Preparing to Succeed: Week 3: Speed Freak

Week 3 done and I've had a big learning point and a shock revelation. This week has been about speed; I am a speed freak.

First the learning point: you run better times if you keep a consistent pace. You wouldn't think that was critical, but the stats show it. I always, but always, start quick and end slow (and knackered!). I have negative splits, they need attention. 

I tried running more slowly and I was amazed. I felt much better and I could run longer. At the end of my long run, I felt I could do another mile or so, usually I just collapse at the front door. What a revelation! I still am running too fast, I need to run slower and longer, but I can see where it fits in my preparation. 

Now for the shock bit. This has made me think about pacing, what 'steady' and 'tempo' mean for me. Then I twigged (or twug??) - I have to nail my colours to the mast and set a target finish time. I now have to admit to myself and you that I want to do more than just finish. There, I said it!  Of course I want to finish, that's the point and no mean achievement. But I have to commit to a time. It's scary. I need to be brave and bold.

I'm afraid I'm going to be a bit coy now and not reveal the magic number; partly because I haven't decided, but if I'm honest, because I don't want to fail.  But if I don't set myself a challenging target, how do I know what I can truly achieve? I have to go for it. 

Not trying hard enough is a pretty good strategy. If you do well, you're a star; if you fail, well you didn't really give it your best.  But I could not hold my head up in front of my twitter chums if I didn't give this run my best shot. Look at the athletes I follow on Twitter and you'll see how shameful it would be not to try as hard as I can. 

So, dear reader, I am going to set myself a goal, one that I might well fail to make.  A goal that will stretch me in training and preparation and on the day. I have to do this or I will have failed at the first hurdle.  But I hope you don't mind if I keep it to myself. It feels a bit too brave to tell you what I aspire to. You'll just have to trust me, at least for now.....

Here's the stats for this week:

• Monday tempo 3.1miles. 29.56mins
• Tuesday - 45 mins of spin
• Wednesday - Hill running and sprint finish 2.92 miles 30 mins
• Thursday - Treadmill steady 10k plus sprint finish 6.2 miles, 58.00 mns
• Saturday - long steady 13.2 miles; 2hr 14 mins 58 secs.
• Sunday - active rest 8.5 mile walk

So, 25.4 miles run, 4.2 hours running, about the same as the week before but with a spin class and active rest day. Feeling good. 

With Christmas coming and Mum (I hope) coming out of hospital soon, my goal next week is to run as much as I can. My main run next week needs to be a very long and slow run, to see just how far can I go - I'm quite excited about it!

Thank you to everyone who's sent me comments, advice and support, I really appreciate it - thank you!

Take care

Sue

Preparing to succeed week 2: Running Roots

Second pre training prep week and it's been a very useful week for learning new things and remembering what matters most, what underpins everything and what I already know:  I run because I love it and that is the most powerful training aid anyone can have. #that is all!

Started off in techie mode. Monday I was up with the lark and very aware that there are people with colds everywhere, spreading the germs.  This reminds me I need to boost my immune system and stock up on remedies. I started an echinacea burst, stuffed the first defence in my bag and checked cold remedy supplies. I need to beef up my cold avoidance strategy. This coincided with some useful advice from @XFmGirl on garlic and ginger - definitely my kind of cold remedy.

This week's running - Monday a tempo run - according to the running gurus, the most important thing in marathon prep next to the long endurance run.  This will increase the ability of my muscles to process lactic acid, increase my running efficiency and my aerobic capacity.  I like that!  Thanks to my garmin I know that I ran at around 80% of my capacity which is about right. But a problem. As I hit the shower I got that horrid nippy feeling - chafing alert in the sports bra region, a new and totally unexpected experience. Body glide and a new sports bra (different model) go onto the shopping list.

