Sneaky run whilst #2 at hockey training

After a worrying tight calf muscle developed like cramp whilst at work yesterday, I decided not to attend the usual club track training session last night and instead did a good 40 mins of stretching and yoga, followed by use of the trusty ice-pack.

All good today however so went out for a little 30 min session to kill time whilst waiting for one of my little cherubs at the hockey pitch.

But oh how I wish I had popped to the toilet before heading out as the joy of bringing the aforementioned cherubs into this world has seriously affected my not so trusty pelvic floor muscles and all I can say tonight is "TENA".    The peeing injustice of it all......

6.5km in a cold, damp environment.....and it wasn't just the weather.  😰

  

Talybont Reservoir Loop - First Long Run in ages!

This morning, I fought the usual desire to have a lie in and made it to Talybont to meet up with 6 other Parc Bryn Bach club members for my first long run since the Severn Bridge Half in August 2017.

User failure to operate my watch meant that I ended up recorded two separate runs but I can safely confirm that I did run a 14 mile route today with a lovely bunch of like minded running buddies that really did make all the difference.

Photo Credit: Robert Gale

I would be lying if I said that I did not start to ache a little towards the end of this run as there were a few nasty hills to contend with but I am well chuffed with my effort today.  Thanks Talybont Running Crew!

The bonus came at 11 miles when we passed a Fan Dance event re-fuel station.  I kid you not when I say that I almost wept with relief at the sight of a few little snacks!  The support team pretty much said eat as much as you want and as thanks, we offered to promote the Merthyr Half Marathon in appreciation.  It took every fibre in my body to stop myself gorging on the entire table of lovely flapjacks, jelly beans, peanuts and jaffa cakes, not to mention weeping on the lovely steward but my big girl running pants held up and we gently made it back to our start point

I used half a bag of Epsom Salts in my post run bath and tried really hard to spend some time stretching out after.....tiresome but I know that it's essential to do it.


Blister Update - the area was covered with some brilliant moleskin blister protection prior to the start of the run and I decided to use my old orthotics with a slightly thicker sock.   I did not feel any discomfort thankfully but it did grow in size.    Main thing is that its still in once piece :)

Now sipping a Gin and Tonic for essential re-hydration...I know it makes sense :)

Nasty Blister!

After an epic failure to get out of bed this morning and run a longer 50 min session, I decided I would quickly fit in today's training run after getting in from work.

I failed to get away to hopefully enjoy some natural daylight, so instead had to endure the "torchlight run" with my trusty bluetooth bobble but on the upside, my new orthotic insoles had arrived, so I decided to give them an outing......

6km into the run, the nagging sensation of "the rub" started to make its presence known under the ball of my right foot but with my big girl running pants on, I ran on determined to continue feeling fresh and strong.  (PPffffssttt....)

10km in and I started to alter my stride and probably looked like cowboy walking to anyone unfortunate enough to have passed me on the A40.

I looked something like this.....

But wished I had seen something like this....



An 11 km run today  (did 6.28km yesterday but nothing to really report except I wished I had worn gloves as my fingers are still fused).

URRRGGHHH

It was a struggle to get out of bed this morning and leave my cwtchy bed, especially as the visibility was limited due to heavy mist/fog and the fact that it's still pitch black at 6am.

But needs must and I had to fit in a 40 min run before work today, as my priority tonight was making it to Book Club which meant no time to run once home.

Points of interest:

• Some horses which did not really like my night light
• A man out walking his dog with no torch but as least the dogs eyes are reflective
• Some nasty hills
• I attended Book Club and did not allow alcohol to pass my lips, which was harder than running up any bloody hills.

Rather a hilly 40 min figure of eight loop around Crick and the Dardy.   7km with elevation of 157m and average pace of 5.52/km.

I tried to keep a reasonable pace but in my head I was still in bed sleeping........

Walk day - Henrhyd Falls

Following a little night away in Swansea with the nearest and dearest and sinking too many cocktails and Rum from the night before, we decided to complete Walk 38 of the following little book which was a relatively easy 7 km walk with lots of mud and some steep inclines.

The following photos hopefully provide some idea of how beautiful the walk was and the waterfall itself was stunning - from inside and out!

 Some leg strengthening steps...

 Looking in....

 Looking out...

 Some rain and Cribarth in the distance

River Tawe rapids.

Up against the wind......

My run this morning was akin to seeing those dogs hanging out of car windows and gasping for breath such was the force of wind pounding my face.

It was a hard slog this morning but managed a 10.6 km run in 57.18 mins (Average 5.23/km).

Did a bit of stretching too when I came back as my left arse cheek a little unhappy along with my Bobble Hat Hair....

Training has officially started

I have officially started the training schedule for London in as much as I left the house and went for a run.

There was no way that running was an option yesterday as I was still sweating Sambuca at 3pm.  I did however go for a lovely walk up the Table Mountain with the friends that helped me drink the Sambuca, so I counted that as "leg strength" training...

The run today was quite steady - a 50 min jaunt at 5:13/km pace.    I also bumped into a friend who completed the New York Marathon back in November so even managed to pick up some additional bonus tips on training.

Also wore my new Xmas Bluetooth running beanie which allowed me to run without faffy wires threatening to garrote me and must admit (as a non music runner) that for the long canal runs ahead, the ability to switch off and lose myself in a few tunes will come in handy.  My problem is though that I am still stuck in the 90's with regards to rave/dance so will have to fight the urge not to start adding a few additional moves with my arms.....

Next job this week is planning my fundraising events.   Most will involve alcohol 🍸