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...