Rob's Running Blog

5k with a bit of trail, a killer hill, and the killer sun! 32:40

After Sunday’s outing didn’t want to run too far, as knew I would still be recovering from the longest run in a year. Decided to run towards the local woods and take in a bit of scenery on this sunny day. Felt ok at first, especially on the downhill bits of trail, but would pay for the view later going up the big Stockport Road hill – where I did quite a bit of hill work in the last couple of years. This would be my first taste of that hill in quite some time, and it really sapped me, the first part being a sharp, leg-killing inclinde, followed by a gentler, but lengthy upwards slope. Combined with the sun, it really had me wilting, and as I reached the top I was aware my pace was pretty slow, but I plodded on, and felt my legs were starting to complain just a little, so eased down to a stop at the planned 5k without trying any heroics, feeling very hot, but pleased to have negotiated the big hill.

May do a little more hill work in the next two weeks, would be good to have it in my legs for the Great Manchester Run! I don’t really seem to be picking up any speed at the moment, though must try a 5k without hills maybe next week just as a time trial to see if I can closer to 28 than 30, or my 55 target for Manchester is going to remain a pipe dream…