It seems like it was only a week ago when I last updated my blog, hang-on, it was a week ago. In that time I've done another heap of running which included four consecutive days at 20+km runs, Monday through Thursday. I didn't plan it like that it just worked out that way.

For Monday's run (23.3 km) it was a relatively strong headwind and for a 3.2 km stretch along Sayers Rd. It never relented and I was glad to do a 90 degree turn at the end.

Tuesday run (21.25 km) and my bloody heart rate monitor was playing up, constantly spiking high readings, clearly not a true representation as I was feeling sooooooo good.

Wednesday's run was my midweek long run at 25.1 km, if you can call it that considering my previous runs in the week and what follows. Heart rate monitor back to normal, I tightened the strap a little.

Not an overly impressive week but I'm still reasonably happy considering. As some would know, I don't train or run to plans or schedules, I use the 'feel factor' as a guide. Well the 'feel factor' kicked in this week which resulted in less k's travelled and at a slower pace (excepting for today - Sunday).

For all my runs except today (Sunday) there was a consistent heart rate reaction for the first five minutes of every run. Normally, the heart rate should steadily rise when starting out, for some reason mine had regular spikes upwards of 170 and eventually settled down as the run progressed. I doubt very much that it was a gadget malfunction as it was the same behaviour for all runs.

By Thursday my headaches/eye-strain developed which prevented me from running and by Saturday I was still out of sorts which peeved me no end as I missed the Sandown 10 km classic. I was eyeing off this at an attempt to break the 40 minute mark. Found out later that Martin and Louise both broke their ducks in this regard slipping under 40 minutes for the first time.

Here's the week in summary.

Well, what a week just gone. Biggest one ever. Easier mentioned in a table format.

Yesterday (Wednesday) was my midweek long run day so I ran 25 km around Hoppers Crossing and Werribee taking in some new territory. All up I was out for 2:02 averaging 4:53/km.

Today I hit the streets again, initially opting for a 12 k'er but once out I was feeling strong and not sluggish and so just kept running. Ended up with 21.1 km in 1:37 which averaged out at 4:36/km. My fastest k's were the last few at 4:15 or thereabouts.

With three running days left for the week I could end up with my biggest week ever.

I've been missing in action for a few days as I've been in the process of transferring all my files from one host over to another. That job is almost done but it didn't interfere with my running, just posting blog entries.

Saturday was round two of the XCR08 season at Lardner Park, Warragul. After an hour an a half drive we (Martin M) arrived nice an early and ready. The course was a 2 x 4 km laps through the fields jumping a fence (twice), ditches and chuck in some hills for good measure. The conditions were drizzly but no serious rains.

Lardner Park, Warragul. Last muddy downhill before finish.

All up, about 360 runners and from the start I soon eased into my rhythm negotiating the longest hill within about 200 metres from the start. Martin, says one thing and does another. He mentioned to me that he wasn't feeling too fit, would just sit behind me and see how he goes. Yeah right. From the start he was off like a lightning bolt, so much for sitting in behind me.

Towards the end of the first lap I spied Martin just ahead and maintained even distance between us. I eventually caught him on the second lap just after the long hill. He again pulled away and I maintained even distance behind him.

We had a great finish, sprinting to the line, he pipped me by two seconds. For this I blame Stu Mac because during the finish Martin heard him say, "you've got 'im Steve". Is that a red flag before the bull or what.

I had a great run finishing in 34:46 averaging 4:20/km. All the results here.

Sunday - no running

I was planning for a 30 km run for Sunday but that didn't eventuate.

Back into training

Two runs this week, 20 km yesterday and 20.8 km today (Tuesday). I really didn't plan on these long runs but as I was out and having plenty of time I decided to just keep running. I'm now wondering for my so-called midweek long run tomorrow, how long should that be.