Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Garmin - friend or foe?

I am sure that anyone who runs with a Garmin will agree that it can really get you down sometimes. On Sunday, I found it almost impossible to run at a reasonable pace. I kept looking at my Garmin to see if I had improved my pace, but no, I just couldn't summon up the energy. Yet yesterday I managed an 8 mile run, with 4 miles at a really good 1/2 marathon pace - my Garmin was most definitely my friend! But why should yesterday's run feel so different to the one on Sunday. I have reflected on my preparation for the two, and in hindsight it is really quite obvious!

Sunday
  1. 13 miles steady(only managed 12)
  2. Evening before - out with friends to Thai restaurant, 3 glasses of wine (at least), late night
  3. Evening meal - Thai sticky rice (not slow-burning like basmati), various shared main dishes, went home still hungry
  4. Breakfast - porridge, nuts and Manuka honey
  5. Conditions - hilly, windy and raining, muddy
  6. No music - chatted to husband (which was good!)

Tuesday

  1. 8 miles with 4 miles at 1/2 marathon pace (7.5 - 8 minute miles)
  2. Evening before - early night, no alcohol
  3. Evening meal - lamb and chickpea stew, greens, fresh homemade seed and nut bread, fruit and a bit of the kids sticky toffee pudding
  4. Breakfast - muesli, natural yoghurt, large crust of above bread with Manuka honey
  5. Weather - no wind and no rain, fairly flat course but still muddy with large puddles
  6. Plugged into ipod - Santana and Bach Goldberg Variations
Well, I suppose there is no comparison. It just goes to show that decent weather, no alcohol and a "go faster" evening meal and breakfast really is worth it. But Saturday evening was such fun....

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

This is exactly what I need, inspiration as to what to give the kids and runner Mark for tea! Have been out and bought the chickpeas to go with the lamb I had in the fridge and was wondering what to do with! I'll have to keep an eye on this blog when I am stuck for ideas!

foodierunner said...

Thanks for that, Julie. Keep posted for some more bright ideas. Saffron rice tomorrow! Kate

annette said...

I am really enjoying reading your blog, Kate, although am not running at the moment because of a sore hip. The recipes sound delicious, wholesome and energy boosting. Can you let us have a recipe for the lamb and chickpea stew or will we have to wait for the book to come out?