Miles and new gear

This morning’s run finished off another three week cycle of increasing distance. Now for an easier week cutting back on miles before another three weeks of increase. The timing was good, the kids are off school, so I’m off work, so I’m relegated to morning running only. Higher mile weeks are much easier with my run commutes.

Door at Worcester Cathedral 

I set a goal of 2000 miles this year. Last year was the same but disappointingly with a week to go I came down with a fever and the “8 week cough” shut down my goal, I believe within 20 miles of accomplishing it! Then, I got “the cough” again, for yes, another 8 weeks! Fingers crossed and hands washed I hope to avoid that illness this year. So currently I’m 9 miles behind on hitting 2000. If I run 41 mile weeks the rest of the year I’ll get it. Theoretically I should be fine since I’m in the 50 mile plus per week range now. 

Last of the blackberries, no more snack breaks

Ran for the first time today in an Arc’Teryx Norvan jacket. I scored it off eBay for a decent price barely used, I believe it’s the first edition. It’s not the super pimp one with Gore Shakedry fabric, but it seems to be far more burly at minimal weight cost to the Montane Minimus I’d been using. I always felt like a bit “more” jacket could be nice in the shit-ass weather here. 

Color change

It pissed down on me for 5 miles or so. The jacket fit extremely well, as expected, and the hood, despite not having cinch cords, tracked very well with a visor underneath. It still makes the annoying scratchy fabric noise hard shells make. The zipper leaked a bit which I’d expected from reading reviews. Breathability? I don’t know. I hate that word when it comes to hard shells. I don’t think it really can be judged as effort and climate vary so much from person to place. I’m happy with it, however still want to try Gore Shakedry or the North Face Futurelight. These fabrics are wicked expensive so I’ll likely never get one, sure miss working in that industry and having access to them at affordable prices. 

Foggy run commute, River Severn, Worcester 

Another eBay score was a pair of Patagonia Strider Pro 7” trail shorts. I’ve got a few pairs of the 5” version and love them (I prefer the older models as they changed the liner fit in the newest version). I’ve got an eBay search saved for these and a pair of the 7” popped up last week. I prefer shorter shorts but figured for £12 brand new I’d give them a try, they’re usually £60! The outer short and pocket set up is the same as the 5” just obviously shorter inseam. I didn’t know but the liner isn’t a brief, like the 5”, but it’s more of a boxer brief style. I was hesitant at first but it’s just tight enough that it seems to get the job done. I’ve been curious about trying spandex type compression shorts to prevent leg chafing so this will be a good test I guess to start with. So far so good. The longer outer short took some getting used to as it brushes against your legs but no complaints. On with the testing!

Bus stop vandalism 

Photos are mostly from my run commutes to work and back. Nothing really special or exciting and most have been posted to my work social media accounts. 

Injury update: we’re holding strong. Still have plantar fasciitis but it’s only noticeable in the morning. I’m still trying to be diligent with strength and stretching so it’s slowly going away. My left knee has been bothering me, likely a mobility issue so trying to keep at stretching my hips. 

Into Perpetual November we go......