Week 8

Total distance run this week: 38.3 km
Number of runs: 4
Tempo runs: 1 (7 km)
Hills: 5 x 300m
Longest run: 20 km
Other activities: 43 km cycling; yoga
Total training time: 7:30

Once again, the highlight of my week was my long run. When I headed out the door this morning, my intention was to run just 16 km, but I couldn't resist running longer.

The weather was perfect (20 degrees and sunny with a cool breeze) and the traffic along the pathways so exceptionally light that I felt I had them almost entirely to myself. Added to which, when I reached my planned turnaround point, I found I was feeling so good and enjoying the run so much that I didn't want to turn back. So instead I carried on for another two kilometres before finally crossing the river and heading homeward.

The best part of the run was when I found myself following an unfamiliar dirt trail that wound its way along the water's edge beneath ancient old trees. It seemed amazing that such a beautiful, tranquil and untamed path could exist in the heart of the city, but there it was. And it reminded me once again of just how lucky I am to be able to run.