What happened?
Jan27201010:42 p.m.
There are some things about technology that just defy common sense. On Monday I do a short run that involves three loops round an estate while my son has his piano lesson. I have done this most Mondays since October when I have been fit and doing it with Mr Garmin, every time I have done it each lap has measured at 1.86k. Every time. Every lap. Until Monday. OK, so I can’t be sure that a small earthquake didn’t hit northern Andover, I wasn’t aware of a chink in the time space continuum that Dr Who inhabits, but on Monday each lap was 1.6km. The thought never crossed my mind for the first lap – just thought the little buzzer for the mile was a bit later than usual and gosh I seem slightly slower, so I kept the pace up for the second lap. The buzzer went off a bit late in the second lap as well and under the streetlights I started – or tried – to pay it some attention. Trouble is, in the dark with cold hands and only streetlights to go by you can’t really be sure. Pushed hard again on the third lap and got back to the parked car. In the comfort the car’s lights I see the problem. I KNOW I have run 5.5k but old Mr Garmin says, “Sorry mate, you might have done your best but tonight I’m just giving you a 5.1k”. My thoughts are unprintable.
Anyway, I’ve put it down as 5.5k and it was 18 seconds faster than the previous Monday.
Tonight was back at the gym. Interval time. 4 minutes at 9.2 kph then 4 mins at 12.2 kph. For 5 miles (8k). Just over 46 minutes – at 9:13 per mile. Needless to say I was glowing slightly after such exertion.
The 1000mile challenge is going well. If I can manage a good long run at the weekend, I will have clocked 78.5 miles for the month which included a week out for snow, and I will end the month just 4 miles down on the target.
Keep plodding on - Spring will be here soon!
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Comments (8)
Muffs 'Brilliant stuf for this month and well on the way for that 1000 miles. Maybe you should join me on an ultra. That will boost your miles. But seriously i'm going to have a test run along bits of the South Downs Way. Do you fancy joining me? Nothing serious just a casual plod taking in the sights so I don't get lost.' added 27th Jan 2010
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Skye_Trekker 'My Garmin does the same from time to time, I've been told it's possibly due to a poor signal.... Technology, huh. However sometimes when I run with RB2 although the 'finish' time will be the same often the 'distance run' varies - my total has been up to half a mile different from hers, and of course it's her total that's higher..! ' added 28th Jan 2010
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klebe 'Maybe you are just running too fast and the garmin can't keep up with you !! It's certainly going to make the 1000 mile challenge harder if it keeps stealing mileage from you !! Still, you are just about back on target despite the snow, pretty impressive all round if you ask me.' added 28th Jan 2010
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michael_h 'It's very annoying when that happens, isn't it? I had a similar experience last year - suddenly, I was running much quicker but in reality 1 mile had suddenly become about 0.95 of a mile! It really throws you, especially when your doing tempo runs or intervals. Still going well for you, Malcolm. Nearly 80 miles for the month is excellent!' added 28th Jan 2010
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Way_Too_Slow 'Don't you just love technology!! Good going for your 1000 mile challenge. Things are looking good so far!' added 28th Jan 2010
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Hola 'Matt's suggestion sounds good as a way to boost your mileage. You've had a great month despite the weather set backs. I think you're tiring Mr Garmin out. Now, if it was female of course...' added 28th Jan 2010
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Account_closed 'I wish I could afford a Garmin to have trouble with. *Pouts*' added 30th Jan 2010
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eclipse 'Thats a great monthly figure, well done.' added 30th Jan 2010
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