First run in 2012

After a week of procrastinations and really poor weather, I finally took the plunge and went running. I think 21st November was the last time I was out! This really was the epitome of my running calendar for 2011 so 2012 MUST improve!

The forecast for Saturday was sunny and wind, so I promised myself that come-what-may, I definitely would go out running, and opportunity presented itself in fine form when Rab Edgar phoned asking me to accompany him on a run. It really was windy, and somewhat cold, so I wore my mizuno tights, my new birthday long-sleeve top, new birthday windbreaker and the wee beanie hat. Brand new birthday Nike socks never been worn too. As an aside, I took along the Garmin 310XT as well, seeing how I finally took the plunge and bought the replacement ANT stick for the one I lost. It meant I could upload the November data onto the computer also! After £40 to replace it, I better keep better track of this one!

Wearing hat, gloves and the windbreaker, it wasn't too cold out there. Waiting for the Garmin to find a satellite was a bit chilly, but once we got started things were fine. Having the wind in your face was tiring but occasionally I got the wind at my back and it was great! We started on Lincoln Ave together, got to Anniesland Road then to Southbrae. That was the last I saw of Rab! My left hamstring was tight the first mile, and the cold air was not helping my lungs. I kept going, onto the track alongside Scotstoun Leisure Centre, down to Dumbarton Rd. and then into Victoria park, right around the park and along to Victoria Park Drive, Danes Drive and alongside the Leisure centre again. Just past there on Danes Dr, I reached the the 5 K mark and stopped the Garmin and stated walking. 31:13. Not bad for a first run.

All this while, I'd set the RunKeeper app on my Nokia phone. It is really inaccurate and looks like I run zigzags the whole way. I kept it running till I got home. I measured the route on Google at about 4.1 miles. RunKeepr showed over 4.8 miles, but of course the plot line read zigzaggy lines the whole way! I might just give up on RK for Symbian... It is such a waste of time!

Today is the day after and I am quite stiff and sore in thighs and calfs. I'll try to go for a leisurely cycle if the weather isn't too bad later on. Anything to loosen me up.

Anyway, I now have mileage on the clock for 2012. Last year I only managed about 198 miles so an easy target to beat!

Greg's outdoor adventures: New Year and resolutions

Greg's outdoor adventures: New Year and resolutions: I've never been big on new year resolutions, and where I have made them I didn't last very long. outdoor adventures was a motivational tool...

New Year and resolutions

I've never been big on new year resolutions, and where I have made them I didn't last very long. outdoor adventures was a motivational tool I devised las year when I was really struggling to get out and do anything. 2010 was good in many ways (I did a few 5k, 10k races and managed my first two ever half marathons). From then on, it went all downhill. A rest after half number two led to a too-long layover into late winter 2011, and ever attempt to raise my game after that led to dismal failure. Two 10ks and both circa 1:06 times.... A good 10 mins off PB time. The latest setback was losing the dongle for my Garmin... Can't record what I don't run though can I? The single highlight was 10k number two that was in San Diego on 4th July! So anyway, new year resolutions.... I endeavour to exercise a Minimum of once a week. From there, I really want to get back to being able to run 10 k at least. Four miles was the furthest I ran in the whole of 2011! I was starting to enjoy my cycling, and getting Storm was anther highlight of 2011... So getting back in the saddle and increasing my endurance on the bike would be great too. I really hoped my dongle would show up if I just stopped looking for it. It will probably show up after I knuckle down and spend the £30+ to replace it! RunKeeper on the nokia has so far been a dismal failure, bt one use and several failed uses is not enough for a definitive view on it... Try and try again? It may work next time! Anyway, I will order a new dongle today and maybe find the old one tomorrow! Here's hoping! I need to find scales that work, as I fear that I have put on loads of weight in 2011. Maybe knowing the weight will be a motivating factor in getting fit again! So hopefully 2012 will see more adventures including running, cycling, hill walking and fell running. Hope to make this blog a more regular feature in the next 52 weeks....