Tuesday was supposed to be a speedy 5k, but ended up a not very fast 5K, my legs were sore after Monday. No Garmin, so I don't know how hard I worked, but by 11 am, I could barely walk. I was sooo stiff despite some quality stretching and a bit of yoga. It was a real novelty, it's been ages since I was stiff after running and in totally new places. What has been going on? I was pleased in a weird sort of way, it helps me remember I've worked hard.

Wednesday morning,  I'm still stiff, so I do an easy run to try and loosen up. Despite the macho air in the gym, I go very slowly, listening to my body, carefully monitoring aches and pains, ready to stop if anything seems a bit iffy. I'm not sure why, but I hurt the same amount in the same places all through. It didn't feel like an injury, but boy did it slow me down. I do a slow 2.2 miles in 30 minutes and hobble off the machine for some more stretching and yoga.  A Pilates class at lunchtime really got the legs moving and got me on the road again, but Thursday and Friday were rest days so that my legs were as best they can be for an essential long weekend run.

Weather and having a nice time with Ali took precedence on Saturday so Sunday I was ready for my long endurance run.  And I couldn't have timed it better. I had a marvellous run, it reminded just what I love so much about running. I felt great and loved every minute (almost!). Set off into a howling westerly and as I ran, I knew, the wind is my friend. It gives me resistance to add to my endurance training. Looking at the Garmin, it was certainly boosting my workout rate! Plus it cooled me down, yes I am at an age where the cooling  breezes are often welcome.

What a wonderful run. Slow, I walked a bit. I managed a nut bar as fuel. I realised that you cannot run to Willie Nelson but the Vatersay Boys and George Michael can give a real boost.  I revelled in East Lothian, surely the most beautiful county in Scotland? I am forbidden by my Yorkshire upbringing from making grander claims, but my heart swelled. And that is what running is all about for me.

So here's this week's weekly stats:

• Monday - tempo run. 6.4 miles on 60 mins. 520 calls. 9.22 mm
• Tuesday - 3.1 miles in 30 mins. 250 calls 9.40 mm
• Wednesday - easy recovery run. 2.2 miles, 30 mins. 108 calories 13.38mph
• Sunday - endurance (with resistance!) 13.5 miles; 2.14 mins; 760 calls 9.14mph

Total miles - 25.2 (16.40). Total mins - 254 (155).  Total xtrain 0 (30). Total cals - 1,638 (?)

I've been slower this week, but longer. That might reflect treadmill running; I might just be slower in the mornings (now that would make sense!). Is it a women's thing? Who knows!

So this week has brought some useful reminders about two predictable unpredictables - chafing and colds. Plus a lesson that my legs do in fact have limits, and that they can only do so much. If I over do one run it has knock on effects and I need to make sure I am up to doing my core runs Thank goodness for the easy run, it is such a useful tool in the runners toolkit in so many ways. It is going to be a good friend over the coming months.

I also had some very useful advice from @crammy76 and @juliesmith08 about the merits of integrating club running into my training. I can see the benefits and I am drawn to it, but I'm not that organised (and it has been said that I am not 'clubbable'). It has however reminded me that I need to book a few races into my training schedule and get along to jogscotland one Thursday if I can. But my heart is with @rowenanews, I have the best running club in the world - Twitter and the Tweeps!

The best bit about this week is the most important lesson of all. You need to love your running. I got a mile high run today that will keep me going through the cold dark mornings and the treadmills and the late night runs. Bliss! I've had a good week, aided and abetted by knowing that Mum is recovering happily and safely in hospital and I had a modicum of control over my time.

Next week the training schedule proper kicks in and I start stage 1. I'm starting early because - well why not! I may need a week or two in my back pocket over the coming months. Golden rule 1 - run when you can!

Three months, twenty days, 15 hours and 52 minutes to go until the big day. I'll be there.

Hasta la Vista babies!

Have a great week everyone!

Take care

Sue

Preparing to succeed: week 1 - expect the unexpected!

Well, marathon pre - training week one draws to a close.  It hasn't gone quite to plan I have to say, but that's the point of the trial run (excuse the pun) -  to set out the plan against the reality.  And I've certainly done that! So time for  quick stock take ready for this week's cunning, super-duper improved plan.

