On Monday I took the opportunity to warm up (and down) with the athletes I coach at the track. My niggley hamstring strikes again so 'protect and serve' is in operation.
Tuesday is track night for me and I took my new racing shoes for a try out. Sadly they were not what I hoped and a rethink is required, a word of advise if you don't feel the love when you purchase new running shoes then you should look to take them back to the shop. Fortunately I get mine from Sweatshop and this should not be a problem as they have a super 30 day return policy.
I took to the streets on Wednesday for my now regular feature of a carbon-neutral commute to work. I take largely the same route as I drive ( once spring is in full swing I can switch to the Rochdale Canal) and this week I mused about the ambience of what in effect a dull run.
Firstly in the opening mile there is 'Stinky Hill' which is a steep downhill that is a real test on the way home! Stinky you might ask? There is a sewerage farm along side that reminds you of the effect 10,000 people can have on the local environment!!!
The next smell I come across is the Sarsons factory, they are famous for making vinegar and trust me any sleepiness that was around disappears once that vapour hits your lungs. They have recently painted the fence and the smell of paint on metal fences takes me straight back to my childhood. It must have been when they re-painted the school fences at the end of summer ready for the September term.
Not long after Sarsons I sometimes catch the brewing stage of lager at J.W. Lees. Being a tee-total-er the smell of booze is not a massive favourite, especially when the hops are being used as the smell is like Ovaltine on steroids! The other week nearly knocking me sick :s
From them to work the worst of all is smog from all the cars, buses and trucks... not nice. A recent development is a huge bakery on regenerated land near to my office, now the aroma of baking bread I challenge you to to deny that is one of the greatest smells... ever.
On Thursday I took my running group to do a recce run of the Littleborough 5K route. This will be the first public race for may of them and hopefully now they will be more confident about the Vera Hirst 5K on the 30th March.
Friday was not a good running experience for me, the cold that has been all about my head this week finally travelled to my chest. So I hit plan B for the journey home and my wife graciously picked me up from work
Parkrun
Last week John Mayall of Rochdale Harriers was present at Oldham parkrun, had a great run and has featured our event on his very good website racemaps.org.uk (Link added to my page).
You can see his write up at the following address
http://www.racemaps.org.uk/alexandrapark/oldhamparkrun.htm
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| Copyright (C) John Mayall 2011 |
This weeks PB was no doubt helped by the expertly fitted Asics at Sweatshop!
I kept this pace pretty much all the round in an effort to practice keeping a steady pace... important when racing of course.
It was the nicest day of the year so far, my only crime was not to take a picture whilst taking a 30 second break at the War Memorial, I took a long swig from my drink instead!
You can see my run at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/71536618
Next week I hope to be taking part in the Dentdale run 14 miles and 379 yards... of hills
- Have a great running week
Mark K
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