It is so lovely to be running again in the sun and warmth. I've got a bit of a tan already and just feel so much better about everything when the sun shines.

Yesterday was the usual 5 miler again, breathing still laboured but glorious sunshine so that made me feel good to be out. It is hot and there is a multitude of long-legged flies trying to get into my mouth and eyes as I run. I haven't got quick enough to avoid them yet, maybe I'll end up like the car, splattered with insects. Once again the calf was ok, though a little tight at times. It varies depending of how I alter my running style. If I lean forward a bit the calf feels better, back and it tightens up. I am enjoying doing this Chi type running, it seems to take some of the effort out of it, which can only be good.

I went to the running shop and bought a pair of NikeFree shoes yesterday. I had my first short (1 mile) run in them this morning. I went home and changed into them after 5 miles in my ordingary shoes then did a little run in the Nikes. It felt great. So nice to feel my feet moving around naturally and just like I'd forgotton to change out of my slippers! It says on the instructions that come with them to start using them gradually as our muscles are not used to being worked that way but I was pleased with how it went yesterday and didn't get any aches afterwards.
I have a 5 mile race tomorrow (Sunday) then I will have another run in them on Monday for recovery.

6 miles
1 hour 7.21 minutes
Average pace 11.20
Average HR154
Peak HR180



Wednesday I ran my usual 5 mile route on the road. Nothing unusual to report other than the couple of extra times I had to use my asthma inhaler because of all the pollen/spraying. Heart Rate is higher than it should be and percieved effort is higher because of breathing being such hard work. But it was good to be running and the calf didn't play up so I was relieved about that.

5 miles
Average pace 11.28
56.29 minutes
Average HR154
Peak HR170