Okay

With 00:31:38, I finished in the first half of the field during the Kortenberg 6k. So that was good.

I'm now in Nairobi, trying to run every morning in the super hilly botanic garden across the road from where I'm staying. But the high altitude (1700m) leaves me with little air to breathe. I'm not getting far. Today was slightly better than yesterday, but I seriously notice the estimated 10 per cent decrease in oxygen intake. Hopefully, I will benefit from my high-altitude training when I am back in the low lands of Belgium.

Next target is the 5k in Zaventem, and with the good result on Sunday I am going to aim for an ambitious time: below 25 minutes. I know the area well; if the weather is half okay (not too much wind please in the open fields along the airport) that goal may well be realistic.

Back once more

Not a whole lot of running happened since the Brussels 20k. And most of it was short runs, like 20 to 30 minutes. Over the past week though, benefitting from the freely available child care during our (Sanna's and mine) road trip through Holland, I did 30 minutes on 5 consecutive days (in Sterrebeek, Deventer, Ermelo, Hilversum, and Voorhout respectively). Today, after two days of rest, I'm running the 6k race in nearby Kortenberg, aiming at a time under 33 minutes.

I am going to stick with a regime of many short runs for a while, building up to one hour (or 10-12k) in the last months of this year. The aim is to make my running easier.

Still.... I saw an ad for the Dingle marathon. That must be breathtaking in all senses of the word: glorious landscapes and ocean views, horrific climbs and wind-ridden coastal roads. 2012, maybe?

Still going (though not so strong)

45 Minutes on Saturday morning around Sterrebeek, 75 minutes on Sunday morning around Ermelo. Tomorrow night I should be doing at least one hour around Geneva. The 20k is now only 13 days away. My last long training should be on Sunday afternoon in Sydney, my last short training on the 28th at lunchtime in Jette.

Timely boost

Wasn't too sure about running in Bruges, as I am far from fit. But with the 20k only three weeks away, I had to put myself to the test.

I finished in just under 1:20, whereas I was hoping for under 1:30. Success factors included the great weather (about 15 degrees and overcast, virtually no wind), the pain killers I am taking for my dental troubles, and Jarabe de Palo on my iPod.

Bonito, todo me parece bonito.

Some progress

On the last two days of March, I ran one hour each in Geneva. Could it be the altitude that makes running easier there? Hardly, the city is less than 400 meters above sea level. Must be the novelty of the course.

Last night I still did not manage to complete my 11k circuit near home, though I got much further than on Sunday.

There is still a tiny glimmer of hope that I can be readyish for the Brussels 20k. But I will need to work hard and avoid adversity.