Jan by numbers

149 mm of Rainfall
113 miles
15 runs
2 new tops
1 new watch

Park run fun and long run builder

So this morning was supposed to be tipping it down, and after last nights storm I was very surprised to see high cloud and only a hint of rain in the air. 9am parkrun and I was the time keeper, was such fun shouting to people to finish strong and almost all of them reacting and sprint finishing... think I missed my calling in life!

After the run , I had my own little run, 16 miles today back home... but since I hadn't done hill training yesterday my legs were fresh, and it really made a difference. I ran well and felt strong. Certainly felt I could have gone on quite a few more miles today.

Is always a good feeling to finish with something in the tank I think....

I also tried a milk, mango and protein shake straight afterwards and I actually really liked it and thought it helped get me ready for the rest of the day.

Horrible hills

So the miles are starting to increase to a number bigger than half marathon, and today's 15 and a half miles was hard going, especially when the hills just kept on coming. The steep one after 13 miles was certainly not required! Overall a good run and the sun stayed out for all of it.... so no complaints from me.

Putting in the miles

So we are not quite 3 weeks into the year, but I have covered 68 miles so far. Feeling pleased that the new year has been so positive and that the legs are reacting well to every mile I ask of them. I also know that I have to do this slow slow catchy monkey to avoid injury, so am trying my hardest to listen to my body and to make the right decisions at every turn. I find the process an interesting one... I have to find the inner control when out on a run to decide to cut it short and to not push the pace, but so far so good.

Dartmoor new year

Well it was only a matter of time before the weather broke enough to allow me up there for a proper run. And today was that day. Forecast sunny , not let down as I drew the curtains a little jot to get a sneak peak. Clear and cold was the order of the day... so a slow start, more clothing and food on board before the off!

Had Dartmoor to myself for the first hour and a half, by that time I had made the tracks in the snow and was heading back. Perfect start to the day, the year in fact.

Stunning running I call this

https://vimeo.com/149214499

Wow , just wow, I want a holiday right now!

The weekend long run

Well the rain wasn't here this morning, and thus every man, woman and child strode out into the light and looked on in amazement. I decided to do my long run through the woods of Plybridge today as I thought the weather really could hold for all that long! I was wrong and was treated to 2 hours of lovely crisp clear weather as I ran up the old cycle path to the edge of the moors. My mp3 player was the only thing to ruin the run, deciding to repeat about 10 tracks unless I shifted it on manually. So 13.4 miles done and the first week of training has gone well I'd say.

We can always watch the weather coming to the home , gives me about a 30 min weather window for a run!

New Year training starts

So as per usual I have signed up to several races for this year and when I did so it felt like an age away. Then Christmas happens and for me I managed to put on 4 kgs in just 12 days, perhaps a little too much Christmas cheer! Now the prospect of getting ready to race and get some PBs this year is for me at least exciting. So bring it on 2016, The weather is extremely wet and windy, which to be honest is often the case down here in the West country... so head down, fresh shoes at the ready, just suck it up, get out there and enjoy the suffering just a little as I know that when the spring comes I'l be thankful for getting a good start.