How did I do? The core runs went into the diary - tick. I was flexible and ran when I could - tick.  But.....I've only managed 2 runs and one cross training session all week.  This in no way reflects my planning, commitment or opportunism (of course). But it does reflect the way my life tends to go!  The maxim 'expect the unexpected' certainly held true and it brings home to me that this really is about 3 lives and may well need to be extended to the two furry fiends that allow us to share their space.

To cut a long story short, I've been in serious carer mode this week. We're all in one piece and very grateful to the wonderful staff of the NHS and our local vet Frances for that. This is what matters more than anything else, my challenge is to see if I can do a marathon as well.

From a running point of view, it's not been great. Not just because there were more pressing things to do than run, it's also because it's very unhealthy being in hospital - sitting or standing for ages; healthy food and drink options hard to find.

I was so glad I had my plan B. The 'be positive and flexible' rule came into play this week, and this of course is just what it's there for. It meant I managed 3 runs (7m and 10 & 5K) and a good cross train. I just ran when I could and made the running count. I also realised I had a very important secret weapon - Ali was excellent at encouraging me to get out and run and that made a big difference.

The cross training session was in fact a failed run, I took a totally dead sports bra with me to the gym so had to make do with those funny machines. The upside; I did some good quality exercise and I was able to do the equivalent of running backwards which I find really therapeutic and gets my gluteus going. I suppose it makes a change from running in circles..... The downside - I was irritated, my lack of preparation and attention to detail (!) meant I missed a hill or speed workout I really needed this week. Grrr.

On the food front, I am very pleased that I didn't lapse into comfort food mode, well maybe I did a little bit! I got M&S healthy options from the train station and carried apples everywhere. I only ate 1 kitkat (that was definitely comforting).  I walked quite a bit trying to find which ward Mum was in, and I even thought about running to the infirmary and back (I didn't but I might, it's another option).

So, what lessons and tweaks to the plan?

I ran through a crisis. My rules helped me keep positive and run. I did not give in.  I could have run more. I could have got up early and run before work, and its good to know I have that to draw on later when I need to up the ante a lot.  I undermined myself, I could have been better prepared and had the equipment I needed with me.  I missed my Twitter friends and the encouragement and inspiration I get from them too, but they were there when I finally resurfaced - thank you guys!

Next week? A long run is a must. I want to get to grips with the garmin heart monitor, I've never used one before. I need a hill session and I could do with a spin class. My hamstring is niggling (I suspect from sitting down so much) so I want to make sure I get some yoga or pilates in.

Stats for this week:

• Sunday road run - 6.3m. 56.04min
• Monday beach run - 7m. 1:12:18 min
• Friday treadmill - 3.1m. 26.54mins
• Thursday cross train - 30mins. 402 cals.

Overall assessment? 7/10, a good start but....

I suppose me, Ali and Mum have done a marathon of sorts this week - though not a running one!  And what really matters is that we're all in one piece, one week nearer my marathon and a few steps on in my training plan. Onwards and upwards as they say!

Take care

Sue

The Road to Barcelona: It's so much more than 26.2 miles....

Well, the time has finally arrived, I have formally started my marathon prep. As I wrote this weeks blog, I realised, the next stage of the journey is underway. What I do now determines whether I make it to the finishing line.

It's not that I sat down and said to myself, right let's go. It's not that I've started on my shiny new training plan or finally got round to trying a gel. Nope, I sat down to fill in my diary and realised what a challenge it's going to be to fit a marathon into my life for the next four months without everything falling apart. This is the most important bit of preparation I do - I need to make a marathon shaped and sized space in my life.

Imagine the scene.  I sat down with 10 training plans, a head full of stuff and my diary.  I was feeling smug, I'm a couple of weeks ahead of schedule. Then I started to put dates in my diary.  They didn't fit. This marathon is competing for precious space in a busy life.  No, 3 lives -  me, Ali and Mum.

