2 Week Challenge #Running

Gosh, where did last week go? Despite a crazy week I managed to run every day apart from Friday & Saturday - I know, I know, but you know what I'm not considering it a fail on my initial intention....

On Friday morning  I was being filmed for a TV programme (I can share here in a few weeks time - exciting!!!) and in the afternoon me and Mr.L went to Manchester to see one of my favourite bands - 'Hurts' at Manchester Academy & had a wonderful time. Not sure of you have heard of them, they remind me of the 80's! My era!

Saturday I had the usual running around and in the afternoon a 2 hour meditation session - I wasn't going to spoil the benefits of that by then putting my trainers on!

I ran a lot in the dark, be it morning or evening, although one evening it was light enough to run without a head torch - the light is slowly returning!

I think it did me good to have 2 days off as yesterday Mr.L dragged me out on a mystery run. We ran together at a lovely leisurely pace along the canal and did 8 miles. So, so happy with this. Sometimes I lack conviction that I can do it, despite doing a half marathon last year and he sees this. If he had told me I was doing 8 miles I'd have said no!

So here just a few picture of my run yesterday, you can see other running adventures here on Instagram! Here with my ever faithful Olly.....It was a beautiful, crisp day :-)

 Olly needing a drink!

Thank you for dropping by, have you got anything that you hope to achieve this year or challenge yourself to do? 

XX

2 Week Challenge #Run2

I need to get back my love of running. I was there oh so fleetingly, really loving running last year. I know it is there inside. I know it helps me sort my head out!! The best reason alone for loving running again!!

So, I want to make myself accountable - here - if you'll let me?

I am challenging myself to run every day for the next two weeks starting Saturday 6th February. I want to focus on enjoying my route, improving my pace, controlling my breathing. I won't be running far, no more than 5k for now! :-)

I ran for the 7th time since my op today (Sunday), my second for this challenge. I ran in snow for the first time ever on #Run3- I did a little video on Instagram So funny. My time has improved by 2 minutes a kilometre!

I need to spend some time looking at races for later in the year. Trail running is my favourite, keeping me motivated - ever changing terrain keeps it interesting (unlike long boring roads), they are tough, but there's a real sense of achievement for me when I finish. I love leaping like a mountain goat, feeling fabulous & strong!

Thank you so much for visiting this little corner of my World!
Back tomorrow with wardrobe adventures!
XX

Five Days In......

Hello lovely people! Two days in to the first week of the New Year. If life is 'back to normal' for you I wish you a slow start and little stress.

I have a week or two remaining of recovery from my hysterectomy before my return to work. The time left will be concentrated on returning to the work routine, walking the dog at the pre-hysterectomy time, but also trying to get a good night's sleep - something that has been evading me big time, I am now a fully fledged insomniac (blog post coming up) and am now struggling to cope. JUST GIVE ME THE DRUGS!!!

Yesterday though Mr.L dragged me out for a run!! Yay I thought, it may help me sleep - not!! Anyway, trainers were laced and with some apprehension we drove to the local reservoir, nice and flat. My aim was to run round the 2.5 miles at a slow pace without stopping and yay I did! My breathing was great, my legs okish. Happy Happy!

This is the second run since my hysterectomy. The first was around the same reservoir, I had to stop about four times going round but the actual running felt good, but by the time I got home I felt terrible and just crawled into bed in my running gear and slept for two hours - lesson to be learnt, too much too soon!!

So here is me, post run, tired but elated. The toenails are dirty so needed painting; for a change, green! A small gift from a work colleague of Loreal Feline Sauvage. Not a colour I would usually go for, but I like :-) Expertly painted as you can see....

 

 Thanks so much for dropping by,
See you soon!
XX

Today I Ran

I don't know how far. I don't know how fast.

& that doesn't bother me.

It's about how I feel, sinking in my surroundings.

What I do know is it was at a good pace and non stop for an hour and twenty minutes.

These days I run for fun. I love it - & so does the pup!

With the wind in my hair, the sound of the waves on the reservoir and the smell of pine trees in my nose ;-) It's wonderful!

A couple of weeks ago I did my first fell race - I still haven't checked my time. It was 5 miles, 2.5 uphill. For me it was about running it without stopping, getting up there and getting down. It's a challenge I set myself in January. & I did it! & I will be doing more.....

Not me today - this was taken after my first ever fell race. Mud up to my knees, still smiling, looking like a pixie!!

When I started running it was because I knew I needed to do some cardio vascular exercise. 

I never thought I would grow to love it!

Great to be outside in this lovely spring weather!
Hope you've had a good weekend & got outside.
XX