It's Becoming Difficult to Take a Rest Day...

After twelve workouts, at various intensities, in two weeks I decided on a rest day. My legs felt a bit stiff this morning. They've eased but don't feel fully eased this evening. After yesterday's bike session, which didn't seem like it pushed me hard enough, I feel like another FTP increase is ready for the taking. Provided my legs feel fully refreshed tomorrow then I shall be going for it on the Zwift. If they still feel a bit heavy, then it'll be some sort of recovery 'run'. Either way, it's getting hard to pull a rest day. I know, I know, the body needs time off to rebuild the muscle tissue and all that jazz but I'm so keen to keep the momentum going I don't want to miss a day.

A Full Weeks Training

Overall, it's been a good weeks training. Today's reps felt a bit easier than I thought they would so I need to make sure I set myself targets that will push me. On the plus side, the data is still showing improvement, so things are still heading in the right direction.

And They Were Feeling Fresher Today...

The legs, that is. Yesterday's recovery walk did the trick and that led to today's session with my longest intervals to date. Nine 600's off a 200m recovery. I felt pretty good and at no point did my calves feel tight - which is another first of late. The pace is still not great, but it was my longest session distance to date.

Never has the philosopher Joni Mitchell's proverb, "you don't know what you've got till it's gone" felt more profound. For the first time in probably ten years have I really found the motivation to return. I've had many false starts during that time, where I wanted to get fitter without really feeling the same desire that I had twenty years ago, when it all began.

I can't yet predict when I'm going to be ready to stand on that start line, but never will it feel more satisfying when I do...

Legs Still a Bit Tired...

So I've been continuing with the training. Little by little increasing the duration and/or intensity - or both! It's still pitiful but I'm pleased with my progress. My FTP on the bike took another increase a few days ago and my treadmill sessions are seeing more running and less walking - apart from today.

I almost snuck in a rest day as my legs are feeling tired, heavy and a bit sore in places but instead I did a fast walk on the treadmill with a couple of faster 100m's at the end. The final 100m effort was my fastest since finding iron strength....

Today's session didn't put much strain on things so hopefully, my pegs will be feeling a bit better tomorrow - and I feel much the better from having walked fast rather than surfed the sofa. I've not planned tomorrow's training. I'll see how things are before deciding whether to ride the bike or pound the treadmill....

Legs a Bit Tired

I've been continuing to build the sessions this week with a couple of runs and a ride. I was definitely feeling it in the legs for today's third run of the week. Yesterday I had a decent effort up the Alp du Zwift. I'm nowhere near having the fitness to make the summit but it was a good effort, rewarding me with another FTP increase. Have to see how the legs feel tomorrow...

Little By Little

I've been sticking with the run/walk repetitions on the treadmill and have started to slowly increase the duration of the run interval. I've also been closely monitoring my 'body battery' to make sure I'm not going at it over zealously. I am keen to crack on but equally aware not to tip the balance and slip backwards. I can see it's going to be a journey of a thousand miles, but I've most definitely taken those first few steps.

I am so looking forward to what will be the magical moment when I'm able to return to fell running - I will be over the moon to come last - because to be last means I will have made it back.

Where's the Spinach?

Things are still headed in the right direction but I'm definitely starting from a very low point. All the data - have I ever said, I love data - is showing improvement. Stress levels are dropping, resting heart rate is dropping (from a somewhat high level), body battery is on the up, sleep quality is improving, and the mysterious cycling FTP has increased for the third time out of four Zwifts. It is all very lowly but I'm so pleased I can see that light at the end of the tunnel - albeit a very long tunnel...

A Long Long Time....

So, I've been out of the running game for a long time. For well over a year, I haven't been able to run. Even climbing the stairs was hard work. Turns out the human body needs a bit of haemoglobin to function. After a couple of weeks on vitamin D3, K2 and iron supplementation and I've been able to run a session on the treadmill at pacing beyond what could be classed walking. It has been a long time and it felt bloody great!

Longest Time Without a Post

Over a month is a new record for non-posting. It's fair to there hasn't been a lot to post about. Training is as hit and miss as ever, although I am managing to get out for a few 'longer', hillier walks. My fitness is still really piss poor but I'm hoping I'll find some motivation from somewhere to kick it up a notch. Although, it probably needs to crank up five or six notches...

Scorchio

Well that was a couple of scorching days! Couldn't face running in this heat so I headed out for a pair of walks instead. I really should have taken a drink with me though as I cramped a little bit towards the end of my walk yesterday.

Having learnt nothing from yesterday and my caffs already feeling sore, I completely forgot to take a drink with me today either, and again, just started to cramp as I headed back into the village. Despite only walking, the combined 20k felt like it was worth it as my legs are feeling heavy right now.

I Enjoyed That

Another outing back to the mountains. This time as a marshal for the Four Fans Fell Race, check point two, Fan Llia. I made a short walk of it rather than just heading straight up from the road junction, parking at the forest car park and walking up the ridge. Bonus feature was that the car park was fully opened. Last time I was there it was blocked off with mounds of rubble and I thought it was yet another forest car park closed but no, it was back fully open. Bonus. I took my tent up but didn't need it. Stayed dry throughout which was second bonus of the day. Then, with all 28 runners through the summit, it was the return trip back down.

Just About Made It Back from the Hills...

With the forecast showing scorchio, I headed out early - and I'm thankful I did. I was out on the hill awhile and by the time I was heading back down it was getting crispy out there but I'm getting ahead of things.

I set the MapRun app going and headed to the start. With a beep I was off. Five minutes later I was puffing like a right old bastard. It was a steep start. Then another five minutes later and I was getting confused by the difference of the way markings as compared to the map. All turned out right in the end and eventually I made it onto the hill proper and from there the navigation was more to my liking.

Not gonna lie, it was hard going. The up was a slog but thankfully I was accurate with the nav and didn't waste any energy dillying - I wasted a shit tonne dallying mind, my legs didn't have the power nor my lungs the puff. I was bloody knackered by the time I got to the top ridge. Thankfully, that was all the ascent done and dusted and from there I was able to enjoy the views as I ploddled along - another good made-up word there!

As I neared the finish, I met a few fellow MapRunners heading out. Definitely glad I started early as it was going to be crispy for those poor souls. All in all, a grand morning out...

Heading Back to the Hills...

...It's been years. Okay, not quite, as I marshalled (poorly) at December's Blorenge race. This will be the first time I've "competed" in an event. I'm quite looking forward to a bit of random hill walking at Cwmdu East....

Took it easy on the treadmill today after a slightly more effortuitous - now, I definitely made that word up - jog/walk yesterday in the forest.

So Unfit

God, I am so unfit. It's all been a bit hit and miss of late. I found the weeks and weeks of pants weather really demotivating. Now we've hit a spell of better stuff I'm hoping to find some motivation. Base fitness is through the floor. With lockdown loosening I'm looking to get back to the mountains, but I'm worried it'll kill me. I've decided to fit in a few hillier walks before I attempt next week's Cwmdu East MapCrawl