When you are faced with a pretty hectic few months of running – new kit is essential. It makes you feel good, it makes you want to run. I splashed out – perfectly reasonable if you are running a Marathon! So, new trainers (ready to be alternated with current pair, so nicely worn in ready for the big day) new legs (Lycra) a very bright long sleeve top, some softly softly new Nike socks and some new running bras. I’m covered.
In addition to clothing I’ve chosen a selection of running fuels to give a go. Most are supposed to be disgusting, some make you sick, nice, I’ll see how I go.
Today I actually went for a run – hurray! The last few days have seen a lot of sitting around ‘planning’. I’ve made lists of recipes, I’ve made documents containing strength training routines and I’ve baked another banana bread (good texture, but bananas not quite ripe enough)
So, a garmin specific run – downloaded straight onto my watch. (I’ve downloaded a full 16week Marathon plan) Today I trialled a ‘Steady 4m’. After the twentieth insistent beep shouting at me to ‘speed up!’ I figured I was either extremely unfit or there was something up with the garmin. Luckily on transferring the run back at home it shows that something is up. I will need to investigate…
X training today – a late afternoon ride in Dorking, Surrey. It was a beautiful clear day, a chill picking up pace in the air. Getting there we encountered a few fails. (this on top of a late decision to make the day a bike day) I blame it on the hunger. Ray on an empty stomach can be dangerous. So, after navigating our way there sans satnav (second fail) we finally got there and set about gearing up. A fairly gentle climb to the viewing tower/tuck shop I managed to reacquaint myself with the many gears and began to try and keep up with Ray (third fail) After some fun downhill slaloms and some not so fun uphill rises I made a major fail – criticised the pro-biker’s direction and immediately lost his advice. A grumpy ride back to the car we made up on the drive home, De La Soul coaxing us into apologies. The day was saved by a kick-arse home made curry.
After a glass of champagne and some smoked salmon on soda bread I went for a run avec Ray. A comfortable (Sorry Ray!) 3.5ish jog. It was still a little icy under foot and very wet but nice to be off the tarmac and out in the country. Dogs! Country dogs are the opposite from the indifferent mutts of London Town. As a country runner you immediately shout “chase me, attack me!” A rottweiler was the breed which we encountered on this particular country jaunt – lovely! One flooded lane and a hill later we were back at home and back on the drink. We felt very worthy at Christmas lunch.
Oh dear, another day of thinking and not much doing. I made banana bread though – a staple runner’s snack. I have been making it on and off for a couple of months now, each time trying to perfect the recipe. The last two have been quite spectacular fails. This one though, is good, very good. Studded with raspberries – it’s moist but not sticky.
I have a tab open on Runnersworld – training plans – I must dash…
I found out about my London Marathon place early this week. First reaction was “YES!” followed closley by “Shitballs!”. This week has seen a seesaw of excitement and fear. So, instead of getting straight out there and tucking some miles under my belt I figured I would just think about a training plan and go for a walk instead. It had been snowing so no condition for running anyways (not the first of many excuses I hope…)
Hampstead Heath was the location for this non run.
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