Started the day with two cups of black coffee to get me zipping around, followed by a large bowl of porridge to keep my energy levels up for my long run. As I had 40k to do today I had to leave the dogs at home, Morse the Naughty Jack Russell would have coped but Lockie or Victor Meldrew as he’s otherwise known, wouldn’t have coped, he’s now 11 plus years old so not fair to make him run that distance.
I parked the car in the forest, wiggled around for a bit then headed out along the road towards Bewl Reservoir, ran round that then headed back up to the forest again where I did a bit more wiggling to make my run up to 40k. I was very shocked at the water levels, I don’t think I have ever seen the reservoir so low, in fact a friend of mine mentioned on one of my Facebook comments that she had walked across it a couple of weeks ago!
As I was running round what is usually a stunning location, I got to thinking about various things, as one does. One of the thoughts that was going through my head were all the marvellous people I have been lucky enough to have met since I started running, listening to their stories, how and why they started running; for some it was to get fit, others have stopped drinking and smoking and this was their way of changing their life, some people have overcome injuries and operations, or have been told they have am illness that is at present no curable. Their stories, strength and sheer determination and love of what they are doing is quite amazing. I am extremely lucky to have met these people, who teach us that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.
Today (Thursday) seems to have been rather a busy one. I did a short run at the gym, followed by one of Katie’s tough spinning sessions then back into my car to drive to the forest for an interval session with my tyre! I have to admit my legs were feeling tired but I did the session and was extremely glad when it was over, I even managed to avoid the rain.
At home I had a large cup of coffee, something to eat and did some admin – THEN the sun came out so I took my ElliptiGO bike out for short 20 minute spin! I felt a bit like a prancing pony to begin with as you have to stand up straight, plus it took me a few minutes for my legs to get used to the movement – had a slight panic when a car drove past me, but all was well I didn’t fall off, not even when I turned right! So all in all a great couple of days.
My sister Jacqui Gray and Alex Flynn are both taking part in the Dubai 10k race tomorrow. I would like to wish them both lots of luck, especially my sister as this will be her first 10k and I know she has trained hard so will be cheering her on from kent (actually I will probably be asleep because of the time distance!!) A great day for her to race as its my mothers Birthday and she is staying with them at the moment, fantastic, wish I was there too.
Happy Training
