May 1st 2015

I completed a nice, easy-paced 5 K run today in 38 mins. I am actively and consciously trying to improve my running technique. My PF I feel was largely due to this. While running in the vibrams felt good, I am still hesitant to fully commit to them over longer distances. I don't want to hurt myself and I believe it may take years for my feet to adapt to them. That said, the adizero takumi ren seem to be good and my feet are adapting to them. That said, the problem of my right foot continues. I find it incredible that there can be so much difference in feel between my right and left foot. The left foot feels invincible and performs brilliantly while I continue to feel a nag on my right foot, right from the time I put on my shoes. Any shoes.  Maybe the solution in the long term is do away with shoes altogether but that's for another time.

I am consciously keeping my back straight, my stride length short and trying to land well under my body or as much as I can. It seems to be working so far and I can feel the impact of my strike reduced from when I would run earlier, not mindful of my technique. I still recall the posture and form I would disintegrate into on my long runs. Post 10 K I would be a frog in a blender, arms flailing all over and while I would be strong, my technique would be all over the place. I am determined this time to run consciously, run from the gut and run from the mind. It will be a challenge.

I ran a slow, decent 10 K on Sunday last. This was my longest run in 3.5 years I think! But I can feel the joy coming back, my body welcoming the exhaustion. I burst out laughing the other night brushing my teeth at 9:30 PM when I realised I would fall asleep the moment my head touched the pillow.

I am consciously working on my diet as well now, trying to eat as many whole grains, millets, daals, vegetables and fruits as possible and aiming for a completely vegetarian diet.

The biggest task though remains my weight. I have let myself go and need to pull myself back. I need to lose 15 kgs by September to stand any chance of finishing the KTM. If I am running 5 K in 38 mins today without much effort, I will be in good condition to shave off 2 mins per km of that time if I lose 15 kgs! I signed up yesterday for the full KTM and the 50 K BLR Ultra. I've signed up in the past and never reached the starting gun. Right now I feel good and need to stay healthy.

I'll target a 12 K this Sunday for my long run, maybe push the 15K mark if I am feeling good. I am just about half way through Scott Jurek's book and I already feel a deep connection with him, his philosophy towards running, towards food, towards life.