Janathon Day 6 & 7

So to start off I have a quick post for day 6, I was a little late on Sunday night and didn’t get a chance to post. Unfortunately work had to take priority as I was planning for a meeting the next day. Monday blues came early and crashed my weekend!
Here’s my stats for the evening: 75 miles in 7 minutes 30 seconds. It was only a quick run around the streets with Milly as I donned my FiveFingers for some minimalist running. I managed to keep Milly’s wee count to 3 with 2 sniffs at trees… that’s still quite a lot though for 7 minutes isn’t it?! haha, oh dear. She may not be marathon ready just yet!
Afterwards we had a cool-down walk for .50 mile.

Tonight for the 7th we just went out for a half hour walk for 1.5 miles with plenty of time allowed for sniffing and frolicking. I’ll be honest as well and say my poor calves needed the rest, they are finding it tough getting back into the groove of things so I’m not going to push them too hard and just go with the flow. The most important thing is keeping active every day and staying injury free!

I’m not sure what time I’ll be out tomorrow but it will more than likely be a late one, no doubt another walk with Milly. I’ve got an exciting night planned as I’m meeting up with my best friend who’s on holiday here in the U.K. from Sydney, Australia. It has been over 4 years since we last saw each other so you can imagine how hard I’m finding it just to keep still from the anticipation. No idea how I’ll sleep tonight!

See you all tomorrow for Day 8! x

Janathon Day 5

Mud, mud and more glorious mud. The ground is still struggling to soak up all the rain from the weeks before Christmas and it’s made for a very interesting course around the lakes. The trail beside the canal was the most precarious and goodness knows why I chose to run down there. I kept my balance adjusted to the right as I jogged and slipped, the water’s edge high and all too close to my left. I was most worried about my iPhone of all things and my mind wandered to how I would quickly un-attach it from my arm if by chance I fell in. I know I can swim but that murky brown water in the flooded canal wasn’t very inviting so not wanting to take any chances and with my trainers caked in mud I exited after a mile at the next gate and back onto the main path.

The graveled path felt unpleasantly hard after being on the trail but at least it was safe and easier to pick up some pace. I took the longest route around the rest of the lakes and encountered lots more mud (well I had to try a couple more of the trail routes, didn’t I!) and large, unavoidable puddles that stretched on for several meters at a time. There’s nothing quite like getting really mucky on a long run so I must admit I got quite alot of satisfaction in getting as dirty as possible. Plus it’s good practice for the Spartan races!

My public apologies however must be given to a certain child that I frightened as I strode around a corner and couldn’t avoid splashing. It all happened so quickly but I managed to do a strange ostrich type movement on my tip toes to make the splashes as small as possible. He squealed and I offered my apologies but I don’t think the little lad was well pleased. If only Papi had been following with a video camera, that would have made for an interesting encounter!

So to wrap up for the 5th day of Janathon I ran 6 miles and completed a cool-down for .85 miles (compromising of stretching, walking and a slow jog home). And what better reward than a warm bath, smoothie (banana and peanut butter, yum!) and a good book. All in all a very good day

See you all for some more mileage tomorrow!

Janathon Day 4

I’m here for a quick check-in only tonight, admittedly I’m a little late but pleased all the same to report that I made it out around the streets for a quick Milly mile on the 4th day of Janathon. I’ve been easing the muscles in slowly over the first few days and am looking forward to increasing the mileage over the weekend. It’s time to stretch those legs out!
For a cooldown I’m thinking of taking Milly out around our new mini course around the streets, I might even get out my beloved FiveFingers as I’m keen to start weaning myself off using my normal trainers. I’ve just got to remember to pace myself and not do too much too soon… Trouble is, I’m not exactly patient when it comes to training, I want to be able to run barefoot for 6-12 miles NOW!

So without further ado, here’s the stats for today: 1.25 miles in 13:14.
This includes 6 wee stops for Milly, yes 6! How many times must a girl mark her territory?!

That’s all from me for today, time to rest the body and get up hopefully feeling much more rejuvenated for a decent run.

Janathon Day 3

It was one of those evenings where I was driving home late from work and the thought of heading out for a run on the dark streets wasn’t exactly inspiring my already drained self. Walking through the door wasn’t any easier as I was greeted by the heavenly smell of dinner (yes, I’m spoilt) and the lovely sight of Papi and Milly all snug and warm in the lounge. To prevent any chance of procrastination I headed straight for the wardrobe and hurried into my running gear. I was rather relieved when I found myself stepping outside, Milly guiding (pulling) me through the darkness as we made the way to the first streetlight on our road.

