Meon 20 Plod Sun 27/2, A nice 15 mile run and A horrible 5 mile run, in one

 

The walk to the start

 

Waiting for the race to start

 

The first serious climb, alot worse was to come

 

At the finish

It was one of the hardest races I have ever done. It started in glorious sunshine, this did not last. When it started to rain, the run got much harder, because we had to climb hills in muddy gullys and the mud was thick and very sticky. very happy to finish. At the finish, cold wet and very greatful for the free tea and cake, but no showers or changeing facilities, then on the walk back to the car it started to hail, could have done with out that  

Placement has started

I have started going swimming before placement, above is my new float, both a pull buoy and a kick board. My life is going to change, placement 5 days a week, how to people cope, with jobs? I am going to have to be really dedicated if I am to keep my training up. Only time will tell how I do

Sunday long run 18 mile pictures and video

It is much easier running with people and the bunch above are all fantastic, they make 18 miles enjoyable. It also helps that bristol is a great place to run. 18 miles in a city and the majority of it off road.

Over £½million awarded in new research grants : Brain Tumours & Brain Cancer Charity – Samantha Dickson Brain Tumour Trust

Over £½million awarded in new research grants : Brain Tumours & Brain Cancer Charity – Samantha Dickson Brain Tumour Trust

more photos of Tough Ten taken by Eclipse photography link below

http://www.eclipse-studio.co.uk/

Photos of Tough Ten 13th Feb 2011

me at the river bank rollick on the 16th Jan 2011

Sunday Run in Weston Super Mare

Members from Great Western Runners GWR after the Tough Ten in Weston Super Mare. What a great day, the weather was horrible, but  the company was fantastic. I personally had my best run for a while. Weston put on a fantastic event.

After members/friends from GWR went onto a pub for food, a fantastic day was had by all. I would do the tough ten again:-)

Friday Update

On Wednesday ended up running 10 miles, I do not like the 10 mile route as it is 4 miles down the Portway (a road in Bristol) which I find boring, but for some reason decided to do it. it was ok but ended up with a blister:-(
Thursday went to Horfield for a swim, but it was to busy, and it would have been annoying lots of people doing breast stroke in the fast lane, so decided not to swim, so went on Friday morning (today) which was much better. Tonight is spin, and then I am going to cook Jo's favorite Spinach and potato bake. recipe @ http://www.eighth-day.co.uk/recipes/bmedptsp.htm

Saturday is rest day Jo is working 2 shifts, so I am going to meet her for lunch, then Sunday is Tough ten in Weston Super Mare, lots of people from club are doing it, so it should be a fun day.

Update on how week is going

This week is going much the same as last, Yoga on Monday, which was needed after the long run on Sunday. Tuesday running club, 8 x 800 meters I managed all 8 but I do struggle with the amount of rest between each 800. After session a couple of us go back to Andy's for food, it is a fantastic evening. Today (Wednesday) is body pump at lunch time and than run club tonight, hope to do 8 mile. at the moment there is a routine to my exercise, but all this about to change as I start my second year placement on 21st February. I will not be able to make Yoga on a Monday and will struggle to make it to some of the other sessions as well.  

Sunday Long Run

Sorting the teas and cakes after our 16 mile run. It is so much easier running with people. There was 8 of us from GWR who met up for a run, the pace is about 8 minute mile. It is great bunch of people and a great way to spend Sunday morning.

Saturday Sleep

Rest is just as important as exercise, you have to let your body recover

Friday Spin

Spinning seems to be the exercise class of choice. The classes are normally full and there are more spin classes on the time table than any other exercise class.

Thursday Body Pump

I recommend Body Pump, I do not like going to the gym and Body Pump is a great way of lifting some weights and toning your body with out going to the gym.

Wednesday Running Club

                                                   Well earned drink back at the club house

Main club night, ran 6 miles, normally run 8, but legs still tired due to bike ride on Sunday, whilst it was 72 miles, it does worry me that in June Jo and I will be cycling 85 miles a day for 10 days as we make our way from Lands end to John O Groats.

Tuesday Running club

Tuesday is interval training with Great Western Runners GWR, at portway rugby development centre. Tonights session was 10x600metres efforts. with 1 minute rest between each one. Jo and I managed 6 then Sundays ride caught up with us and we could do no more. It was a tuff session 1 minute rest seemed harsh, last time we did this session we got 1 1/2 minutes rest. The picture above is the stretching after the efforts.