I had a rather busy week last week, getting back to normality with lectures starting again so apologies for not keeping up to date. I started it off with a 10 mile run to Beaumaris and back which went really well. I put Street Horrrsing and Tarot Sport on and let the droning electronics and steady beats propel me along in an almost trance like state. I really love running on Anglesey, especially in the late afternoon sunshine, the scenery just becomes so beautiful and across the bay I watched one of the mountains smoke as some of the shrubland was on fire. I did the 10 miles in an hour and twenty three minutes which I was really pleased with as it was my quickest pace yet for my longest run. My legs were very sore the next day though so I put the running on hold for some other cardio in the gym, doing long sessions on the ergo and bike and then a quick swim to warm down. Later in the week I opted to run to my practical in Menai rather than take the offered lift.
I finally bought some new shoes this week. I did a gait analysis at the gym shop where they video you on a treadmill to establish how your foot falls and whether your ankle over or under pronates, or if you have a neutral tread. Mine was fairly neutral so I tried on a few cushioned trainers that were recommended by the assistant. I opted for the Nike Pegasus with a special insole to absorb even more impact and help my knees. I also bough the Nike+ sensor for my iPod which is great, gives me current information on the run and logs it all on their site when I get back and plug it in. It even comes with a Power Song function to spur you on when you need it most but I've not tried it out yet. I broke the shoes in with a short 4 mile run and they definitely helped, taking the pressure off my knees and giving me quite a bouncy stride. I listened to a mixture of Rage Against The Machine songs.
I did 5 and a half miles this afternoon on a new route that takes me towards the mountains and then back into Bangor along the seafront, all soundtracked by the epic riffs of Maybeshewill. It was a perfectly clear sky so the mountains had an orange tinge to them in the bright sunlight. The air was bitingly cold though. At the bottom of one of the hills was a ford across a small river and I was worried I was going to have to get my new shoes wet until I turned the corner and saw a footbridge. My Nike+ told me I averaged exactly the same pace as Monday so at least I'm being consistent.
It's my 21st tomorrow so having the day off but back to training on Friday and then as of next week I'll be starting to step it up as time is ticking away.