I slept on it that night, had a good run the next day and things got a bit clearer. I don't just want to run 26.2 miles, I also want to stay married, look after Mum and do a good job of work. I'm juggling like crazy as it is, so what gives?   I need to make more time for running. But time is probably the one thing I have least of and have least control of.

Well, there's one practical and obvious thing to do - put the minimum 3 core runs into my diary now and work round them. These runs will get me to the finish, they are essential.

Next, I have to look for opportunities to kill lots of birds with as few stones as possible.  Ali and I love walking and cycling, timetabling this in is good for us and helps my training.

To succeed, I have to think positively. I worry about not spending enough time with Mum. I went round at the end of my run the other night and she was tickled pink by the running gear and we had a very lively discussion about training. Mum spoke about how proud Dad would be and how proud she was too. I was touched and humbled. Mum might not be able to come running with me, but she can help my motivation and I need as much of that as I can get.

I also have to be opportunistic and flexible and make every second count. Even if I only have 20 minutes between meetings or before work, I can still sprint or do a hill. I need too use the information I'm collecting on my Garmin to push myself and focus on the hard bits. I get a lot of food for thought from my Twitter friends and they have a wealth of advice and wisdom to draw on. I am not alone.

When I started writing this blog, I was thinking about problems. Now, after a spot of running, rumination and (w)riting, I've got a couple of things sorted.  I'm clear on what I'm trying to do, I've removed some energy sapping dead ends and I've created a bit of physical and mental space. My challenge isn't just to run 26.2 miles, it's to integrate a successful training programme into a busy life and into the lives of those closest to me. This marathon isn't just about me. That's really important for me to know.

I think it was in @nuuutymel's ryding to health that I first heard the phrase 'failing to prepare is preparing to fail'. I remember nodding sagely and thinking what a wise statement it is.  But to succeed, you have to be clear about what you are trying to achieve. My personal best for Barcelona isn't a set time or pace; it's more than that, and I need to prepare accordingly.

Whatever your goals are, whatever you want to achieve, may your preparations go well.

Take care

Sue

PS If you're doing your first marathon in 2012, get in touch! Tell me about your marathon and your preparation. Send your blog and we can all read it. Or Tweet me and join my first time marathoners list on Twitter (@NBSue).

pps. I haven't forgotten my toenails. I am hoping to keep them on!

Running with the larks: Dark Running Part 2

Running: The act of a person, animal, or thing that runs...

Well that's what the dictionary says. In real life, running is  a little bit more complicated than that. As I get serious about running my first marathon next March, I'm entering the next stage of my journey as a runner. A big step for this member of womankind!

What started me off were comments on the blog I did last week on night running (well evening running to be precise). I really enjoy running the streets in winter as people have their dinner and watch tv, and I am not alone! Quite a few folk are also out at dark o'clock, some are out well past my bedtime.

Lena (@paintedrunner) left me a comment about her love of running in the dark, but in the morning, with the rising sun. Dark running in the morning is not hard to do at this time of year, in fact you could get quite a lie in, especially in Scotland. It's the sunrise that can be the problem! a) there isn't any, b) it can be quite late - the sun was due to rise here at 7.42 this morning. (It didn't, I think it's having a lie in or maybe even hibernated!)

Anyway, I digress. Lena's comment struck a chord. As I sat on the train to work looking at the brilliant red sunrise over North Berwick Law, I got what she meant and decided to give it a go. I wanted to run into that sunrise too!

The next day I was up early, into the leggings and off to hit the streets. It was weird. It was just as dark as running at night (of course) but it felt totally different. People were mainly in bed, but there were a few brightened windows to lighten the gloom. One or two houses were lit up like Christmas trees, but I saw very few people even there.

As I ran, houses and streets gradually came to life and I realised that the sky wasn't black any more it was getting grey, and cloudy. Very cloudy. The new day was starting and I was running to greet it.

