Funnily enough, my legs are actually slightly achy as I type this, but it feels different, no longer the deep-seated fatigue I've had since Belfast. With the Dingle Ultra only 2 weeks away that's definitely A Good Thing! In fact, I've gone from being nervous about that race to all of a sudden really looking forward to it.
I really noticed the difference on Wednesday's run up to Windy Gap; while running up the steep slope itself I could have sworn that it had grown since last week, but actually I ran it half a minute faster than last week without any conscious increase in effort, and in fact the entire run was a good bit faster than any other mountain run for several months.
My weekend DIY job on the HRM front seems to have done the trick, all of a sudden my HR data is usable again. This comes as a relief, I do keep an eye on my numbers, especially when still recovering from my last race. I'm also rather pleased with myself for a job well done for a change. ;)
Unfortunately I had to mess it all up on Wednesday by dropping my Garmin onto the floor as I took it off after the run. That's not exactly the first time I've dropped it, but this time it hit the edge of a metal box on the floor and the screen is badly cracked, as you can see. It still works but there is no way that thing is still waterproof and in the Irish climate that's not a good long-term prospect, so I'd say I'm very much on borrowed time with that gadget all of a sudden. It was on its way out already as the battery had clearly started deteriorating recently and I've had my eye on a Suunto Ambit 2 anyway, it just means I'll have to get my credit card out a little bit sooner than expected.- 18 Aug
- 10 miles, 1:20:47, 8:05 pace, HR 137
- 19 Aug
- 10+ miles, 1:19:56, 7:57 pace, HR 139
- 20 Aug
- 10.8 miles, 1:32:18, 8:33 pace, HR 146
- Windy Gap
- 21 Aug
- 10 miles, 1:20:08, 8:01 pace, HR 137
If you can hold off for a bit the Suunto Ambit 2 will drop again in price (or maybe it has already) as the Suunto Ambit 3 is due out in autumn. I am making my Garmin last as long as possible also.
ReplyDeleteThanks Richard, I'll hold off and hope that the watch survives a few rainy runs. I know about the Ambit 3; I came across an online shop where you can already order it: http://www.fitnessdigital.ie/running-54-c.html?ct=114&search=suunto+ambit
DeleteAlternatively you could go for the 910XT which is around 240 quid on Amazon but if heart already set on Suunto then I would understand. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Garmin-Forerunner-910XT-GPS-Watch/dp/B005SPCJ74/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1408700459&sr=8-2&keywords=garmin+910xt
Deletewhat mileage is on the garmin??
ReplyDeleteI bought it second-hand on ebay early in 2012; I must have done well over 8000 miles with it :)
DeleteI know what you mean about proclaiming to have turned the corner... Still, enjoying your running and looking forward to that ultra are clear signs of recovery:) Have a good race, with or without the bloody Garmin!
ReplyDeleteStick some clear contact over it and you'll get a few more miles out of it. Saw an ad for the 910xt yesterday - about $370. Does many things I don't need, but I like the barametric altimeter function.
ReplyDelete