4th December 2016

Number of miles run: 5

Tantrums thrown: 3 (not all by me)

I wasn't going to write about wedding planning. It's too risky, too many of the parties involved may read it. However, I'm at a point now where I don't care if nobody wants me round for Christmas. It'll save me money on presents.

Getting engaged is supposed to be one of the happiest times of your life. It's exciting, it's new, and you're disgustingly in love. Now it's happened to me, I've realised that that is a complete fantasy portrayed by the media and Disney. Either that, or everyone else in the world has sane, functioning families who appreciate that you are a grown up and able to make sensible decisions. 

My wedding planning is becoming some sort of ridiculous sitcom, only I'm the protagonist and I'm not finding it very funny. 

My mother in law would like to be a bridesmaid.

My father believes its his wedding, and is insisting I invite all 60 of his closest friends. 

My mother is being strangely silent on the whole subject, except for occasionally high pitched hysterical screeching in the background of phone calls with my father. However, I fear she is the brains behind my father's ridiculous demands.

While this is going on I suspect that my father in law is sitting back, watching the whole thing unfold and being slightly amused, and Mr Runner is playing Xbox. 

The icing on the cake was when my father called last Sunday wanting to know why the whole thing hasn't been booked and planned yet. We've only got 11 months and 2 weeks to go you know. 

The harder he pushes, the harder I am trying to run away. Which only makes him push harder to get things done. It's like I become a stubborn 14 year old all over again, and it's an argument about eating my peas. I resolved that one by running in to the middle of the street with no shoes on, in the rain, and threatened to call ChildLine, very loudly so that the whole street could hear. I didn't have to eat my peas that night. I fear a similar strategy isn't going to work here though. 

I get he's excited, and wants to show off. I'm just not sure I'm there yet. 

So instead, I'm going to sign up to run the Yorkshire Marathon in October next year so I can be too busy training. It's exactly one month before the wedding, so I feel it's an excellent avoidance/coping strategy.

27th November 2016

Miles run: 3.5

Boxes of tissues used: 2

Lemsips consumed: All of Them!

Urgh. The last few days I've been struck down in my prime with a nasty case of The Cold. Unable to leave my bed. Dying alone while Mr Runner fixed his motorbike. 

Luckily I woke up today feeling slightly more perky and went out for a short, but slow, run around the common. It was beautiful, all the trees with autumnal leaves, and not too chilly. 

Mr Runner however, has now developed Manbola. His Manbola is much worse than my Cold, much more debilitating, and his situation is far more dangerous. He may never be able to leave the sofa again. Plus it's all my fault. Apparently next time I'm ill, I'm being quarantined to Scotland, so he can't catch my germs. 

He wasn't very happy with me this morning, when I abandoned him to meet up with my friends for a run...

23rd November 2016

Nike Training Club Workout: Complete

Days without wine: 1

Urgh. I think I'm coming down with a cold!

In a fit of inspiration I decided to sign up to a "get fitter" training plan on Nike Run Club. I assumed that this would be a running training plan, however,  as I'm a self-proclaimed pro-runner now (I'm contemplating running a marathon you know) Nike decided I needed to do strength and conditioning workouts as well in order to get stronger and faster. Today's efforts involved lots of lunges, planks and burpees, which I completed not so enthusiastically in my pants* in front of an episode of The Crown. 

I have no idea how these workouts are supposed to help. I have no muscles, other than those in my legs, and so I spent most of the 30 minute workout lying on the floor, after my arms/core/bum muscles protested, and collapsed under me. I'm not sure I will ever be able to walk or laugh ever again. 

Stupid enthusiasm. 

Off to soak my tired muscles in the bath. 

*I'm at home, on my own, I'm not going to dirty more running kit unnecessarily! I don't need any more washing!

22nd November 2016

Number of glasses of wine consumed: Many

Number of miles run: 0

It's been a while. Getting engaged, followed my a new job, and then becoming horribly ill have got in the way of updating my blog. As has down right laziness! 

I completed the Amsterdam Half Marathon over a month ago. In the run up to the race I ended up with a chest infection, and 10 days before the race I could barely run for a bus, let alone run 13.1 miles! 

However, I managed it. In my slowest time ever, but I managed it. 

The race was amazing, and the atmosphere was fantastic, so I'm not too fussed about my shitty time. 

As well as being unwell in the run up to the race so my training plan went out of the window, I also managed to make a number of strategic errors.

