So here we are again

I’ve been running again for a few months now after my latest operation. When I started again I was at a place where I was not able to run a 5k, started with a couch to 5k plan, but quickly changed to a half marathon plan because that is the intent for this year so it was pointless aiming at something lower.

Now I’m back to running every day, following a half marathon plan using Stryd power as I need to ensure I return carefully and not to destroy my left knee again.

I find that the Stryd power really helps me quantify effort and matches how I feel, so the plan stretches me without hurting me.

Every other method I have tried has not achieved this consistently, I find heart-rate training too ‘laggy’ and of course that does not take into account the rest of the body. A personal face to face trainer is the ideal state, but too costly for me and there are none actually local, I had a remote personal trainer, but had knee injury during that time (not cause and effect but has made me wary of the approach), and off the shelf training plans are (to me) daft.

The Stryd plans adapt as my critical power (CP) changes, CP being the maximum power I can maintain for an hour, which is refreshed and tested throughout the training plan therefore ensuring the plan is ideal. I have been following the plan consistently which largely follows the 80/20 approach of 80% of the time is easy effort with 20% higher intensity. The 80/20 approach is well documented and recommended, but running slow a lot feels counterintuitive but is demonstrating results for me as I am now running 10k and over, something which just a short while ago seemed like a big mountain to climb!

The running is improving and just occasionally now, it feels effortless , which is nice but I also still get the occasional knee niggle which reminds me to take care while maintaining a push, it tends to happen if I ‘over power’ a stage in my higher intensity sessions.

I will be running the Oxford half marathon in October this year, I will be slow, but I will do it and that, for me, is what matters.

So far, I have completed 13 half marathons, The London Marathon (which I continue to register for every year and never get it!), The Race to the Stones ultra, and a full Tough Mudder.

This year will be another half, if plans go well then next year a full marathon, and then maybe another ultra is in the future, but work is busy and family come first, so we will see.

Adam