6 photos 6 runs...

Its amazing how a few weeks off can have an affect on your running. Previous to the injury I had picked up at the Banna beast challenge I had been treating myself for shin splints turns out they were small stress fractures. All this combined has meant my running is below what it should be 9 weeks out from the years first half marathon. I'm adding the mileage slowly but the pace I had run many miles to gain has for the most runs deserted me. I have been back at it now for a few weeks the following are the highlights..

The start of the month offered fabulous blue skies. I had to start back running by doing no more than a 5K with each run. It was glorious to be out once more and the natives seem to be enjoying the good weather too.  I felt my foot was weak as I ran the first mile or so, it began to ache so I slowed to a walk. To be honest I was afraid to push it!! After a quick stretch I ran on happy to be able to run.

As I needed to put more miles on my legs, I decided to run after Crossfit.  My legs felt fairly heavy to begin with but as I ran on they began to feel looser now It wasn't the fastest run but my leg didn't ache as much and I felt I had turned a corner. But my pacing was not there I was all over the place fast slow fast slow...no consistency.

A wet Tuesday evening found me at the track after Crossfit, I did a few 100m sprints and 200m sprints. I find the track really does help with increasing the pace, which I need. Also, I find running on tired legs helps with the longer distances. It was raining steadily, John took this picture and told me I was a crazy person!! But I really was desperate to do some running...

The smile was an indication that all was going well. I had finally been able to increase the mileage of my runs and was OK. Still a bit achy but not as achy..The sun was also out once more so an added bonus.. Although not the best running weather, as I just move and have sweat dripping off me. #SweatyBetty. But it does makes every view that bit prettier.

Friday 13th saw 'The Fitz Run' on the board as part of the evenings WOD. The run was from the entrance door up the road pass the Fitzgerald GAA Stadium by 200m and back down again.  As I took off I was running OK not at the speed of my fellow crossfitters. I crossed the road but  I noticed everyone else had not but I carried on and crossed back over further up. I  met everyone coming down against me at around 400m I slowed to a walk confused about the distance and pure habit. I don't know why I thought it was an 800m run rather than a 1.2Km run. I turned ran back down I didn't sprint. I probably should have considering how slow I was... Now I know the run I hope to improve the next time I take it on.

I might be turning a corner as yesterday I ran my best 5k in a few weeks and today I was able to put in a solid 7 miles. Both runs were on the plan but the rain that fell over the last two days meant it wasn't too appealing for running. Living in Ireland I can't use the rain as an excuse not to run although some days I do... The 5K run was just one of those 'yeah I'm having a great time' kind of runs whereas the 7 miles was a slog but not as much as I thought it would be. With todays run it took me 5 miles to ease into the run the last two felt the best and showed on the Garmin.

So over the next month or so, the mileage will increase in preparation for Julys half marathon. Hopefully at a pace that is consistent...