1. I decided I was really thirsty just after I got in my starting pen, so ran the first 5km really fast, as I was desperate for a drink at the first aid station. 

2. The consequence of mistake number 1, was that I then ended up very tired and had a horrible stitch. Although that could also have been a warning sign for error number 3. 

3. Disaster stuck. 5 miles in I decided I needed a poo.

I eyed up every portaloo for the next 8 miles, trying to decide whether I should risk it or not. But I couldn't face it, and I was certainly not going to pull a Paula Radcliffe, and just squat in the street. So I kept going. Concentrating on putting one foot in front of the other, and trying to ignore every other sensation in my body. 

I made it through the finish line, and then had to just carry on running straight to my hotel. Much to the shock of Mr Runner, who was waiting for me at the end with another friend.

However, once I had been safely deposited at the hotel, and had found the toilet, I heard how they had enjoyed tracking me round the course on a handy app, while they sampled the local beer. Mr Runner enjoyed this immensely, and proceeded to enjoy the tour round the Carlsberg factory while I was having a post race nap. I was informed that I could do any race I wanted in the future as long as it involved a beer tent, at a minimum, for him. 

Since my adventure in Amsterdam I've not done very much running. I've popped out for the odd 3 miles round the block, telling myself it's all recovery, but I think I'm at a point now where there isn't an awful lot more recovery to do. So it's time to find a new goal to work towards, and I've heard a rumour that the Loch Ness Marathon is pretty good, just waiting for Mr Runner's approval...

13th September 2016

Miles I was supposed to run: 5 X 800m sprints

Miles I actually ran: 5 X 800m sprints

Cars crashed in to: 1

This evening is crap. I managed to drive in to a parked car while on my way home. My choice was scratch a parked car, or drive head first in to a speeding van. I went with the car. As a good citizen I left a little note on their windscreen. Then I ran away.

5 X 800m sprints round the park. Never have I been so enthusiastic about speed training. I was even wondering if there was enough in my legs to do a few extra sprints! 

Eventually I realised I was going to have to slink home, and hope that there was not an angry man standing on my door step. 

I am now cowering in my living room, looking anxiously at my phone, hoping the car owner doesn't notice what I've done...

11th September 2016

Miles I was supposed to run: 13

Miles I actually ran: 14.2 (got a bit lost)

I am so broken. 

I think my legs may fall off at any moment.

In fact, I may never walk again. 

In all honesty the run wasn't that bad. In fact it was a very pleasant morning. The sun was out, it wasn't too hot, and there was a nice gentle breeze. I did end up going slightly further round Richmond park than I planned, and as a result have managed to set a new personal best for distance. All topped off with a delicious, well earned brunch. 

Now I'm home though, I haven't been able to move from the sofa. 

8th September 2016

Miles I was supposed to run: 9

Miles I actually ran: 7

Glasses of wine drunk: 3 very large ones and still going...

Crap day today. Everything imaginable seemed to be going wrong. By lunchtime I was practically cowering under my desk, rocking in a ball, refusing to function.

I need a new career, wine taster sounds like a pretty good one to me right now, or maybe chocolatier? Both together would be perfect in fact!

Then I got stuck in horrific traffic on the way home. Apparently every man and his dog wanted to go to south west london this evening. This did not help my mood.

I coaxed myself out for a long run though, even though all I wanted to do was rock in a ball on the sofa, drinking wine out of the bottle with a straw, in a blanket fort. 

I had to cut my run a bit short because I got home so late, but I'm glad I dragged myself out. By the time I got home I felt like I could do adulting. I could be a calm, rational, sensible human being, and not a snot covered, stressed out, hysterical over grown child. I can cope with the adult world. In fact I'm feeling so positive I might actually get up and go back to work tomorrow. Maybe. It will be Friday after all. 

6th September 2016

Miles I was supposed to run: 12 X 300m sprints

Miles I actually ran: 12 X 300m sprints

Speed training again this evening. I was one of only two girls to show up today, along with about 15 middle aged blokes. I don't think they noticed that my hair bobble, top, and trainers had all been carefully colour coordinated. 

On the plus side, with nobody to loiter at the back with during training, I actually completed what I was supposed to do! Might make a serious runner out of me yet! 

Time to lounge in the bath to soothe my very tired calves, with a nice, well earned, glass of red wine! 