When I hit the top car park, I could see the Forth and the islands. No sunrise for me today, but somehow that didn't matter. That treat will come. I get why Lena loves to run at this time of day in the winter.

I got back home in good time for breakfast, and boy was I ready for it (I have to run for well over an hour to stem hunger pangs!). Shower and off to work, just like everyone else.

I loved my morning run, it was a totally different experience to running in the evening darkness. Who'd have thought it. I know every run is different, but this is almost like a different sport - just the legs move the same way! I got another new idea from @BecsF1 and @LongJogRoz who've been running in the moonlight and from @ScotLassRuns trail running at night. Am I brave enough! Well I've bought a hat with a light on it so I have to at least try don't I.....

There was a downside. After my run I got really stiff and was quite sore for a day or two.  I suspect that running early doors in the winter, I need to do more to warm up and I definitely need to stretch more. I am a warm weather runner, I need to take care in the cold. And I did rush my stretches a bit and I'm paying for it. But hey, every niggle is a lesson to learn isn't it!

My running journey never ceases to amaze me. Running was at first just about one foot in front of the other. Then when I started training for a half, I realised it's also about your head and I focussed on my motivation and discipline (that's still a challenge!).  Doing a couple of races taught me that I am more competitive than I like to let on. Now that my first marathon has become a reality, I'm having to think practically, in particular about how to fit in the runs, how to train in the time available.  Early morning runs in winter are a very useful addition to my repertoire.

Once again,  the support, advice and encouragement from myTwitter pals is taking me faster and further on my trail.  Thanks to Lena, I've not just got even more flexibility into my marathon training which will help me manage my time better, I've got a new way to run and to enjoy running. Thank you Lena! 

Barcelona, here I come!

Have a good week, enjoy your running or whatever thing you do that is taking you on life's journey!

Take care

Sue

Night Moves; Running by lamplight

What a week! It's been non stop. I finally managed to get out for a reasonable length run. It was in the evening, after dark. Yes, it's autumn in Scotland!

Lots of folk love the autumn, the cooler days, the fresher air, the colours (I like the colours bit!).  Whilst many runners positively welcome the drizzle, I like sunshine and warmth, but there's something that I really like about autumn and winter - running in the dark. I love night running, it's like having an invisibility cloak and it appeals to my inner lone wolf, the bit of me that runs alone.

It's usually when Ali's out that I get an evening run this time of year. I get in from work, sort Mum out, then nip home and get the insulated leggings, ear warmers, thick socks and layer up. I find all the reflective bits and pieces I have and head out onto the darkened streets. Okay, so I'm not invisible, that would be a bit risky, but I am anonymous, or so I like to think! In the dark I can just focus on running.

I've got a route that works any time of the day or night with a few extra loops if I want to extend it. North Berwick has plenty of hills and lots of quiet streets. I trot past the lighted windows, up the hill to the top car park and gaze down on the twinkling lights of my home town below. What goes on behind those rosy windows and closed doors? What sort of people live there? What's happening in their lives, what joys, what sorrows?  I wonder as I look forward to the welcoming light and warmth of home (and some dinner). It's very different to what I think about when I run in daylight.

I'm not very brave, I don't go off the well lit streets. But running in circles and loops in the dark somehow distorts my sense of time. There are downsides of course - people smoking outside of pubs can make the High Street a bit of a no go area. Drunk golfers politely trying to move out of my way can slow me down.

Arriving home is even nicer after a night run. It's usually too late to eat much, especially if I want to get a good sleep, but I'm not that hungry anyway. What matters is I've been out, in the dark, after work, when most people are sitting in front of the tv and I've run. I get a snack, make a cuppa and watch tv til Ali gets home.

Running in the dark has a pace and space that I really like. At night there's something exciting about being outside after dark.  I'm not often out after teatime these days. When I was younger I'd be out dark o'clock on a regular basis - not now!

