The start of a new 5km training plan had me both excited and nervous.
I was most certainly looking forward to the new challenge and variety but a part of me wondered how I would cope with the increased miles. The first week alone would see me clocking up a record distance.
Feeling that I have built a decent sort of foundation to do this kind of plan, I see it as a step in the right direction if I want to run a better 5km.
The week started on Tuesday with a 5km easy run which I ran on a new course that I had plotted on Strava, it included one short, but steep hill which found me out a little. It prompted me to work on my hill running technique which was much needed.
Wednesday was a fun session. Having come from a sporting background that involves more speed and interval work, I enjoy those type of sessions. This week included 5 x 400’s at a mile pace. The break in between is the time it takes you to walk or jog 400 metres. I mainly walked but will make sure it is a jog in future sessions to gain maximum benefit.
Thursday’s run was another 5km easy run, I deliberately designed a route with a couple of decent inclines in it. After reading up on hill technique, I was keen to try it.
I am happy to report it went extra well. I concentrated on a point at eye level and not on the top of the hill, I also increased my arm cadence to help my legs keep going. I am now enjoying the hills (I never thought I would say that).
After a rest day Friday, it was to be another easy 5km on Saturday. I was unable to partake in Parkrun as I couldn’t hang around long enough.
I did manage to get there for a little bit and enjoy one of my other favourite things, photography. Here is a link to my shots from the Sandon Point Parkrun #88 - Sandon Point Parkrun #88 Photos.
I chose to run that very Parkrun course later in the evening as my 5km easy run. I registered a 30:54 effort. Way outside my PR of 27:55 but it was only a “conversational pace” type run.
I am finding the task of finishing a 5km run to be nowhere near as daunting as it was six weeks ago. I enjoy it and am always looking forward to the next one.
On Saturday morning I flew to Melbourne which will be my home for the next three weeks where I am working at the Australian Tennis Open.
Despite some days at work being very long, I cannot wait to tackle some unfamiliar surroundings and new courses. I also plan to try and run a couple of Parkruns and also have my eye on one or two fun runs as well while I am there.
My first run was an 8km easy run on a route that I basically made as I went along. I warmed up from near where I am staying in Collingwood and started my 8km near Victoria Park at a place called Dights Falls.
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A sunset run by the Yarra River. |
Following a cycle path, I wound my way along the Yarra River and crossed it with a nice little step workout in the middle of the run. It was then a beautiful sunset trundle up some nice hills where I turned around and headed back to finish at Victoria Park, the home of the Collingwood Magpies AFL team.
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Running along the banks of the Yarra. |
It is actually said that the name of the club was inspired by the magpies from Dights Falls (well so Wikipedia says).
I carried an old GoPro camera on the run and shot a few pics while I was moving, they are the ones you see on this blog.
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The gates at Victoria Park |
I will definitely be revisiting that route if I get the chance.
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Sunset through the posts, Victoria Park |
Next week will see a very similar pattern with the only change being a 30 minute tempo run in place of the 5 x 400’s. I cannot wait to get into it.
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