Splish Splosh Splash

30 minutes of swimming (slowly)

7 days without caffeine of alcohol (smug)

Mr Runner is a member of Fancy Pants Gym. This morning I snuck in to Fancy Pants Gym with him on a 1 day trial pass and did a bit of swimming to mix up the running, followed by 15 minutes in the sauna to help my achy legs.

I have always been pretty rubbish at swimming, but I enjoyed my slow paddle this morning. It was made more entertaining by watching a middle aged mad, who looked very like Mr Fawlty, complete with tiny moustache, doing tai-chi at the poolside in teeny tiny swimming trunks. 

So I actually made it out for my long run today!

Miles I was supposed to run: 12

Miles I actually ran: 11ish

Days without caffeine or alcohol: 6

Went for a long run this morning. I joined a few people from my running club who were also training for races and needed to go for longer runs. We all split off after a few miles as everyone was going at different paces, and I found a couple of blokes who were going at the same distance and pace as me. 

It was all going fine until the last 1/2 a mile, when I was pretty sure my legs were going to fall off. I told the guys to go ahead, I knew where I was going and I would meet them at the end. When they noticed I was no longer behind them as they reached the top of a hill and turned around a corned, they stopped, turned back to find me, and stood at the top of the hill calling my name. I, however, was crawling up the hill, wondering if I could just stop for a nap under a bush for a bit, and slightly embarrassed that they had had to come look for me. It was very sweet though, and nice to know they weren't going to let me get lost in the depths of the common by myself :). 

Rio here I come...

Miles I was supposed to run: 8 

Miles I actually ran: 8

Days without caffeine or alcohol: 4 (super smug)

Yesterday I caught up with the men's Olympic Marathon, and so inspired by this I went out in 28 degrees to run today's designated 8 miles. I figured if they could run in Rio, I could run in London. 

I did not realise it was possible to sweat that much. 

I think all the liquid I consumed throughout the day, came back out my pores. 

On the plus side, if I can manage in these conditions. Amsterdam in October should be a breeze? 

Feelin' Hot Hot Hot

I walked to the post office this evening and nearly melted, so decided running was not an option. I am currently writing this while enjoying a cooling ice cream. Here are yesterday's efforts though. I was too grumpy to write anything last night. 

Miles I was supposed to run: 10 x 800m sprints

Miles I actually ran: 7 x 800m sprints

Days without caffeine or alcohol: 2

I hate everyone. My head hurts. 

I did wonder whether I should send a mass warning email around work so everyone knew to STAY AWAY. 

I then fell asleep on the sofa for half an hour when I got in. Starting to feel that actually I NEED all of this caffeine and trying to stop was a stupid idea. 

I felt slightly chirpier after my nap and dragged myself out to hill training. This was definitely a clever idea. As soon as I started running, my head cleared and I felt a lot better.

Until I got home. When my head started pounding again. 

Onwards and upwards. I hope things can only get better from here! 

Back on the waggon

Miles I was supposed to run: 3

Miles I actually ran: 3

Days with no caffeine or alcohol: 1

Ok. Been a bit crap at training. Missed my long run on Sunday because I managed to get really drunk at the Lion King, and couldn't get up on Sunday morning. 

Whilst feeling a little bit hungover and guilty on Sunday afternoon I noticed an advert in the tube suggesting people give up caffeine, alcohol and fizzy drinks for 10 days to raise money for the RNLI. This looked like a challenge, and one a guilty, hungover, me felt I should participate in. I'm not raising money, I just want to see if I can do it...without murdering anyone. 

So 3 miles and 1 day in, I'm feeling surprisingly fine. 

This might be because I chugged as much caffeine as possible yesterday to saturate my system. 

I may also be replacing caffeine with sugar. That's not against the rules though...

Roll on tomorrow! 

Don't go speed training on a full stomach

Miles I was supposed to run: 12 x 400m sprints

Miles I actually ran: 10 x 400m sprints

It was a lovely evening this evening for a run, not too hot, not too cold, sunny with a gentle cool breeze. Plus I had enjoyed a rather tasty pre-run dinner of lamb meatballs in a pasta bake. Carb loading!

My enthusiasm started to wane after I parked my car at the rugby club, where a large dog was supposed to be getting in to the car next to me. However, awkwardly, he seemed more interested in sniffing me. Probably a sign that my running top really does need to be washed after each run I realised. So I was feeling rather flustered and embarrassed by the time I met up with my fellow runners. 

