Week 18, Day 5

AAAHHHHHH, no time already!

It's been a busy busy week, so much so that hardly had time to even consider running!

But I went on Monday, and ran a forced fartlek type of route; the son was with me so when he was within sight I could slow down but when he was out of view (he was on his scooter on the cycling path, and it sometimes branches away) I had to run faster just to make sure I could see him again soon. Such hard work. Anyway, managed a better run than last Monday's and at the end, like Opus noticed, when you run slower it's not as tortuous because the last 10 minutes or so, had to really slow down to come alongside the now pulled-along scooter. SIGH.

Today (Friday) I drove to Bedok Reservoir again. Decided that I really need to run somewhere where I could determine the distance. Ran 1 round (4.3km) plus 1km, then doubled back. So, total of 6.3 km. urgh. I was being overtaken by everyone! The fat old men with high socks and tucked-in tops, the extremely fit canoeists, ah sohs, etc. Sob.

Used Vaseline for today's run, on previously chafed area. Worked like a charm.

Week 17: Days 5 & 7

Ran on Friday - did only 3km cos i was feeling lazy. Decided to run "faster"... even though i don't know how much "faster" my "faster" really was. I have actually little to no recollection of this run by now. Running makes you lose your memory.

Today (day 7) I ran on the treadmill (better blog about it before i forget!). Normally I don't like treadmills but I guess one good thing about it was that it forces you to keep to a pace. So I ran at a slow pace - 7:30, which is really slow. (You get an F for your 2.4 if you run at this pace!) But, I've decided, this is a realistic pace for me in order to do 10k. Yeesh. Managed to run 45min which was about 6k. I was a gross, sweaty mess by then but you know the weird thing? I wasn't really panting hard by the time i was done. I was just really, really sweaty. Um.

Oh oh oh! And get this - chafing!! The inside of my right upper arm (just under my armpit) was chafing against my tanktop! Ahhh.. and it started burning even after a mere 2k! And for the rest of the run the sweat would burn it, and I would have to hold my right arm out like a chicken. Aaah. Vaseline!!!

Week 17: Day 4

Groaaaan. I played tennis today, which was good. But I felt really unfit. Was panting a lot. Cos I haven't been running!! Argh!

Week 17, Day 3

Urgh, ran on Monday and it almost killed me. Went to the beach and tried running my usual 4+ km route and maybe add to that... Ran to the halfway point, and found that I had to stop. Was so out of breath and legs so leaden! Walked most of the way back, with some half baked attempts to run (the spots where the grasscutters were at work so I don't hold them up too much).

Today, hit the treadmill. As mentioned by Opus, these machines do not run over 30 minutes, even when you set your goal as 40 minutes. Had to stop and try to run on the spot and toggle with the buttons, very awkward if you can imagine. Ran a little over 5k in the end, and that took about 37 minutes and all my resolve.

Week 16: Day 7

Ran my 6k route today. It was tough-going, really tough. Felt tired almost the whole way and it was a mental struggle to keep pushing. In the end I made it, but only barely. I was really going at a pathetic plodding speed - the sort of speed where you're basically walking. But with more effort.

And, earlier in the day I bought some Vaseline! Yup. My brother bought some too after I insisted he was going to need it if he was going to run the marathon (which he is, in December). And I also got mocked mercilessly for having chafed while running 5k. Hmph. Some people chafe more than others, ok.

Week 16: Day 3

runningstitch is right! I'm not fat! I have er... high glycogen stores. Carbo loading! Note to self: more candy and soda = good.

Ran on the treadmill today cos it was rainy out on the west side in the evening. Decided to run 40 mins and found out that treadmills only go to 30 mins. Huh. I guess that makes sense... so I had to set 10 extra minutes after my 30 min run (after asking - while panting, sweating and looking decidedly unglam - the other gym user if he wanted to use the treadmill. I probably scared him into saying no.)

Ran about 5.35 k (only!!) in 40 mins. Got a long way to go, man, a long way...

Week 16, Day 3

Ran today - beach. Was nice and windy, post-rain. Puddles everywhere, though.

From today's run I discovered:

(1) Mornings are a good time to run;
(2) I run better to slower music. Fast tempos get me to run faster and harder, but unsustainable. Today I ran while listening to Christmas music and carols;
(3) I can overtake some walking people (woohoo!);
(4) Eating, but in a small portion, before running is a good idea;
(5) I need a bigger towel.

It was crowded at the beach! Is everyone training for the marathon too? Or no one insane enough to run after 10am like I usually have to? Ran about 5km, taking 37 minutes. Gaaaaah.

Read article in SGRunners website about nutrition for running. This jelly thing has been corroborated! Honestly, I was quite skeptical at first.

Must google on doing weights training....

Played tennis yesterday too! Was fun, and weather was good.

Need a nap now.

Week 15, Day 6: Back to Running!

Finally! I dare say - it felt good! At least in the beginning...

I did a roughly 6k route today, and it was all going nicely along in the beginning. I even felt like I had missed running (after not having run for 2 weeks!! Ack.) The first 2k was nice. Then from 3k onwards, I started getting crabby. Then at 4.5k I totally peng san'ed. And the rest of the way was a walk/jog home. Sigh.

Here's the thing: it took me like 50 mins! How does the maths work out?? It doesn't! How can I do 6k in 50 mins... it makes me feel like I'm either running farther than I think, or the GE5k run was a less-than-5k bluff to boost our self-confidence. Ha!

Anyway, I shall now declare my goal for the 10K: 1 hour 10 mins. I know, "unrealistic" is my middle name. My other middle name is "mm zai si".

Week 15, Day 6

Did nothing whatsoever this week for exercise. Except my hands, which feel incredibly carpal-tunneled from all that cutting and pasting. Boo.

Have been so, so exhausted! My heart fills with dread whenever I think of 7 December. And I try not to think about it at all. Though I still do anyway. SIGH.

OH WAIT!! I played tennis yesterday. That was fun. Maybe that's why I didn't think of it as exercise at first.

Week 15? Day 4?

Finally did something today - played tennis, yay! I was terribly out of shape. AND I think I've put on weight again!! What the...?!

It felt good to exercise. Another long day tomorrow, so no running, but will run on Saturday.

Week whatever: It's all gone pear-shaped

Aiigh. I haven't exercised one bit since my 5k!! Ack ack ack. No running, no tennis!

I've actually been feeling a bit sick since the run - sort of a weird congestion in my lungs and today it finally feels like it might be moving up to my throat. Been working really long days and not sleeping enough, so that hasn't helped.

I'm done for. The 10K is going to be "fun run" for me - i.e. involves walking.

Week 14 actually, Days 5, 6 & 7

Day 5

Tennis, yay! Rejoiced that met services was proven wrong, and it was a great day for outdoors! Tennis lesson with kids, had 2 rounds and that was invigorating.

Days 6 & 7

Lounged around, eating ice cream and for dinner tonight, ribeye steak panfried in butter .... mmmm. How to knit a circle??