Motivation

Had a great run on Tuesday, it was a tempo run as usual, all felt good even after a full day in work.  It was yet another confidence builder for the 45mins, all being well with a clear run it's possible, borderline but possible.

Oddly and for the first time in ages I had a niggle after Tuesday's run, it just felt like a bit of a pulled muscle, I didn't feel it whilst running.  So, I just did an easy one on Tuesday, it all felt fine.  I have noticed that my legs feel more tired whilst running when taking it easy than when running faster.  I've done a few searches on the Runners World forums and there're a lot of posts regarding the same thing but no explanations.  At least I'm not alone (or imagining it).

I couldn't get motivated on Friday so I ran on Saturday morning (the forecast was better for Saturday too).  I did a great route, up through Sunnyhurst woods then back through Tockholes.  At the top of Sunnyhurst woods the path was so steep I had to walk!  Looking at my GPS readout when I got home it appears to be a 25-40% incline.  The target is to be able to run that by the end of the year.

Then yesterday (Sunday) I really wasn't up for it.  I headed out planning to do 10 miles as that's a bit more palatable.  However, when I started off it dawned on me, it's times like this that make you a runner - when you don't want to do it but do it anyway.  So I did my full 26k, in a good time too.  There's no way I can train for a marathon without getting out there when I'd really rather not.  My reward was a pub lunch, a couple of pints and Liverpool winning 3-0.