I’m running ok… for NOW!

 

I’m not sure why I like taking pictures of my trainers when I’m about to start my run… but I do! Anyway so this is my first post on this blog for two years. I’m running well at the moment. For the last two to three months, I have been consistently running ten kilometres plus at least three times per week which is more reflective of the runner I would like to be. That runner is the pre 2014 me. I feel positive about my running. I’m a bit slow for my liking but I’m building the miles which, at the moment, is much more important than times. 

I have discovered a series of trails that have the right about of undulations to test me but at the same time are still manageable. I even ran 37 miles last week which I am very happy with as even during my peak running years would be a decent weekly amount. I cannot comprehend how much better I feel when I’m in the habit of running a decent distance regularly. It’s a real achievement for me to get back into this distance as I had fallen into running much shorter distances around my estate in the last few years. 

Predictably though, recently I have felt my calves getting tighter. I have several options to fix this though. Regular foam rolling- this will be fine once I build the habit. Secondly, I am due a new pair of trainers that will hopefully offer me the support I need. 

I don’t want to leave the above and then end up getting injured just when I am enjoying my running the most. That would be a real pity! Especially when I’m well on my way to achieving my revised target of 500 miles run for the year! 

Steven is an alcohol free runner and has run 307 miles so far in 2024. Follow him on X @sober_ste

Runstreak Day 4!

The running geek’s runstreak has reached day 4! 

Follow me on Twitter @sober_ste

 I am really trying to take advantage of the six week summer break to make some head way towards my challenge of walking or running 1000 miles in the year of 2022.  

I have so far managed to do 549 miles so far and we are just into August, which means I have nigh on 5 months to do 451 miles. This equates to approximately 3 miles per day. 

This is the reason I’m trying to get ahead now because from September to December, trying to squeeze in 3 miles per day will be a tough feat. 

As for my embryonic runstreak, I am up to day 4. Doesn’t sound much but I’m glad to be running on a daily basis- sometimes 2 or 3 times daily as I jog behind my little boy who is like lightning on his balance bike! 

Here he is above on the aforementioned balance bike! I’m wondering how long it will be before he is on a full pedal bike?! 

Here are some wild fruits I managed to photograph on my run

Training vest is… GONE

So if you have read my previous two posts you’ll know my trials and tribulations with my training vest! 

Basically it restricts my breathing on my runs- so much so that I’ve had to stop 3 or 4 times whilst only doing a short three mile run… not good! 

So, the only option I felt that was open to me was to run au naturelle- or simply without the vest. 

This presents a couple of problems. How do I carry my phone? How do I carry my key? 

The answer was simple, yet not ideal. I put my phone in my pocket… but it was jingling about everywhere which was annoying. Then I simply had to hold my key. Again annoying. 

As for the vestless run- yes my breathing WAS easier, but it was still tough! Maybe I have to accept that I need to work on my fitness a little more! 

So where one problem is solved- the running vest is permanently ditched… another problem of what to do with my possessions presents itself! 

Will I ever win?! 

This is a picture I took on my run. It’s my car 🚗