A little run

Went for a gentle run this morning. It was punctuated by walking - not least so I could safely negotiate the traffic and give fellow pavement people plenty of room. In the past I'd go out before or after the commute but I got the urge at eight today and felt I should strike while the iron was red hot. It was good. Stats: 1.7 miles; no idea of time.

Six minutes is better than no minutes

This weekend, I'm staying with a friend in the beautiful Northamptonshire countryside. As I discovered on a previous visit, it's the perfect place to run, littered with chocolate box villages and friendly locals who all shout 'hello' whether you like it or not. Which makes my rubbish outing this morning all the more bewildering. I set off intending to run to the next village, then pop into the shop on the way home. Unfortunately, I never really 'got into it'. Which meant I 'got out of it' at the earliest opportunity. And it was a very early opportunity. At 6 minutes and 17 seconds I was running. At 6 minutes and 18 seconds I was perusing the Sunday papers in the Co-op and contemplating which one to buy. After investing in a box of Nescafe instant cappuccino sachets (I'm no stranger to sophistication!) I pootled home. It was not the most auspicious of runs but I think it was better than nothing. Just.

(Stats: 0.7 miles; 6.17 minutes; 8.58 minute/mile. (Secondary stats that include walking home with papers and shopping: 1.4 miles; 17.32 minutes; 12.31 minute/mile.))

Sunday driver

Today I planned to take my new Garmin Forerunner out for a test drive. Unfortunately, one look at the instruction manual and the plan demanded revision. Even the 'Quick Start' section had my little grey cells heading for the hills (at a pace that was somewhat faster than that managed on the eventual run).

By the time I'd finished fannying around, my motivation had long since departed. I had been considering a Regent's Park extension to the usual jaunt, but that got ditched along with the Garmin. I set off feeling uninspired and it wasn't long before I was home again.

Nothing particularly exciting to report. But, I guess, it is reassuring to think that even on a lacklustre day, I've managed a few miles. I used to go out with a golfer (a proper one, no windmills involved) and he was of the opinion that playing well on a good day was easy. Keeping going on a bad day was the challenge. Wise words. Then again, he also used to snap his golf clubs in half on the back nine. Less wise.

(Stats: 4.18 miles; 45.07; 10.47 minute/mile.)

A gentle jog in the right direction

That gentle jog I mentioned yesterday. Well, I thought about it for 24 hours and I've just been. 3.34 miles in 33.37 minutes. (9.58 minute/mile). Not speedy, but effective. I stopped off to buy some contact lens solution and milk, which necessitated the wearing of a running rucksack (an Osprey Raptor 6). Once I'd tucked in the many, many, many straps and tightened the various belts to suffocation levels, I found it very good. It didn't wriggle about or rub - even when filled with my shopping and Heat magazine. Delighted to report the run has also alleviated some of the painting-related aching that had afflicted my lower limbs and forearms. Running club tomorrow night. Interesting to see if I manage to get round without turning magenta this week.