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!