Going backwards fast!

I think those 3 weeks missed pounding the streets has well and truely set me back. I can't believe how badly I'm struggling with my long runs. Before Christmas I was a consistent 11 min miler when doing a double figure run, now I'm lucky to do 12. Rather worrying, serious work to be done and I think that means cross training twice a week. Really need to find a decent but cheap place to train. It was 12 weeks today, oh my. Thinking I need a miracle!

A slight wrong turn!

I had planned out a lovely new local route for my long run, however when I arrived at a cross roads my memory left me, left or right. I chose right, wrong choice! 2 hours and 48 mins after starting my run I finally made it home. I think I only did about 13 - 14 miles however it was hilly and from my 3 week break I am a little out of condition! I look forward to doing the route again however I think I'll wait a few weeks first. Today I ache...a lot!

Flash the Tortoise

On our skiing holiday Heath renamed me, Flash, due to my endeavours on the slopes. I think this will now be the theme tune to my marathon...

Slowly steadily, I go at my own pace...

They call me Flash,

Though I don't dash,

No need to run a race,

As long as I get there, why worry...

What's the hurry.

Definitely a runner not a skier!

There is such a great effort to be made when skiing. First there's the boots that kill your feet, ankles and calves the moment you put them on. I lost feeling in my left foot when I did the boots up but then promptly got pins and needles. Once the boots are on then you need to suss out how to walk in them which is definitely easier said than done! I actually thought I was going to pass out from the way the boot was constricting the blood flow. Considering this is the 4th time skiing you would have thought I would be used to it by now! Then there is the actual act of skiing, sadly some people make this look easy, it's not. There is a bit of a catch 22 with skiing, you need to gather enough speed going downhill to be able to turn easy but the moment you start speeding it scares you and your natural reaction is to stop yourself, this is when you inevitably fall over. Of which I did many times, one fall I nearly impaled myself onto a piste pole! Despite the miles of ground covered running I'm still very unfit on the slopes, my thighs were aching just after half hour. Sadly there were no easy greens to save me, all the blue runs seem to have sneaky challenging steep bits, often too narrow to be able to glide from one side to the other. I discovered a great love of the chair lift, especially one which took 14 minutes to get back to the top. A lovely respite from the pain and fear and also a chance to take in the beautiful scenery. I did have the best hot chocolate ever which was also the most expensive at nearly £6! By the end of the day my shins and calves were really hurting and luckily Heath was aching too. Once I took my boots off I found the source of my pain, my ankles were all blistered from the pattern of the seams to my Long John's, at least I had something to show for the pain. All I can say is after a week skiing is BRING ON THE MARATHON!! What with the snow during the first 2 weeks of January and then the holiday, the training has taken a break. Tomorrow it restarts, no rest for the wicked.

Snow away!!!

Snowed in today, it arrived last night so no club night. I was going to head off to the gym tonight however there's no chance. Even more worryingly this is apparently set in for the next week or so, could someone kindly inform the weather that I need to train!!!

I've attached a couple of photo's as it does look pretty.

First long run of the year - done!

I took it pretty slow this morning so definitely no personal best today but actually felt good at the end, so much so that I could have carried on. I debated for the whole of the last mile but as I had already been out for over 2 hours I figured hubby would be sending out the search party if I didn't return home soon. Probably best not to push myself so early on, plenty of time for that. Did a little tweaking of the training plan and found another 20 miler over Merthyr way, sounds as good as 20 miles can ;-) It's on the same day as a half I fancy doing though so decisions. decisions.

Still icy outside, which is probably another good reason not to do the 12th mile, yes I managed 11 this morning even though my thighs were slightly aching from Fridays exploits. Really need this snow and ice to go now, I'm dying to do my local route I've plotted and that's nothing to do with the pub that's en route! X training starts this week, still not sure what to do but think it will have to involve a gym, damn!

First race 0f 2010 done!

A cold and beautiful start to 2010 and a lovely 10k race to blow the cobwebs away. There were a couple of icy sections which hampered my time slightly, well that's my excuse anyway. Completed it in 59:35, not bad considering my lack of training over the holidays and it was an undulating course! Hard work starts now, need to find some cross training sessions now for Monday nights. Hot bath to warm up and then need to do an olbas steam in an attempt to get rid of my cold.

Happy New Year one and all!