Friday, September 2

A much better day today.

The commute was certainly more pleasant even if it meant waking up at 4:30 am to catch a taxi for the early shift.  But it was worth it.

I also tried a new jogging strategy.

Influenced by expert advice from a running magazine and various jogger forums on the Net, I thought it might be a good idea to shift some of my running to the afternoon.

The body, you see, is not in peak running condition first thing in the morning. Anyway, it's probably a good idea to mix it up a bit, for motivational reasons.

You don't seriously think I was going to continue solely with my crack-den-canal route over the dark and dangerous winter months do you?

You're 'aving a laugh mate.

I still remember the way that guy eyed my Bang & Olufsen earphones on the Kingsland High Road the last time I ran in.

The fact I'm from these parts only compounds my fears.

I've also bought a new pair of trainers.

My left knee has been aching ever since I ran the six as-the-crow-flies miles from home to work for a second time.

It's a common jogger's injury, particularly in fat bastards.

I've also, again, been influenced by what I've read; it seems you simply cannot underestimate the importance of wearing the right footwear.

So off I went to one of them big fancy sportswear stores to have my running action expertly analysed and to buy a pair of trainers to suit my gait.

Apparently I overpronate. I won't explain it. If you really want to find out more click here. But in a nutshell it means I run funny.

So to minimise the risk of injury I got these trainers.

And after an unforeseen delay I ran today from Canary Wharf to Tower Bridge and back -- a much nicer route through Shadwell and Wapping.

It took me about an hour.

I'm yet to run much beyond 6 miles, but that's my fifth 10k in the bank, which is just as well seeing as there's only just over a month to go before my 10 miler.

The next fortnight is critical -- it's time to move up to 7 or 8 miles.