Tuesday run in Sunnyvale

There’s a lot to be said for mild jet-lag when trying to maintain a fitness regime, as I have no problems getting up for an early run – though constantly waking at 04:30 is wearing a little thin. I was on the corner outside the hotel at 06:50, and had planned to add some intervals to improve my overall pace. The idea was to run 12:00 or better for 3/4 mile, walk 1/4 mile, rinse and repeat.

It went pretty well until I missed my turning onto Old San Francisco Rd. Once I realised what had happened, I turned right onto Evelyn Rd, the next major road up, which would add about a mile to the overall distance. Because of this, I walked much more than I had intended – using the Forerunner’s Lap button to mark running and walking segments. Once I was back at the corner of Old San Francisco and Wolfe, I went back to the original plan, then ran the last half mile at an easy pace.

My calves had started playing up around the time I missed the turning, which is probably why it happened. Thinking that walking would ease it off, I slowed down to a 19:00-20:00/mile stroll, but it made it worse. It’s only when I had to pick up my walking pace to cross a busy intersection that I realised that slow movement makes the compartment syndrome worse. A brisk pace eases it off, and starting to jog again makes it go away completely. Very strange, but it’s definitely true for me.

The overall result was 2.96 miles in 44:46 (15:08/mile). It certainly wasn’t what I’d hoped for, but it was still 3 miles of activity on a day I could have easily stayed in bed. So I’ll not beat myself up too much about it.

Sunday run in Sunnyvale

Today was my first run outside of the UK – I’m staying at a hotel in Sunnyvale, in the heart of Silicon Valley, visiting my company’s headquarters. I really do like this part of the world, as it makes me feel at home (very similar in feel, lifestyle and – in some ways – layout to Perth).

Despite being mildly jet-lagged, I was at the street corner outside the hotel at 07:00. Last week I’d planned and estimated the run at 2.31 miles, and it turned out to be spot on. It was strange starting off on El Camino Real, as it’s become a road that I’ve associated only with driving. It’s not one on which you see many pedestrians, which is probably quite normal for 3-lane highways. The pavements are all solid concrete and it’s rare to have any dips or bumps, making it a nice, flat, trip-free surface – such a shame that concrete plays such havoc on knees and ankles. It was interesting seeing my route on foot, as I noticed things I’ve never seen before: a British fish and chip shop, numerous apartment complexes, various Mexican restaurants, and a Subway less than half a mile away.

The run itself went quite well, though I really felt it because of the time I’ve had off recently. I did 2.31 miles in 33:16, giving 14:24/mile. The jet-lag probably contributed to it, too, but I’m putting it down to the time off – I prefer to blame myself, as it’s to whom I’m answerable. Does that make sense?

I didn’t properly check the weather before going outside, and realised about half a mile into the run that the jogging/tracksuit bottoms were not a good idea. They and I were dripping with sweat when I got back. Must remember that anything over 10°C is shorts-only weather – it was 18°C when I started my run.

I left the docking station for the Forerunner at home, so I’ll upload all the data when I’m back in the UK.