Numbers

1.678

That's how many miles my running loop is. (2.7km, if you prefer metric.) I've been running that loop for what seems like forever. I got bored with it over the summer, but apart from a few sojourns into other areas, I've always returned to it. I like its familiarity. I know what times I should be looking at over various stages of the run - 1st bus stop, 2:00; traffic lights, 4:00; grit bin, 5:30; 2nd bus stop, 7:15, cafe, 9:00; 3rd bus stop, 11:15. I know where to push, and where to hold, and where to vary my strides to take advantage of the climbs and dips. I always run in the same direction - otherwise I have to start off the run with a climb, which isn't really my kind of thing.

At 8-min mile pace, I should complete a loop in 13:25. On Thursday, I did the first in 12:00 (7:09 pace) and after a 90-second rest, I did the second in 12:30 (7:27), which I was satisfied with - especially after Tuesday's rubbish run. Weather was 28C/82F. Still, I was stubborn - no one's yet got a glimpse of my bow legs.

This cool morning I did the first in 12:00 and, without rest, did the second in 11:57. 24 minutes, 3.35 miles, run at 7:09 pace - for now, that will suffice.

Weights in the evening. Here's a quick roundup:

Tuesday #7: 3.5 miles, 7:50 per mile
Thursday #8: 2 x loops (12:00, 12:30); total (including rest) 3.5 miles, 26:30
Saturday #9: 2 x loops (12:00, 11:57); total 3.5 miles, 25:30

Have a good weekend!