A Good Friday before Good Friday!

Friday 23rd was a fab day of fundraising!

First off a cake and Easter egg raffle in work where BGCBC colleagues again donated their weekend pocket money, helping raise a total of £107.75.

Later that night, my dear friend Jan kindly hosted a Bingo night and between the "house" shouts, raffle prizes, homemade cards and sales of free range eggs, we managed to raise an additional £268 so a total of £375.75 raised on the day which has helped me get ever closer to the magical fundraising target of £2,000.

I have been humbled by the sheer generosity of those who have been able to contribute towards my funding target and can guarantee that every penny donated really does spur me on when the legs start their screaming! (usually around the 18 mile mark).

At last check - the total now stands at £1,702.73 :) 

Beast from East v Chick from Crick

I was disappointed but not surprised to see the decision to cancel the San Domenico 20 mile race yesterday and the weather forecast was again correct.

VLM training stops for no woman however, so at 0830 this morning, I roused myself out of my lovely warm bed and pulled back the curtains to view the street and again the white stuff was covering the road and swirling around in windy puffs.

I had to try and get a long run in today and my mission was to hit the 20 mile mark so after a quick banana and a glass of water and getting my stuff ready, I was prepared.

The wind chill was offering a free skin exfoliation which was a nice touch I felt...

It supposed to be Spring......god knows what weather to expect on the 22nd April this year.

I started to flag considerably towards the end of my run back which given that I didn't really have breakfast, is no surprise but after smashing another frozen banana into me, I started to feel a little better.

Finally made it home and even better, my lovely in-laws had booked a table at The Bear for lunch so after a hurried stretch and quick bath, I was back out to walk into town for roast dinner and a G&T.  20 miles in the bag done.  👊

Springy morning run

It is probably rare that one wakes from sleep and actually looks forward to a 50 min run but I must admit that this strange phenomenon did occur this morning!   I usually have to peel myself away from my drool infested pillow and dress with my eyes closed but I think the brighter mornings are finally starting to make a difference.

 This little lot were having a right old party when I jogged past - again, I did stop to have a little chat.

Its a shame my camera has no zoom but the lamb in the middle is actually air-borne!

The joys of finally seeing some colour.   

Lovely slow recovery run after my longer miles on Saturday - my legs and joints benefited from a few days rest too.

Six weeks tomorrow!!

I cannot believe how the weeks are now on serious countdown until April 22nd.

I have been back on track (not literally as I am not a fan of the circular nasty) but I have managed to follow the plan this week for my morning wake up calls and run sessions. 

This morning was a long 19 miler which I started at Theatre Brycheiniog thanks to my lovely nearest and dearest dropping me off and I was sporting my blinged up training vest too.

As I set off, it then decided to hammer down with rain, pretty much for the duration of my journey.

I felt I connected with the forlorn solitary swan just after setting off...the rain drops were huge and the canal was more like a XC course. My poor new road trainers were NOT happy.

Coming in towards Pencelli - the River Usk below the canal was loud and rising fast due to recent snowfall and thaw.

The canal just outside Talybont resembled Wonka's Chocolate lake...again due to huge amounts of muddy run off coursing into the waterway.   

Some ickle twin lambs....I had to stop for a quick chat.

From previous experience, the above walk in Talybont is worth doing, especially when Spring is under way.  

Llangynidr Locks around mid way in the run.

 

I stopped at the above point to try the peanut stuffed dates I had made and packed into my rucksack....sadly they resembled small pellet turds by the time I fished them out.   They tasted good and didn't create havoc with my stomach but note to self - leave these in the fridge at home for next post-runs.

Nearly home!!!  My legs laughed at the speed sign....

River Usk at Crickhowell looking like Wonka's Chocolate Lake too by the time I crossed back over.

Finally made it home.

Weekend of enforced rest!

I have almost come to terms with probably a sensible decision not to go out and do a long run in the slushy, icy snow today but have to admit that its making me feel very irritable.

I keep hoping that every time I look out of the window that the snow will have miraculously disappeared but to no avail...the road is still pants and the pavements even worse.

Also - following a day of sledging and trudging through snow yesterday, I am feeling quite tired and a bit tight in the lower back so I think I might as well concede defeat and do some home based yoga and strength/core on the floor sessions today :(

Here are some shots of the snow yesterday and the drifts in places were spectacular.

This is the drive up towards a farm by the Table Mountain.....

Baltic run - is this what Botox feels like?

With the help of my running buddy, we braved the elements before the worst of the storm came in.

If Botox work is like numbness - then I cannot understand why people would pay to make their skin feel like this!    

Really exhilaring jaunt out though.

Today was a rest day.  Not prepared to risk an injury with London so close.   If necessary, will do a day of yoga,  work with my friend Joe Wicks  and basic strength work at home in front of the fire!

The joy of snow and marathon training!

Well, I have managed to get some of the runs in this week but decided not to go mental and do the interval ones at pace over glassy iced roads and canal tracks.

Here are some shots of the week so far...

Crisp morning recovery run on Tuesday with Llangattock Escarpment in the background.

Up on the canal as the sun came up!