It was explained that todays training session would be 400m sprints. While I had been eating my dinner earlier, I had been catching up on the mens 100m Olympic race on iPlayer. Inspired by this, I channeled my inner Usain Bolt, and literally bolted off, racing the fastest members of the club down the field. 

By the 3rd 400m sprint I realised this was a mistake. My legs were starting to feel like lead, and protest at my request for them to move so quickly. 

By the 5th sprint my dinner was starting to gurgle in my stomach, threatening to make a reappearance on the field. 

I had flashes of higher biology going through my head. Something to do with lactic acid, pain and vomiting.

Uh oh.

I walked the 6th sprint.

And gently jogged the following 4, finally giving up and admitting defeat along with acknowledging my own stupidity after 10. 

I'm off for a long soak in the bath now. Probably won't be able to walk tomorrow. May never walk again. Wish I was Usain Bolt, bet these things never happened to him! 

Don't wolf whistle at me!

Miles I was supposed to run: 7

Miles I actually ran: 5

Feeling a bit tired today, as it's getting towards the end of the week, only managed to persuade myself to go out of the house for 5 miles, nothing more.

When I was nearly home a pair of "youths" in a blacked out Polo with lowered suspension started having out the car window to wolf whistle at me.

I carried on listening to my music, and ignored them, but in my head I imagined that I turned round and shouted; 

"I know I look awesome, you don't need to tell me. I am also a person, not a piece of meat. I don't need, nor am I seeking your approval. Grow up and go away.

I could totally out run you, and probably your stupid car as well."

I imagined that they would apologise and shuffle off, while I was completely vindicated. 

I then carried on planning my outfit for my fancy meal out on Saturday in my head. 

Stupid boys. 

Speed Training

Miles I was supposed to run: 5

Miles I actually ran: 5

Speed training tonight. Tired now. Bumming on the sofa watching the Olympics. Maybe one day...

Mindful Running

Miles I was supposed to run: 10

Miles I actually ran: 10

Yesterday I was reading "The Terrible and Wonderful Reasons Why I Run Long Distances" by the Oatmeal. One of the things that really struck me was the importance of being in the moment when you are running, and not focussing on when the run is over, among other more entertaining and silly things. I realised that I am incredibly guilty of this, and one of the reasons why I was able to enjoy the Edinburgh Half Marathon so much, was because I was able to just focus on being in that moment, rather than wishing the whole bloody thing was just over. So I took that idea on board today, and literally ran with it. I feel that it made a big difference, and I was able to enjoy my long run, rather than looking forward to it all being over so I can bask in the warm fuzzy glow of runners high. 


I was visiting my future in-laws this weekend, so went for a bit of running tourism, and enjoyed a beautiful 10 mile run in the South Downs. 

I switched off my running watch, stopped worrying about my pace and just enjoyed the calm and my surroundings. It was nice to run somewhere much quieter than my usual haunt of the Thames path. Even the people seemed much friendlier and calmer! 

Except for the man at the back of a group of walkers who announced "runner coming through. Slowly!"

"Screw you" I thought. "You're not running, you're out for a leisurely stroll, so what gives you the right to call me slow!"

However, I quietly apologised and thanked everyone in a polite British fashion, and ran on. Using my silent irritation to push me on faster...and in to a bush. A spiky, thorny bush, which left me with a big cut on my shoulder. 

So I returned to my in-laws covered in sweat, mud, blood, and protein powder (which I had managed to spill on myself in the car). They looked rather confused when they answered the door to me, and politely suggested that I may want to get myself cleaned up...

Warning! Warning! Smelly runner approaching!

Miles I was supposed to run: 3

Miles I actually ran: 3

I think this is the first summer I have tried to consistently run through. Usually I give up about May, convinced it's too hot, and then don't start up again until October. With the odd exception, on what I assume are cooler, less humid days, I'm finding my runs more of a struggle and a lot slower than they usually are in the winter when it's much cooler. Why most people prefer to run in the summer is beyond me! It's hot, it's sticky, and it makes you really dehydrated. At least in the winter you warm up pretty quickly once you get going, and it's easy to cool back down again! 

However, I am enjoying the weather today. It's too hot to do much, so after running my prescribed 3 miles today, I went down to my local park to enjoy the sunshine. 

As I have been having a lazy Saturday, I couldn't be bothered to have a shower after my run, and just headed straight out. I made the decision that I was only going to get more sweaty in this weather so what's the point. I probably disgusted anyone near me. Particularly the other Waitrose shoppers when I popped in to pick up some lunch. I feel a sweaty, sticky, smelly runner is not the sort of clientele they like to encourage! I'll get over it though, even if they don't. 


