WOW what an amazing few weeks I have had. Holiday, glorious sunshine, running in a different location and my 51st Birthday.
I had a marvellous holiday near Venasque in France, a stunning location and some lovely running round the hills at the back of the villa, although with a heavy pack it was very hard going and I struggled big time on the hills, OK I had to walk up most of the hills otherwise I would have died from lack of oxygen, but apart from that I loved it and it was so nice to be running somewhere different. I had to fit my runs in around everyone else so I would get up early and go out for 2.5 – 3.5 hours this way everyone else was just getting up by the time I returned; worked well.
This training was perfect for the Mountain Ultra in a few weeks time. I have two concerns about this race, firstly the altitude which is going to make running difficult and secondly although I love mountains my left ankle doesn’t so I won’t be rock-hopping in style I shall be clambering over the rocks, tripping on the loose stones and praying that I don’t twist my ankle at the same time feeling rather pathetic as people fly past me – oh well I shall enjoy the scenery as I will be going so slowly! (always a positive somewhere)
HWMBO did a lot of painting while on holiday which was a joy to see, something he hasn’t done for ages and has now re-discovered this amazing talent although he did become rather eccentric in his behaviour on occasions!
All in all a great time was had by all.
On our return I had my last big training week before my taper began for the Mountain Ultra. I had to do a long run with a pack so decided with my running partner Caroline to run from Charing to Dover then catch the train back. We set off a few hours later than planned which wasn’t the best start as I had someone coming to stay but all sorted with a quick email to HWMBO asking him to buy supper – simples! (or so I thought)
We had a wonderful run along the North Downs Way, the sun was beating down on us but we had brought enough water and there were shops along the way. There are two loops you can take on the NDW once you get to Boughton Lees, you can either go down towards Folkestone or go up towards Canterbury, both loops then finish in Dover. We decided to take the Canterbury loop which probably again wasn’t sensible as its the longer loop of the two – oops! Along the way we bumped into a team of Gurkha’s who were training for the Trail Walker, saw a large group of Deer in a corn field, bought a diet coke in Canterbury and meandered our way through the town enjoying people watching and was delighted to finally arrive in Dover, job done.
I did all my training during the week as I knew I had a busy weekend ahead celebrating my 51st Birthday (I have spent hours in counselling to be able to say that!) Wayward Daughter No. 1 treated me to a marvellous day/evening in Brighton where we had the most relaxing massage and facial I have every experienced (makes a change from sports massages) We were given a hot stones massage followed by a hot stones facial – MARVELLOUS; it was just the ticket. The evening was spent drinking cocktails and having dinner. Very spoiling and a real treat.
Sunday was another glorious day of celebrating – decided I was going to be like the Queen this year and extend my Birthday for as long as possible. Son & Heir to Nothing made and cooked the food and we were joined by friends and my youngest so all in all a very special weekend.
This week is my 1st week of taper, so today I did a 15.5k run with a pack and my longest run this week is 2 hours which will give me time to sort my kit out for the race. As HWMBO is also coming out I have to make sure he has all the right kit; rather romantic, two of everything!
Hope everyone’s training is going well – I thought you might enjoy this little cartoon.
Happy Training!
