn't do that. I'll try to be more aware of it I think.


Also, while I think on, I did say that the toe I hurt in Newcastle was fine - and it is, but what is interesting is that this morning it has gone really black. That's three weeks since I hurt it almost. Up til now it has been discoloured, but not like it is this morning. Strange. To be honest, I'm just happy the pain has gone, it was really giving me grief. Hope I don't set it off again on Sunday!


So to today, and a nice firm plan of action, thank goodness! Another circuit from home through Moresby Parks and back, should be just over 4 miles. This is going to be the last run before the Great Cumbrian Run on Sunday.



But even the best laid plans can go up the swanny, as this morning. Got up onto the top and a shooting pain that started in my ankle and ended somewhere in oblivion brought me to an abrupt stop. Ouch doesn't cover it. I stopped, adjusted my shoes, manipulated the ankle a bit and gently went on, but before long I realised that with every step it was getting more and more painful so I elected to stop before it forced me to again. Really unhappy about this and no idea what the problem is, but walking back I decided to do a quick blip on the indoor bike to make me feel better about it all.


It never ceases to amaze me just how much this makes me sweat!! And the plan worked, felt a lot less miserable after this, but the ankle is throbbing quite a bit now so I have taken some aspirin and will give it lots of TLC. I'm sure it can't be anything major, so if I look after it, hopefully it will hold up for the weekend. I have pineapple and I know how to use it!!

No more runs planned til Sunday anyway, so I shall spend some time checking my training plan for the coming weeks, so that I don't have any further dramas over where or how far to run!

I have also been taking a look at my Garmin data for last years Carlisle half, so remind myself of where the hills are. Oh yeah, they're everywhere! lol

Thursday 7 October 2010

Howgate

I had originally intended to do a short run yesterday, but I realised my legs were a bit tired after the weekend and then a fairly long walk with Jasper the previous day, so I decided to leave it on that occasion.

This morning then I was all over the place, no actual plan as to what I was aiming to do today - not good. Had a coffee and considered my options and found myself dithering ridiculously over where to run and how far and oh for goodness sake!


In the end I headed off up the loop road to Howgate thinking I would do a gentle 6 miler, or maybe I should just do 4 today and then... well, this was going through my head all the way, and I just can't run like that. I have found in the past that I need to have an intended distance, at least, in my head before I even put on my shoes, otherwise I ain't gonna make it. And I struggled and everything was wrong, knee twinged (and I don't have a knee problem), calf hurt (and it's fine), had a headache, couldn't hear myself think for traffic. Well, there wasn't that much traffic at all, but I was just on a downer for everything really and all things considered it was a pants run. I stopped partway and did some stretching to try and regain some semblance of sanity, but it was not to be mustered.

My own fault, I really should learn the lesson right here that I can't run like that and should get it right in my mind first. I'm a bit cross with myself really, but there you are.

To make myself feel better I decided to jump into day 2 of the sit-up challenge (week 6). This went much better, you see - a firm plan of what is expected. Even though it was hard, I knew I would manage it. Contrary to seeming like a bit of a wuss, I do have a bit of grit y'know.

Completed the session with a total of 390 sit-ups in total. Also the recovery time between reps reduced today from 60 seconds to 45. I tell you what, I never realised how much difference 15 seconds could make!

So, one more run tomorrow and then a rest day before the Great Cumbrian Run - Carlisle's half marathon. I am trying to think positive about this, and it's hard because I so hated the course last year, but I wanted to give it a second chance before writing it off altogether as a horrible race! Lol - as I said, I need to work on the positive thinking!

Monday 4 October 2010

Golf Course Circuit

After the trail run on Saturday my legs were feeling it a bit, mainly in the quads - probably all that jumping over the rocks on the way down. Today, however, we were itching to get out and run again, and so I wisely spent the day doing all the indoor stuff I had to do, whilst the sun blazed down, and waited for the early evening to arrive.



"I felt like the Green Cross Code Man"

Once I was happy that it was blowing a gale and throwing down enough water to fill the harbour every minute and a half, I headed out. Well, I mean, what a plonker - why on earth I didn't go out sooner I do not know, but I was not willing to allow the weather to be an excuse for passing. It's only a short run anyway, so out came the night time road running kit. I felt like the blinking Green Cross Code Man - but I didn't get hit by any cars so I guess it worked! The is a footpath through Moresby Parks, but other than that little bit, it's road all the way. Uncharacteristically for Cumbria, the roads are pretty wide, so there's plenty of room as long as the drivers can see you!

This is a pretty good little route. It's a little undulating at first and then there is a killer hill past the school, about 2.5 miles round. It really is head down and grit your teeth stuff, but it's short enough to not be too painful. Just a little bit of fun really!

Up onto the top, and in this weather, that is the worst bit - the full brunt of the storm hitting straight in your face. Wow it is well windy up there, and then it's just cruising home for a nice little four and bit miler.

Catching up on the end of last week, I decided to stop messing around and have entered the Edinburgh Marathon. May 22nd is the big day, so I have some serious training to get in over the coming months. Plan stays the same for the remainder of this year - working on the 'base training' ie building up distance and my fitness in general.  So, once the Carlisle Half Marathon is out of the way this weekend, that's gonna be the order of play.

