I managed to drag myself out for a run again this evening. I was very close to not going out tonight, but luckily I was feeling strong willed this evening.

I put on three layers tonight, my thermal vest, the Nike dry-shirt and the Tchibo running top. Also had my thermal long Johns under my tracksuit bottoms. But it was still cold. My thumbs soon started to feel really cold, and I realised that I need a pair fo running gloves now. Also my feet got cold, but no idea what to do about that.

Last night I managed about 90 minutes of martial arts, with 30 minutes of kick boxing followed by an hour of kung-fu. It was enough for one night. The kick boxing involved a lot of intensive cardio work, and the kung-fu was relentless as usual.

Last night I started weight training again. It was not actually intentional. I had to take some things to the garage, and while I was there, I decided to lift some weights. I did a quick session, and hardly warmed up. I started with seated shoulder presses, warmed up with empty bar, then did 3 sets of 8 at 30kg.

I then moved on to inclined bench presses, again, 3 sets of 8 at 30kg. The last two sets were close grip bench presses, which I had never done before, but as I was using a lighter weight than normal, I decided to give them a go.

Then I finished with barbell curls with 20kg, 2 sets of 8 drag curls then 1 set of 8 standard standing curls.

What a terrible run! Today I bought some new clothes to go running in as the weather has got a lot colder since I started my new running regime in the summer. This afternoon I headed to JJB Sports in Chelmsford and bought a Nike Dri-Fit short sleeved shirt for GBP20.00. I was a little disappointed with the selection, and could not decide on any other items of clothing, so I headed back to the coffee shop where my wife and son were waiting.

If it isn't one thing, it's another. I have been suffering from a bad cold now since Friday, and not been up to running. I am on the mend today, but still do not feel like a run this evening.

I have been slightly productive though, as I decided to get opinions on winter weather running gear from the Runners World forums, and was given some good advice. Looks like the I need some "wicking" clothing. What's wicking? (that's what I asked) - well, wicking is fabric that actively transports sweat away from your body so that you stay relatively dry. Here are some of the things that I need:

long-sleeved technical base-layer with a high-viz gilet
proper running tights

On Saturday I decided to try a new slightly longer route, but I forgot to time it. I think that I ran for about 45 minutes, and I hope that the route was about 3 miles, but I really do not know. Tonight I did a quick run around the village, which took 20:58 minutes. Felt good, but very tiring. The two runs were very different. On Saturday I was fresh, and headed off at a very slow but steady pace. Tonight my legs were still feeling a little tired, and I headed out at a slightly faster pace. I was pretty cold, and by the time I was heading home my sweat was starting to chill me a little too much.

Just went for another quick run, as I wanted to get back in time for the 2007 Rugby World Cup Final, and ran it in 13:38 minutes. I thought at the time that it must have been my quickest run so far, but it has only equalled it. Next time I run I need to make a note of the hundredths of a second too! Tonights time was 13:38.89 minutes.

I slowed near the end, legs and lungs started to fail. Must push myself harder next time! Right, time to watch England thrash South Africa.......

Like last Wednesday, I skipped my kick-boxing class to go for a quick run. Did the same route as last week, and managed it in 13:38 minutes, which is my fastest so far. I think that could have done it quick too, if my sister-in-law did not make me an egg sandwich an hour before I ran. I felt a bit bloated and did not really feel like running, but I forced myself out there again.

My current aim is to do this run in 12:43 minuutes, as this will be 10 minutes faster than the first time I ran it. On August 17th it took me 22:43 to run this route. Glad that I am getting faster. Just need to maintain this pace over a 3 mile route. I have found a good 3 mile route from my house, but it is a day light only route, so will have to wait until the weekend.

It's Saturday night, and I finally managed to get out for another run. I was going to run on Friday night, but felt too tired. I was then supposed to go running this morning, but by the time I had reinstalled Oblivion (jsparrow's fault) and messed around for a bit, it was too late. But I did get out this evening, just before it got too dark to run around Church Street.

I had another stressful day at work, and as a result I did not feel up to my Wednesday kick-boxing and kung-fu class. But I did get out for a quick run before Heroes started. I ran my short route, and tonight it took me about 14 minutes. I did not time it accurately though. Felt good, I headed out at a fast pace (fast for me), was forced to slow a little half way around, but picked it up again. Felt like a proper run again. Feet still ache now (3 hours later) and I was really panting hard.