The muscles were a little tight to start off with, they’re sure letting me know just how unfit I’ve let myself become, but once I got going I didn’t even notice. It was another good jog with the pooch although she still makes me rather nervous. Let’s just say the morning I fell flat on my face in front of the pub when she darted in front of me is still vivid in my mind. That and the scar on my knee!

After coursing around the estate (along the best lit parts, I’ve seen way too many dodgy movies and crime shows) we were soon done and back at the front door. So the total for today is 1.64 miles which was completed in 17:05 minutes.

Slow but steady, we’ll make a champ runner out of little Milly yet!

Yeah, she knows she’s cute…

Janathon Day 2

I was late enough home from work to not find a long run out around Suburbia very appealing. The gym was an option but one look at little Milly’s face and my mind was set on taking her out on a jog. She’s not the best running companion but we’re going to give it another shot this year and I must admit she didn’t pretty darned well tonight. An ever inquisitive Jack Russell she had her moments wanting to chase a cat running across the road or slurp up a strawberry milkshake that was strewn across the path but she soon came to settle beside me and we enjoyed a good mile and a half in sync. The short circuit around the streets soon found us on the home stretch all too soon but a quickened pace to a sprint made up for it. So that’s day 2 in the bag, rather short but a very enjoyable little run with the little pooch. I think it will be fun to start adding up all the ‘Milly miles’ so I’ll add another tally to the stats.
Miles: 1.34
Time: 13:45

See you all for day 3!

Janathon Day 1

You could sure tell it was New Years Day by the hoards of people out walking around the lakes, my usually quiet running haunt now bustling with kids on scooters and dogs splashing through the muddy puddles. I was the only runner so I must of missed the memo – where did they all go?! Or perhaps I was just late hitting the pavement after 2pm, I wasn’t exactly what one would call an early bird today!

My run was slow and I paced myself, even taking time out a couple of times to stretch the legs out and take in the beautiful view over the lakes. The sun was shining and there was an ever so light mist over the water, families in their warm winter coats stood dotted around the edge with bread bags in their hands for the many swans, ducks and geese.  I got a few surprised looks by people no doubt wondering what on earth I was doing out with short sleeves. I’m sure however with a second glance at my crimson coloured face they would have quickly realised that I was far from cold. I really wish I could find a way to turn down my internal thermostat, it’s ridiculous how hot I get!

On my first day of Janathon I managed 4.03 miles in 44:03, which is a rubbish time but I guess I have to take into account the time I spent stretching and pottering about the lakes. The time aside it just felt so damned good to be outside and to feel that cold air hit the lungs again.

Now to keep myself out of the fridge and cupboards, I ate a protein rich salad within the golden hour after my run but could still eat more, I think I got too used to nibbling over the festive period. Time to kick those naughty little habits back to 2012!

Hope everyone is out enjoying their first day of Janathon, onwards and upwards to a great month!

 

A cold & frosty December… the perfect time to start again!

This weekend brought a rather frosty start to December but whilst the great majority of people are retreating to the warmth indoors I’m dusting off my trainers to kick start my new routine. I’m honest when I say it’s been tough lately but I’m not going to let the excuse of cold, dark nights and working late to let me slip into the abyss this Winter.
I’ve been enjoying mountain bike rides and the odd weekend run but my training has been rather disgraceful. It’s amazing how much the lack of regular exercise affects your entire mood. I’ve been watching myself sit under this dark little cloud for a number of weeks, moping about the house and feeling rather sorry for myself. I’ve been tired, stressed and just so very tired. I know other workaholics will be able relate to my pitiful state, too much time at the desk and not enough dedicated to getting hot and sweaty. One might think that if I’m tired I just need more sleep, but truth be told nothing makes me feel more relieved of my stresses than a run and nothing gets out my frustration better than lifting those weights, skipping furious doubles or boxing it out on the pads.

As well as my new fitness regime I’m going to be enjoying taking part again in Tribesports challenges and this week I’ve got my sights set on the Beast. I’m a sucker of body weight workouts so this one is perfect for me to get back on my game – it’s time to get back those abs!

As the challenge below is from the Tribseports site, when you’ve finished it make sure you head over the the site to mark it as complete by clicking on the info-graphic below.