2009 Progress Entrant - Graeme Dunnett

Contents:- -Intro- Report -1- -2- -3- -4- -5- -6- -7- -8- -9- -10- -11- -12- -13- -14- -15- -16- -17- -Final-

Report 8 - Week beginning 23/02/09

Have you stuck to the training programme? If not any reasons why?

No. I only managed one session this week due to taking time out to rest my ankle injury. But I must say I finished the week on a high by completing my 30min continuous run. This was a real achievement!

Have you done more or less than expected? Explain.

I did less than I would have liked but I took professional advice on my ankle and a weeks rest with ultra sound and icing was the order of the day.

How did you feel during training this week? What were the highs and lows?

The high must be finishing the week with my first 30 min run. My low, well it's a long story but here goes. With the problems I had encountered with my left ankle I purchased a pair of 'orthotics' (running insoles) that are designed to stabilise ankle rotation and it certainly helped. The downside was that these insoles put a different angle on your ankle joints which is transmitted to the knee joints and has given me pain in my right knee. So the plan is to ware the left in sole and run without the rights. Who said running was simple!!!

Are you seeing improvements; in speed, distance, breathing?

Happy with my breathing and distance I am covering but speed will follow. maybe!

Where are you walking/running; gym, beach, roads, forests?

Did my one session round Achvarasdal woods on Sunday morning. It was a clam and sunny day!!

Are you training alone/with someone else/mixture? How does this affect your training?

Did the session with my 'coach' and, oh yes, wife Sophie. It gave us a chance to catch up on things without any interruptions.

Any injuries?

My left ankle is improving now I have a pain in my right knee to contend with. I feel as if I'm falling apart at the seems but I'm sure this will improve as my body comes familiar with the 'abuse', I mean exercise I'm putting it through.

Are you feeling any benefits away from training as a result of the training; health, toning up, more energetic?

I do feel more energetic but presently having difficulty walking initially!!

Are you doing any other forms of exercise; swimming, cycling, yoga, pilates?

Some short walks and work outside the house. I hope to get to the golf next week.

Any other observations?

I have now completed week 8 and although I had missed a couple of sessions I have managed to meet the end goal of running 30 minutes continuously. I will now consolidate on this by running the next few weeks at 20 and 30 minute sessions before the next training plan is announced. If you asked me when I started would I have achieved this I would have had my doubts, but more surprisingly, I'm actually enjoying doing this and the real benefits are transparent. I'm fitter and I have lost approx. 6kg in weight.