Running Outside

Out mid morning today to avoid the forecasted rain. Back in my shorts and top today with it being on the mild side. Windy again of course, just about in my face all the way to the top end of Marine Lake. Not the fastest of times today (and when I locate my watch I’ll tell you what it was) but I’m happy enough with an 11k’er ….closing in my 1000km target for the year now.

It’s evening now (and nearly pub time!) and my legs are really sore to touch so I guess I must’ve worked at it earlier today.

Stats to come

Start:
Duration:
Distance:11.00 km
Ave speed:

Long overdue I’d say though Sarah would say otherwise - a fresh batch of totally ace homemade flapjacks!

This batch were not long out of the oven this afternoon and were a bit too hot for a taste test. Had one (okay, it was two, but they were small ones) with a cup of tea last night and they were spot on.

Makes up for getting soaked earlier.

Went out this lunchtime and got soaked on my Riversdale Rd loop. It was somewhat grey with a bit that fine rain before I set off but it turned to proper rain by the time I was on the beach. Tad windy too for good measure.
Not surprisingly there weren’t any dog walkers out today, just a few twitchers (bird watchers) stood in the rain with their telescopes. We exchanged knowing smiles… yes, we must be mad.

On the plus side my new trainers didn’t seem to absorb too much water and I was pleased with myself for venturing out in weather I’m too keen on.

Start:13:31
Duration:40:48 (bit on the slow side)
Distance:8.28
Ave speed:12.18

643 kcal

HRmax=188/ave=167

Trudging my way down Stanley Road toward Red Rocks, I’m thinking that I’m making hard work of it today. Got a few yards away from the end of the road and thought nah, not into it today, lets go home.

So that’s what I did. I have days like that now and then when I’m just not into it and today I let my mind talk me out of it. I can always go out another day.

Start:13:11
Duration:25.46
Distance:5.51
Ave speed:12.83

396 kcal

HRmax=172/ave=165

Went out this morning with Graham for a not too strenuous run. In fact I was feeling so casual I didn’t even time it. Besides, Graham didn’t fancy anything too strenuous. Chris, you’re out next week okay?

Up to Market Street and along to Hoylake train station. Crossing was down so over the steps and then along the Cinder path to West Kirby. Cut through by Orrysdale Rd School, over the footbridge and then head home. Back along the prom for the view.

It’s about 6 and bit km and I’d do a map only I can’t be arsed just right now as I’m too busy finishing things off that should’ve been finished ages ago.

Well that was a cold afternoon! Only about 2 or 3 degrees this afternoon when I popped out for a quick run before tea. My head was cold - it won’t be long before I’ll be plonking a tea cosy on my head.

Another one of those not as fast as it felt runs in the dark. Just did down to Red Rocks and back but only just managed to sneak inside 26 mins.

Start:
Duration:25.51
Distance:5.51
Ave speed:12.79

399 kcal

HRmax=171/ave=165

Not a great deal to mention about todays run around my Riversdale Rd circuit.

So that’s that then.

Start:13:28
Duration:40:03
Distance:8.28
Ave speed:12.40

632 kcal

HRmax=176/ave=168

A classic mis-heard lyric there! Topical too as I’ve been eating (lots of) trifle this weekend and was listening to The Jam on my run today. I know, I know, I do lead such an exciting life.

And a right grotty old day it was too! Cool, damp, windy with slate grey skies. Managed to make myself run around my Riversdale Rd circuit. Headwind on the way home which is unusual. Back home for a shower and a heart warming salad (mmmm). But no more trifle.

Start:13:04
Duration:39:17
Distance:8.28
Ave speed:12.65

636 kcal

HRmax=212/ave=174 …polar was playing up today. Think the chest transmitter thingy needs a new battery.

Not often you get the chance to just run in one direction to home. Mrs C. dropped me off opposite Mere Lane in Heswall where I did a quick, discreet change into my gear and ran for home. Simple route of head for Church Farm, down Thurstatson Hill to Caldy Crossroads, turn left, get to The Wirral Way, plod along that to West Kirby and then home via the good old prom. Oh here’s a map! Not too bad at nearly 12k, longest run for in a bit.

Saw a fox on the Wirral Way… aah!

Start: 13:07
Duration:56:10
Distance:11.71km
Ave speed:12.51

857 kcal

HRmax=173/ave=164

I’m intending to start doing more stuff with this old running blog of mine - including kit reviews (not that I buy much gear… running is cheap after all). In techie blogs, kit unboxings and reviews are common place. For example, Matt Cutts, the public face of google search has recently posted about a new $200 Everex PC. So, I think it’s time the running world followed suit!

I recently (October) bought some new running shoes - a long overdue purchase since I’d been in my last pair of Nikes since January and I think I’d squashed the life out of them. After some quick research I went for a pair of ASICS Gel Stratus Lightning (Mexicali) shoes.…

Lets open them up:

A nice looking running shoe:

A pair of Ascis Gel Stratus:

Snazzy looking, gel cushioned sole. No idea what AHAR means!

The heel view:

Lace and tongue:

I’ve been running in the shoes for about a month now. I guess I haven’t ran more than about 10 or 11k in a single session in them but I find them really comfortable. According to the blurb:

The ASICS GEL Cushioning System has the ability to absorb shock by dissipating vertical impact and dispersing it into a horizontal plane.

…which is handy for a 13+ stone chap like me.

Weighing in at about 700g a shoe (for UK size 10) I find them quite a light shoe. As with lots of running shoes the material uppers won’t keep your feet dry for long if it’s wet out.

I’ll post an update when I’ve completed a longer run in them. It’ll be interesting to see how my toe tips fair in them.