I'm hoping to use the Marathon to raise money for the Alzheimers Society, it will obviously benefit them and as a bonus it will help to keep me motivated. There's a link to the sponsorship pages on the right of this page.

Keep checking in to the blog to make sure I'm not slacking - I am willing to admit that I need all the help I can get with this one - it's a big ask for me la'al legs!

Saturday 2 October 2010

Coniston 15km Trail Challenge

Well, the weather forecast said it would stay dry, but while I was having coffee this morning the heavens opened! Gulp. I took precautions and stuffed a serious waterproof jacket and hat in the car, all the while reminding myself that the weather could quite possibly be totally different in Coniston. It's always tricky running on the fells, you know you're gonna get hot cos of the climbing, but it can very quickly get cold if it's raining hard.

Took a little over an hour to get to the venue. Lovely clear signposts and excellent marshalling at the car park, as I had expected having encountered this lots event management in the past. So I booked in, collected my race number and a cappuccino from 'Bob the Coffee' and then sat in the car passing the time considering whether to switch the Garmin over to kilometres or leave her on miles.

I had made a mental note of key points along the route (ie the steep bits) in miles, so I decided to leave it where it was. Also, psychologically I was only gonna have to run 9.3 instead of 15, so that's obviously a lot shorter isnt it!!?

The weather in Coniston was ideal - lovely sunshine but a cold breeze. Why have I got this jacket in the car?

The elevation map of the course told me that the steepest bit was the first 4 miles, then another shorter incline and then pretty much downhill from there.

Oh ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha. Let me translate that into English for you. Out of the nice flat school playing field and then up the hill to the village and up the hill to the pathway that leads up to the next bit that goes up and then it goes up a bit and then oh yeah, you guessed it, up again. Phew it was seriously steep, and so early on in the route there was no way I was gonna be able to run all the way up it. Did my best, though, but to be fair, it was a bit like the last few miles of the Great North Run - even if you wanted to run, you couldn't for the walkers in front of you!

When the trail levelled out a wee bit it unfortunately narrowed to a single file and this meant that we were literally queuing on the fell side! Bizarre really, but it gave us all chance to get our breath back before managing to get some really great running in - and to enjoy the fab views.


There are several waterfalls alongside the route, particularly this section, and the downpours of yesterday ensured that we were treated to them in full flow. Wonderful.

I was quite surprised to find that when we got to some lovely wider stretches on the downhills that I was zooming past everyone. Obviously my additional weight means that Dr Gravity helps with that, but seriously, it struck me that a lot of people seemed to be scared of running on rocky paths. Why enter this type of race then? Duh.

Of course, while I am zooming away and feeling pretty pleased with myself I trip dodging a walker and nearly went a right purler!! I'm not absolutely sure what part of that bloke I grabbed to steady myself, but I was grateful for it, and he seemed to enjoy it. Thanks - whoever you are, big boy - you saved me a quite nasty fall!

The rocky path then turned into grass. Now this is a different story, that can be very slippery in the wet, but the rains had softened the ground enough that every step sunk in muddily and there were only minor slips on this bit. Again, there were folk trying to run around the streams and boggy bits - for goodness sake - just go through it!! Splosh!

Yeah it's all good fun, but the steepness of the early section was starting to tell and my legs were feeling heavy. It's pretty tiring mentally too, constantly watching your footwork on the rocks as well as on the mud. It's not really anything like road running, that's for sure.

The good news - toe and calf both absolutely fine and the only trouble I had was just tiredness, mainly felt in the hamstrings.

Coming in to the last two miles or so I could picture MUN studying the HR graph but I just couldn't do any more than I did I'm afraid. Latched on to a couple of fellas on the last stretch along the lakeside and back in to the village, and the chat kept me going. Thanks fellas.

And then the pain is all behind you and you're in the queue for Bob the Coffee again, and you're thinking it was bloody murderous, but I LOVED IT!!

Yeah, this time next year I will be fitter and stronger and lighter and it'll be easier. Won't it?

Final words - It was no surprise to meet several folk who I had seen on the previous Lakeland Trails event that I had taken part in - I really can't tell you enough how terrific these events are, if you are within reach of Cumbria anywhen next year then sign up for one, you won't be disappointed!

Friday 1 October 2010

Exhaustion Test!

I am at the end of week 5 of the 200 sit-ups programme and this means it's time for another 'exhaustion test'. This is where you do as many consecutive sit-ups as you can and that determines which level you play at for the following week. As week 6 is supposed to be the final week, you need to complete 75 at least during the test to advance, otherwise you are recommended to redo week 5.

I started to sweat a little when I got to 50, and at 82 it started to hurt a wee bit, but by then I was in the swing of it and in total I did 170 with no stopping, so I reckon I can safely progress to week 6. I confess to being quite pleased with myself!

Trouble is that I am now worrying about what happens when I finish. What is going to motivate me to keep going with it... I mean, it's the progression that is the motivator at the moment. Hmm. I'll have to watch out for that.

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