Park Run No.2

Determined to improve my running so with news that Alan ran last week I wanted to keep him company this time. Also he'd very generously offered a lift in his car. Fool that I am cycling seemed a nice idea when I saw how mild and still it was this morning.

Off down the Welsh Road, overtaken by chap on a rode bike, so I peeled off at the canal and went along the tow path - beautiful. Could have done without the chain falling off a few times got there in time to greet first Sue Tawney, walking her dog, then Alan and Gareth, walking from the car. Phew, Alan's new trainers looked fast! Just time to lock up the bike, strip off tracksuit etc and it was time for the sponsor's announcements.

Blooming Well Done Gareth - 10 times T-shirt winner!!!
Start of Run - set off a bit faster as there was no Alex to keep company. Hit the hill and it hurt more, certainly not up as fast as last time. The next 3km took forever but by the finish it looked like I should have been more than 1 min faster than last time.

Couldn't fix bike but got some good advice about heating and cooling the spring to re-set it!

Roll on next week with Dave

Birthday Pressie - Garmin

Caroline came up trumps yesterday morning as I unwrapped my presents. Alex had got me a chocolate orange and Katie a tin of shortbread but best by far was the Garmin 500 GPS bike computer. It's charged up and ready to go. With sailing tomorrow it'll be the Monday commute before it's first outing. Then I'll start exploring the capabilities...

Run training - Park Run - in at the deep end

Knowing that running is my weak spot I'm determined to focus on it. So a couple of weeks ago I registered on the Park Run website - very simple and free!

Last week I failed miserably to haul myself out of bed early enough but this week I did. It helped having Alan round on Fri night so I could cadge a lift. His calf injury has meant lots of volunteering but no running. Gareth's quick - helped I'm sure by the new shoes.

This morning Alex got a bit of a shock when I told him he was coming along too. Thanks Alan for the lift. And it was a very nice atmosphere with all ages and abilities. Come along and give it a go - very motivating, or maybe that's just me. Hot drinks after good too.