Marathon Virgin by hashbridge

Really good week overall. Two more five mile runs on the same new route, and although the first was hard and my ipod packed up on the second, I didn't stop once and could've definitely done more.

I've realised that the reason I find some runs so much harder than others is because some days I spend almost entirely sat on my arse. The research I'm doing for my Masters thesis keeps me sat in front of the computer or at a big pile of books for hours every day, and even though I've eaten well and stretched properly before running, I really feel the difference. On days where I haven't at least gone for a walk to the shops my body just doesn't want to know - the pains in my shoulders are worse, my legs feel tighter, and I get abdominal muscle pain from being sat down all day. But no more! From now on any run day is also a going-for-a-wander-at-least day.

So Tuesday night was the last lazy arse day before a run, and I still managed the full five miles in the usual fifty minutes. I almost stopped several times, not from tiredness but from muscles complaining, but kept on and was pleased to keep going till the end.

And tonight - after a day of proper out and about work - despite the torrential downpour I dragged myself out for a run, foolishly thinking the rain might ease off. It didn't. In fact, after about a mile it began to get steadily worse until I don't think I've ever been so wet in my life. Kept going, with only minor shoulder problems, until my ipod drowned about half way through and I thought I might have a struggle. Surprisingly, I didn't, and going through my exciting dissertation topic in my head kept my mind off the run until I realised I'd pretty much done it.

Definitely had enough left for another mile, and after four consistent five mile runs in a row in the last week, I am very confident that I can run further. Next week will see me go for the big six feeling full of beans.