Training Update Tuesday

I'm not even sure there's been any running since the gloriously muddy race that now seems like a distant memory. Since then my time and energy has been focussed into sleeping, sneezing, snotting and coughing. Mostly sleeping. 

It's been ridiculous. 

Now, I'm no stranger to sleep, but this was something else. Never mind running, work didn't happen. I didn't read. I didn't listen to music. All that seemed to occur for a week was sleeping sleeping sleeping.

So where does this leave me vis-a-vis The Marathon? Official training starts the week of Jan 5th. Between now and then I'm playing the resting game. I seem to have lost a few pounds over the last week or so, which needs taking in hand too. I'm hoping echinacea tablets, fresh ginger tea and stepping up the eating will help boost my immune system and my reserves so that I can take this crazy running thing on and not have it kill me. 

Must confess to thinking long (ish) and hard about the whole marathon game in my brief waking moments. The outcome? We'll have a go and see what happens. Watching the money coming in for Kith & Kids will help, I am sure. 

On that note, I suspect that your Xmas shopping has been just a little bit cheaper than you expected. So if you need to relieve yourself of the burden of a few spare quid, click the DONATE button and JustGiving will help you out. 

If nothing else, I am here to tease your money from you ;o)

WE INTERRUPT THIS BLOG

We interrupt this blog to moan and whinge about having flu and feeling really rubbish.

Apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.

Normal service will be resumed as soon as possible.

(moan moan moan. whinge whinge whinge)

Training Update Tuesday: Race Results

The Full Monty-cute 10 race was on Sunday. 10 miles. 10 hills. And as much mud as you like. At some points it was impossible to run because the hills were too steep and too damn slippery. At other times such beauty, it was like running through the prettiest Xmas cards. Frosty tree-lined tracks and gorgeous low-winter-sun views over Somerset. Quite exquisite. About three miles in I decided it had been worth getting out of bed at 7am on a Sunday for ;o)

Now, I've always said that one of my main reasons for running is the positive impact it has on my emotional state and mental health. And if you need proof, check these before and after pics...

2/3 of the Team before.

The full complement after. 

I rest my case!

And yes! You can see the results here, but be prepared to scroll... funnily enough my name isn't at the top ;o)

Flapjack Friday

I'm tired and I'm overwhelmed* and I feel all out of sorts. And moan moan moan moan, blah blah blah blah. 

I'm not sure if it's because Wednesday and Thursday happened so fast I didn't get around to eating enough food. Or if it's an oat overdose, having started the day with porridge and followed it up quickly with a double flapjack frenzy as I tried to catch up on calories rapidly and with minimal effort. Emotions are also running high, as life is happening in all directions to me and those close to me. And believe me when I say I can emote my way through a week's food, no worries.  I've just eaten an apple and a banana and I think my body seems to be saying "THANK GOODNESS - NO OATS. NOW GIVE ME VEGETABLES AND I MIGHT START TO FEEL NORMAL!" 

I'm also opening my mind to the possibility that a busy week at work, 5 days cycling to and fro and three decent runs might be taking a toll. And this is only the start of it. After Xmas the real fun begins ;o)

So, what do we do on days like this? We look for a bit of a boost, and it doesn't always mean food - today it comes in the form of Ray LaMontagne with "3 More Days". Gotta love him. Even if he does look like an axe murderer.

*Does anyone ever feel just nicely whelmed. Me? I'm always a little over or a little under ;o)

Training Update Tuesday

Woo hoo! It's Tuesday and I have a training update! Hooooorah! 

So here's the latest: After coming out the other side of the boring cough and cold malarkey, I've had a couple of easy 6 mile runs to get back into things. By easy I mean the pace. Easy / plodding / enjoying the view. Call it what you will. My personal triumph of the last few weeks was Sunday when I survived 8 miles along the Airport road. No watch. No pressure. No fluids. Just a mix of Sarah Bareilles, Snow Patrol and Bloc Party tunes to help me along. Felt good to manage 8. And also just as well I did because...

...This Sunday I'm joining the madness of a 10 mile trail race. Upping the distance, making the terrain more challenging and throwing plenty of hills into the mix. Ideal! 

Between now and then I'm looking at just keeping my legs ticking over. A gentle 6 today* and a leisurely 3-4 on Thursday. 

*And while I'm out doing that, I leave you with some gratuitous post-run bra shots to quieten those who've been asking... and to get more money into the Kith & Kids pot. Wouldn't it be awesome to have cleared £250 by the end of the year? (Yes Yes Yes, it would)

ok you voyeurs, now where's your money?!?