I seem to be a fertile vessel lately for the nurturing of a field of excuses. Escuses to procrastinate and put off today's run until tomorrow, to get the bike serviced next weekend (and then forget), and excuses to not sit down RIGHT NOW and work out a new training plan.
So, now that I'm settling in to the new studies, new job, and new life with a very cool girl, it's time to cultivate an effective training plan and sift out the noxious weeds that have grown in its place.
One thing making this easier is our mostly inefficient public transport system. I've started taking the train to my new job lately, and since the closest train station is more than 9km from my house, I've been grabbing a bus to the station in the morning. It's no extra charge, and I don't arrive at work too hot and sweaty. The catch is when coming home. The train arrives barely two minutes after the connecting bus leaves, so I would have to wait for nearly thirty minutes for the next bus home (which then winds back and forth for another twenty-plus minutes).
Simple solution : I can run/walk 8-9km in less time than that!
I don't particularly enjoy running with a large backpack, so I'm thinking of just carrying the bare essentials in a running belt and leaving the bag full of work gear at work to collect the next day. So I'll probably only do this every second day. Still, three times per week for 8-9km is a good starting base for me, and I'll work on a long run on the weekends. It's mostly uphill too, so I'll get some light hill work.
I tried this for the first time a few days ago, and it'll work out nicely. New shoes are in the mail (still no running store close to me, and I don't like the Footlockers, etc), but the current pair will hold up until they arrive.
As my fitness picks up I'll be able to work in some cycling commutes to work, and since cycling with a backpack doesn't bother me, it should be a great way to ferry my work clothes back and forth. The bike could use a service after sitting for several months, and given my work hours the soonest I can get that done is on the weekend, but that's fine so long as I get it done THIS weekend. Somebody give me a prod so I don't forget. ;-)
Swimming and gym work will be a little more tricky considering the long commute, but I'm thinking I'll just have to start doing those at night rather than the mornings like I'm used to. Once my current gym membership expires I'll shift to a new gym that I can use during my lunch hour.
Update:
Shortly after I posted this entry I received an email about a Cycling club my employer is starting up for staff. 'Coinkydink'? Or is someone trying to tell me something? ;-)
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