Running Update 4th January 2021
Ho Ho Ho it’s a Christmas Update from the beach!
Christmas is the most difficult time to stick to your running and workout plans. Whether it be visiting friends and family, going away on holidays or the excess food, it’s hard to stay on track. However, in spite of these traditions, I still managed to get out and work off some of that Christmas Pud.
A small injury for the period was that I tweaked my back on Christmas Eve. No, it wasn’t loading the hoards of presents into the car for family members (though I don’t think that helped). I did it on a quick run around the local footy oval. That’ll teach me to be exercising when there’s rest and relaxation to be had 😉 It’s strange how these things happen so easily.
As I was struggling to twist and move freely, I changed my training program to include a couple of swim sessions post Christmas. This did the trick. It took a few days to recover but am now back on my feet. I even managed a few holiday runs along the beach.
The ability to adapt your training when you are injured or experiencing discomfort is important. Typically I have found, a small modification to the workload results in a much more rapid recovery.
Listen to your body, it knows you pretty well.
As I am very gradually building back up to previous levels of activity, I’ll continue to include weekly swimming sessions. The benefits I have found for myself are RECOVERY, strength work and for me, relaxation. The coolness of the water is mentally refreshing and tranquil. Of course, I can understand that not everyone may feel that way whilst swimming!
I would encourage others to explore possible cross training types and see if you can find one that provides a similar result. Bike riding, Hiking, Yoga or Kayaking may be the key to unlocking increased relaxation; whilst continuing to build on your fitness at the same time.
Nearing the end of 2020, I was able to reflect on the year and look forward to the year ahead. What a crazy year it’s been! With all the difficulty, hardship and pain that many of us have faced, it’s also important to remain thankful for what we have.
I am thankful for my family, friends and being able to run.
Stay tuned for my 2021 goals post which is to come shortly! Check out my 2021 Upcoming Race Schedule to see what I have planned for 2021 and beyond.
| Date | Type | Surface | Distance | Pace | RPE |
| Sun 3 21 | Run | Concrete | 7.02 km | 5:11 /km | 5 |
| Fri 1 21 | Run | Concrete | 14.02 km | 4:32 /km | 9 |
| Wed 30 20 | Run | Concrete/Sand | 6.02 km | 4:42 /km | 5 |
| Mon 28 20 | Run | Concrete/Sand | 10.02 km | 4:44 /km | 6 |
| Sun 27 20 | Swim | Swim | 2.00 km | 2:03 /100m | 3 |
| Sat 26 20 | Swim | Swim | 2.50 km | 1:50 /100m | 4 |
| Thu 24 20 | Run | Grass | 6.23 km | 4:45 /km | 5 |
| Wed 23 20 | Swim | Swim | 3.00 km | 1:50 /100m | 5 |
| Sun 20 20 | Run | Concrete/Sand | 10.27 km | 5:01 /km | 7 |
| Fri 18 20 | Swim | Swim | 3.00 km | 1:56 /100m | 5 |
| Thu 17 20 | Run | Concrete | 9.01 km | 4:59 /km | 8 |
| Tue 15 20 | Swim | Swim | 3.50 km | 1:53 /100m | 6 |
How have I progressed
- Upped my training distances
- Included some sand running
Stats since last update
- 14 km Swimming
- 62.59 km along local paths, beach and ovals
Check out my 2021 Upcoming Race Schedule to see what I have planned for 2021 and beyond.
