15th July - 25km, 2hr, Perseus

Lucky I didn't see Stu's comment until after this mornings run, it might have been enough to give me an excuse not to run.....

By late last night the pain in the neck had settled nicely. So I dutifully set the alarm for 5.50am, which would mean a long run starting in the dark, but also meant I could be home by 9am.

Up and out, and the pains and niggles did not feature....I must have still been asleep.

Not keen on running any hills I went to the Koonung Trail along the Eastern Fwy. I've plotted the course here http://www.mapmyrun.com/run/australia/mitcham/599590968 and if you check the profile you will see I was mistaken.... It was not a hilly course, but it was all down and then all up.....gently but noticeable on the way home.

Early in the run I was not enjoying the cold, or the dark or the tightness in the shins.
Warmed up better once it was light. Then found a nice rhythm to the turn around, after approx 1hr??? Only unsure due to the battery in SDM going flat along the way. So even the overall time is an educated guess based on my memory for the departure time.

No pain in the problem areas of my back and neck. I little tight in the glutes, but nothing to cause struggle. One leg got a little sore near the groin, but I'm sure its not anything that will hang around.

Given the uphill return, I'm guessing its a double negative split. Slightly less time, but with uphill creating greater effort, so a double negative....... if that is legitimate.

Also worth noting the new 'equipment' I saw along the way. It seems the council has installed gym like machines in 2 or 3 groups, so creating an outdoor exercise area to simulate the indoor commercial venues. They looked generally vandal proof and sturdy. If I lived closer I might be tempted to take advantage of these machines. Great to see something new, that genuinely promotes some exercise and activity.

More than 12hrs later, I'm feeling good about the run.
This week, I'll just be aiming to get out every second day.