Monday, July 29, 2013

A scientifically sound conclusion plus a rant

For whatever reason, I didn't get my run in this morning. OK, fine, the reason was I didn't get out of bed early enough. I was tired and headachy and grumpy and it didn't happen.

That meant an afternoon run. I don't particularly enjoy running in the afternoon but I had no good reason to skip it, especially after being a baby this morning. Plus I had to try out my new shoes.

So, I ran. The program said 4 miles and that's what I set out for. I felt fairly average. Tired after a day at work, my stomach was achy (balancing eating enough to not be hungry and not so much that I couldn't run - tricky!), the path was crowded. I got to my 2 mile turn-around area and listened for the watch beep. It came and I headed back home, cursing myself for not getting up in the morning.

End of run and I look at my watch: 38:56.

Um, excuse me. I don't run sub-10:00 minute miles when I'm on an easy run (I barely run sub-10:00 when I'm trying to race). But every mile was sub-10:00.

I considered what the possible cause might be:

  1. Afternoon run
  2. I ate a banana today
  3. New shoes
  4. I've 'levelled up' in my running (you know, I've now logged enough miles that I automatically get a new running power - increased speed)
  5. Lower humidity
I've concluded it must be the shoes. The other options have a lot going for them but I don't have tricky photos for them so they had to be discounted.

I think they might be jet powered
On a serious note, the adidas were comfortable to run in, have a nice bounce to them and felt good on my foot. Of course, I'll need to test them out over a longer distance too.

******

Now, on an even more serious note, a quick rant.

During my run this afternoon I had another encounter on the path with disrespectful males. This time it was a graphic and personal comment made to me. It makes me so mad, frustrated and disappointed that this happens and that in many circumstances it's just accepted. That we live in a society where we just take it for granted that this is going to happen and you have to ignore it and move on.

I read an article today titled "Have a look at yourself"in the Herald Sun, a Victorian (Australia) newspaper that is on this exact issue. It was written by the Victoria Police Chief Commissioner. I think it's a great article and I'm happy that it's being widely shared around Australia. But it's also a sad reflection on the world we live in that this is such a wide spread problem.

End of rant.


******


On a scale of 1 to 10, how nerdy would I be if I actually designed an experiment to see whether I'm running faster in my new shoes? I do actually have a background in science and have studied experimental design and statistics but gave it all up for the glitz and glamour of the accounting world.

8 comments:

  1. Just wanted to say enjoyed the read, though sucks about the male populace at times. Keep running well!

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  2. YAY on the fast run! the shoe graphic was funny! Maybe there was PEDs in the banana!
    sorry you keep getting these bad guys bothering you, ugh!

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    1. Hmmm, PEDs in bananas. We'd best start preparing for the uprising of speedy monkeys, plotting their world domination.

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  3. Nice run! Don't over think it- you're becoming a stronger runner :) I'm sure none of us are near plateauing yet so as long as we keep chugging along, we will see improvements. Ok, maybe it was a magical banana and those super awesome shoes too.. ;)

    Really stinks you keep running into creeps like that. The article sums it up nicely and unfortunately it's all too accurate. Felt the same way in Vegas that people feel "entitled" to what- I have no idea. The lack of respect is so appalling on so many levels.

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    1. But over thinking is one of my favourite things to do!

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  4. So good to see you again.

    Maybe afternoon running suits you?

    I hate creeps! I try not to take it to heart or internalize comments. They are just insecure jerks and you are awesome for being out there!

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    1. Likewise.

      What creeps say doesn't bother me per se, it's more the principle of the matter.

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