As a result I have had a nice relaxing afternoon in the park with my not quite so nutritious, but very delicious, picnic. Interestingly, I had a lot of space to myself...

The moral victory

Miles I was supposed to run: 4

Miles I actually ran: 4

Yesterday I opted to have a post work nap rather than run 7 miles...so I figured I had run out of excuses today.

I think I'm still tired from Tuesday so it was 4 slow plodding miles.

Plodding past people enjoying a Friday night drink in the pub.

Past people getting ready for a Friday night on the town.

Past people rushing home from work to enjoy a takeaway and trashy tv.

On days like today, when I have dragged myself out, and battled through the miles, I feel like I have won a moral victory. 

I can go to the pub safe in the knowledge that all those wine calories aren't going to touch me. Nor are those tasty looking chips. I am smug and superior because I have been for a run.

On days like today, when my usual joy of running decided not to bother showing up, so I'm not sure why I did, I will just bask in moral superiority, in the knowledge that I've done exercise today.

Go on. Hate me. I dare you! 

We all learn from our mistakes

Miles I was supposed to run: 4

Miles I actually ran: 4

After yesterday's race, I took it easy this evening. Just a slow 4 miles...playing Pokemon! I know all the cool kids caught them all weeks ago, but it still keeps me out of trouble on my runs! 

Yesterday I decided to have a protein shake with my very small dinner before I toddled off to my race. I felt this would be a smart move, as I hoped it would stop me from feeling hungry half way through, and then getting grumpy and deciding not to bother carrying on. 

I think I will add this to my list of stupid mistakes.

While I was running, it seemed to expand in my stomach. I bloated up like a balloon! I had some serious concerns that I may vomit, and belched my way through most of the race. Perhaps it helped speed me up?

After the race, there was a big spread put on with loads of cake, sandwiches  and healthy things like fruit. Sadly, I still felt so bloated and awful I wasn't able to eat anything. As I am not one to turn down food, I did try. I nibbled on a small piece of cake, but that gave me horrible indigestion. So I miserably gave up, went home, and went to bed.

Then in the middle of the night, I woke up absolutely starving and raided the fridge. Mr Runner was not pleased. Apparently he wanted the left over beef for his lunch today...

Moral of the story, don't protein shake and run! 

What to do when you end up ankle deep in horse shit and other stories

Wimbledon MABAC

My club is part of a local cross country league called MABAC. The races are just a bit of fun, and anyone can take part. Usually they are held on Sunday mornings, and I am too busy being social on the social runs to take part. As I had no exciting social plans for this evening, I thought I'd have a crack at the Wimbledon race.

It doesn't seem to matter how many training runs I do, or how many races I compete in, they all seem to go the same for the first few miles. 

Mile 1: Wow this is easy, I'm totally fit. 

Start of mile 2: Crap. I've only done a mile so far. This is hard. I'm screwed. 

Today's race had some more interesting additions as well.

Around 2.5 miles in there was a sharp bend, and a huuuuuuuge pile of horse poo. I was so busy speeding round the bend, wondering why on earth I had agreed to spend my Tuesday evening running around Wimbledon Common, when I went foot first, ankle deep, in to this huge pile of horse shit. 

Fantastic.

I figured there wasn't much for it other than to just keep going at this point. The damage was done. So I went with my usual strategy when in difficult situations, if I ignore it, it might go away. The worst of it fell off as I continued the other half of the race, and I had a rather smelly car ride home. They are now safely in the washing machine. 

It did distract me from my tired legs and lungs for a good mile though. 

Luckily as it had been raining and I was expecting mud I didn't wear my nice new blue trainers, but an older, muddier pair. 

On a brighter note, I also noticed that I was running with the boys for the best part of the race, there did not seem to be any other women in sight until I reached the finish line. In fact I managed to over take a lot of the boys. There is nothing quite as empowering as a female runner as knowing that you are just as good as the boys, if not better. I will never beat Mo Farah, but I will also never beat Paula Radcliffe. Girl Power! 

Rest day is the best day!

Rest Day

I decided to take a rest day today, I have a club race tomorrow, so I wanted to save my strength for that...if I make it...

