Managed 4 circuits of the graveyard without stopping yesterday. I was going very slowly and my lungs could have managed another lap or two, but my knees, hamstrings and hips said they’d done enough. Bonus: old guy singing Achy Breaky Heart on the karaoke.

Aiming to gradually increase speed. My fastest pace for a kilometre is 7 mins, which is slow. I’d love to be able to run a 5 minute km, which is 8 minute mile pace. I’ve divided the track into 12 sections, and over the next 12 weeks I plan to keep running the 4 km a couple of times a week, speeding up over one section each lap per week. Up until now I’ve been mixing up distance and pace, doing longer slower jogs some days and shorter faster jogs/runs on other days, depending on how I feel, and I’ll probably keep doing that. Despite the 12 week plan, I’m only going to do what my body is up for. If it takes longer, that’s ok.

I’ve lost a kilogram (I’ve also been sticking to a fairly healthy diet) and I’m getting a leaner shape. I don’t seem to need as much sleep as I did before I started running. Also — huge bonus — I’ve experienced a great reduction in period pain, general PMS and mid-month pain. The effort would be worthwhile for that alone.

I’m surprised how much I like running. Although it’s physically hard, it’s also easy in that I just put on my shoes and go out the door. No hassles, gym fees or fancy equipment. I’ve got Saucony shoes, which were about $60 and feel fine to me. The old folks at the graveyard are friendly, too. It’s a good place.