I returned to Talybont reservoir to run 13miles today. The weather was crisp, milder than back in January with no snow underfoot! The track alongside the reservoir made for a steady climb up the edge of the hill, harder than before as potholes and large stones made up the surface. The last section of the uphill was tough, a sharp incline up through the woods which opened out onto a pretty plateau. The sun coming through the trees was beautiful – I had a sudden urge to take up fell running! The road down and back was long, but pleasant. This beats running in London any day.
Oh, I also ran with my camalback today – straps tightened – it felt fine, apart from a slightly sweatier back than usual.
A burnt out car ruined the view at one point, but made for an interesting photo.
written by Charky
A gentle 3 miler in the surrounding Welsh lanes. On my hilly run I saw a Red Kite, two horses, lots of sheep with lambs, and a friendly sheepdog. I ambled and didn’t really run much, but the views were great, and the sun was shining. One hill I just couldn’t run back up, and had to walkrun.
written by Charky
Track with Bernie tonight. I ran there with him – he’s done six marathons, a couple on a weeks training! Was great to get back to some speed work. On advice from Bernie for those doing Marathon training we did mile reps. 3 in total with a 3 minute recovery between each mile. 4 laps making up a mile. We ran at 30seconds below our Marathon pace – so for me this was 7:30. The aim is to get used to running miles at a faster pace than your Marathon pace so the real Marathon feels easier?! I raced Nick the last 100m – he won.
written by Charky
The mid week run always harbours the potential to be a bit boring and sits high on the scales of skipping. (not the rope kind). Ray set out with me, hoping to accompany me, but his Achilles is haunting him, and he had to make a break for home 2 miles in. I cursed myself for not packing my ipod, oh well, I had lots of time to ‘meditate’ and think about very random things.
Stimulating routes of over 8 miles in NW1 are becoming a real challenge to map. I took us to and up Primrose Hill, briefly taking in the windy view, then down and round Regents and onto Hyde Park. A dark and traffic lined lap of Hyde Park was new, but not very exciting. (oh how I wish it were summer!). The high point of the run was overtaking 9 guys running 2 abreast, tied together at the waist – bizarre.
written by Charky
No Ted again last night, so I took Wendy to the hill and we did 7 loops. Not a particularly taxing session, but my quads still felt a little weak from Saturday. It’s still pretty cold – looking forward to ditching the gloves, hat etc, but when will this be?!
written by Charky
mmm not quite as many as I should have, due to skipping one run during the week. Week 10 will be better….
written by Charky
Today was team a run with Camilla and Nick – on a Saturday rather than the usual Sunday – a nice change. We set off from the club at 10am, the sun came out, but there was still a bitter wind. It was great to be running with someone again, as the time goes a lot quicker and you can chat ‘run’ without boring/annoying anyone. The route took us a little way along the canal, through Farringdon, St Pauls, (toilet stop) over the Millennium Bridge (the best river panorama in London) and along the South Bank (too many tourists) to Battersea Park, cutting across St James Park, skipping around Hyde Park and on up to Regents. The final leg took us to Swiss Cottage, Chalk Farm and then home. I was aiming for 18miles, ended up doing 20 ! Miles fly when you are having fun.
Boy did I feel tired though. Made a huge error and decided to go to Run and Become to pick up some new lightweight trainers for the race, later that afternoon. (convinced that this was the only time I would find to get to the shop) Fatigued and a bit grumpy from hanging around in a tiny, busy shop,I finally managed to make my way to Balham. Then out in the evening to see friends who were over briefly from LA. Saturday was mammoth, and I’m still paying for it today. The hips are where I have been hit.
written by Charky
OK, skipped running to give the achilles a rest. Stretching, deep heating and icing and resting – not sure its doing anything… also rest tomorrow then big run on Saturday with Camilla and Nick.
written by Charky
I very nearly didn’t run this morning. My eyes were heavy, my legs were heavy. My Achilles is still ‘there’, which worries me a bit. Um, nothing else much to report really.
written by Charky
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