So instead I spent a lovely evening getting my nails done in time for my ring bling being returned from the jewellers. :) (It turns out I have abnormally skinny fingers, so we had to send it back to get it shrunk) I opted for a sparkly colour on my ring finger, and decided to share a picture of my evening's accomplishments to my parents. 

My mother declined to comment.

My father wanted to know what was wrong with normal nails. 

Le sigh. 

I can see wedding planning is going to be interesting. Somehow I feel that they won't be up for a wedding on a beach, in deepest darkest Polynesia.  

Sunday, Long Run Day?

Miles I was supposed to run: 10

Mile I actually ran: 7

I thought about getting up early, joining the serious runner and going for a long run with them. 

Then I thought about it a bit more, and decided to stay in my warm, comfy bed with a mug of tea. 

So I joined my usual 7 mile group, and spent a lovely hour chasing cyclists completing the ride London race round Richmond Park in the sunshine. 

Will try harder and train properly next week...

Friday night is pub night

Miles I was supposed to run: 4

Mile I actually ran: 4

Bit drunk. Went to the pub post run. Probably not the best way to re-hydarate. Whoops!

The protein shake experiment

Miles I was supposed to run: 6

Mile I actually ran: 6 (Getting good at following these plans!)

I also ran 4 miles yesterday, but was too busy lounging on the sofa eating Chinese food to write about it!

I am now officially training for the Amsterdam Half marathon. I did not manage to follow the pre-training as close to the letter as I would have liked, so I'm a bit dubious about how this will go. Especially as I missed my first planned run on Monday. Plus I have signed myself up to a rather ambitious advanced plan. Shoot for the moon and if you miss you'll land among the stars and all that! So I'm off to an enthusiastic start!  

There is some hope though. After much discussion with my brother about protein shakes, (he has been a lot more enthusiastic about this than my recent engagement!) I bravely bought and tried one. 

I proudly collected my packet of protein powder from my local amazon locker last Saturday. Super excited, as this must been I'm a proper athlete now. I'm on the hard core stuff! Just to put a damper on my enthusiasm Mr Runner voiced his grave concerns that that I was now on a slippery slope. He complained that my new found interest in protein powder was going to result in me quickly moving on to 'roids, and then I would get super angry and start beating him. I did my best to reassure him that this was not my plan. I'm not sure he was convinced. 

To be honest I don't think he's got a lot to worry about. 

Protein powder mixed with water to make protein shakes looks and tastes disgusting. It goes all lumpy, no matter how much you try and whisk them. I don't understand how boys can take them three times a day!?! I definitely have no intention of having more than one a day, or moving on to anything harder!

On another note...having had one a day, after my runs, for the last 3 days, I think I can see an improvement in my energy levels and general hangriness. So maybe I will make it through the rest of my training?! Positive thinking! 

Are you bored yet?

Miles I was supposed to run: 6

Miles I actually ran: 6

Today I ran 6 miles. Now I'm quite sweaty. 

It was a nice cool evening in comparison to the last few weeks. 

About 4 miles in, my gluteus maximus started to hurt, so then I had to limp home. Not quite sure how I managed to injure it. 

Probably should do some stretches now, so that it doesn't stop me from running, because that would be bad! Tbh this meme says it all! 

So sleepy!

Miles I was supposed to run: 3

Miles I actually ran: 0

So my punishment for spending all day lolling on the sofa, feeling sorry for myself, was to end up lying awake until 5am. Having only had 90 minutes sleep last night, running wan't really what I was up for after work today. So I had a nice nap (yes I am totally setting myself for another failed nights sleep) and went for a lovely evening stroll.

I will try harder tomorrow. 

I have heard rest is important for muscle recovery. Hopefully todays lack of running will make me faster tomorrow?? 

Urgh! The heat. The humidity. The headache.

Miles I was supposed to run: 8

Miles I actually ran: 7.2

7.2 miles in blazing sunshine and 100000% humidity with a mild hangover was not a good idea. I'm just going to find a shady spot to lie down in and drink all the water for the rest of the day. 

The dreaded treadmill

Miles I was supposed to run: 3

Miles I actually ran: 3

Mr Runner wanted to trial a new gym today. Mr Runner wanted me to join him. As I only had to run 3 miles today, I stupidly agreed.

I hate treadmills. I went travelling down the west coast of Canada and America earlier this year while I was training for my last half marathon, and ended up doing a lot of running on treadmills. It was awful. 

So today I tentatively stepped on to the dreaded thing, and started it up. The first mile seemed to speed by. I decided I was obviously a lot fitter than the lat time I did this, and it was really easy. What had I been complaining about. I was speeding along at a pace much faster than usual. I was clearly on to a winner. I was going to win the Amsterdam Half Marathon at this rate.

Then I realised.

It was not 1 mile, but 1 kilometre. I was going a LOT slower than usual. 

What started as an easy run, became the LONGEST three miles of my life. Even longer than those horrific cross country runs I had to do at school in a t shirt, hockey skirt and 3 inches of snow. 

I hate treadmills. 

So after my 3 miles, I decided I wasn't hanging around to wait for Mr Runner. Instead I was going to sit outside and enjoy the sunshine. 

Just want to say a quick thank you to Thomas's blog for the fantastic picture :)

We're all going on a summer holiday!

Miles I was supposed to run: 6

Miles I actually ran: 6

I have spent a lovely couple of days in the Cotswolds. Lots of sunshine, country walks, good food and wine. I think Mr Runner and I were the youngest people there by at least 25 years!

There was not a lot of running happening, too many hills, and narrow over grown paths. Also I promised Mr Runner I wouldn't. He put me on a blog and running ban for the duration of our holiday. 

So this afternoon I belted out a quick 6 miler to try and keep up with my training plan. 

I was very amused to see a number of 30 somethings loitering on a street corner playing Pokemon while I was out. They were all teaming up to take on a gym, and getting really quite vocal about it (don't ask me how I know that :)!). It did make me chuckle to myself! 

None of us in my generation seem to have grown up really. This makes me feel more comfortable with the idea of getting older, taking out mortgages, getting married and having babies are things which are not that scary really. Especially if it's socially acceptable to take a break from it all and run away with Pokemon for a bit when adulting all seems to be getting a bit too much! 

Hello Sunshine!

Miles I was supposed to run: 6

Miles I actually ran: 6

Gallons of water lost in sweat: 3

Whatever was making me feel so tired over the last week is obviously fixed. I must have been mad to go out for a 6 mile run this morning, it was 28 degrees and rising when I left! But I did, and I enjoyed it!

Off I went, in my smallest running shorts, with mangy legs still covered in hives. The pressure was off because it was so hot. I knew I wasn't going to be able to run a PB, so I just had fun.

Pretty quickly I decided that it would be worth tucking the bottom of my t shirt in to my sports bra, allowing for a nice breeze on my stomach.

So there I was, flying down hills, in 30 degree heat, with mangy legs, and flashing my very white, slightly flabby, stomach. My mother would be horrified. As I think were the nice middle class mothers taking their children to the park this morning.

I didn't really care. It was hot, and anyone judging me could bugger off. It's my body, and my body doesn't want to end up with heat stroke. If it's OK for middle aged men with huge bellies to wander around on hot days with no tops on, people can deal with my white midriff and rashy legs!

Sadly I got a bit distracted in my, mostly imaginary, outrage, and ran in to a thorny bush. I now look like I've been a fight with a cat! As well as having a slightly sun burnt stomach. 

Oops!

Miles I am supposed to run: 3

Miles I actually ran: 0


I'm on holiday this week. I did plan on going for a run today...

But...

Mr Runner and I went out to Kew Gardens for the day. It was very hot and sunny. In that heat the chilled bottles of white wine looked so tempting...

Now I am home, trying to sober up, and there was no running done today. Oops!

Ouchy!

Miles I am supposed to run: 8

Miles I actually ran: 7.2

Time spent trying to put make-up on my legs: 23 minutes

I joined the top group (7miles) at my running club today, and I survived :). I know that I got to make this decision, and it's not really that big a deal, but as a kid I was never in the top group for anything. So I am quite chuffed with myself for this, and the fact that I was able to keep pace with them all.

So I had a lovely 7 mile run this morning chasing my peers across grassy parks. Frolicking through commons with grass that was knee high. I felt like a kid again. 

Then I noticed, my ankles were a little itchy. I looked down, and saw my legs were covered in big red blotches. Hives. Great.

So I have spent the last half an hour sitting in a freezing cold bath, trying to soothe my legs. I can't wear trousers because they irritate my legs more, especially as it's no hot today. So I am off to the pharmacy, in my shorts, with legs covered in big red blotches, to try and get some antihistamines. Lucky I'm not that self-conscious...

On the plus side, at least I can catch some Pokemon on my trip to town. I was trying to be all cool and grown-up today, so I didn't play Pokemon while out for my run.