I'm sure it's different to running very early in the morning (well anytime before about 9 am in the winter here!).  I don't think that's my cup of tea. Yes it's dark and even more deserted, but folk are in bed asleep and I like it that in the evening there are still people about, up and doing things. I've also not tried running in the dark with a head torch. I sort of like the sound of that, but I'm not sure. There's nothing invisible and low key about a headlamp on your head and do I really want to nrun off the beaten track in the dark? Not really.

So, as we head towards the shortest day and the long dark days of winter beckon, I shall cherish my night time winter runs and get some good training in, ready for next year's marathon. I've my next night time run planned....

Whether you're out and about by moonlight, street light, day light or torchlight have a good one!

 Take care

Sue

Walk Don't Run! On Holiday in the Lake District.

Well, that's us back from a totally wonderful week in the Lake District. Blessed by warm and dry weather, we had a fantastic, relaxing and healthy time in one of the most beautiful and friendly parts of the UK.  I've done the blog to share with you some of the many delights and treasures we found there. So put your feet up and come to the Lake District!

Because of Mum's care arrangements, we weren't sure we'd get away until the last moment. A massive 'thank you' to Community Care at East Lothian Council for making sure Mum was safe so we could get a break and to my sister for coming down so we could get everything ready to go.

I was so excited about the trip. My twitter friend @runninglady2 is a fan of the Lakes and introduced me to Chris @NTGrasmereinfo so the week before they really helped build up the excitement and anticipation of the week to come. 

We rented a cottage from Lake Lovers and what a cracker it was. Cosy, clean, quiet, well equipped, a real home from home. I sent Chris and Denise a tweet to say we'd arrived and then promptly lost reception!  One more tweet might have saved us from the one let down of the week - dinner at The Lamb Inn at the Red Lion, Grasmere. A sticky table and  a very dry and disappointing cumberland sausage.  A shame as the pub was cosy and the staff really friendly, but it was the only duff meal we had.

The next morning we awoke refreshed - worry-free sleep is a luxury I will never take for granted.  After porridge we set off.  A beautiful, sunny and warm morning. Our first walk was a circuit round Elterwater to break in my walking legs. It's been quite a while since I went walking like this and it was very strange to walk and not run. 

Since I've started running, my walking pace has speeded up. My legs are impatient and it takes me a while to get used to the slower pace. But it's also mental. I realised that now I think about speed and distance diferently.  My head cannot understand why a 6 mile walk takes hours! Running is so efficient, you can get from A to B so much quicker and still see everything you need to see. What is the point of walking, it's sooo s-l-o-w.....

It was very lovely walk, despite my inner walker and my inner runner having a bit of a punch up! They were however reconciled at the Eltmere Inn where we and other walkers, cyclists and assorted dogs enjoyed the fruit scones of our labours. A quick pint at the delightful Badger Bar at Rydal on the way back completed a good first day.

Sunday was misty and damp, but the clouds were due to lift later, so we stocked up on the papers before heading off for brunch at Greens in Grasmere (no website but see them on tripadvisor). A real treat there - a  very yummy and very large bowl of homemade veg soup with homemade bread - a great start for a walk up to Easedale Tarn.

As we climbed the slopes, my walking legs began to switch on, and as my quads began to work, my mental turmoil eased.  It's not that I don't like walking, it's just that I really love to work those quads, and going up hill was doing that.  I stopped thinking about running and walking and just enjoyed the feel of my legs working. A lovely walk back down through woodland, accompanied by the adorable Herdswick sheep and off for a swim at the Wordsworth Hotel before tea.

Monday was a gorgeous day, clear, bright, warm. We did a great walk from our cottage in Grasmere to Ambleside via Loughrigg Fell and back via Rydal along the magical 'coffin road'; and through Rydal Hall with its gorgeous gardens and waterfall and past Rydal Cave an old quarry working. The usual quad stretching scramble up and the knee jerking descent, but some fantastic views and we stopped for lunch at Dodds in Ambleside for fabulous home made bacon and lentil soup and fresh ciabatta. (The food and service were so good we went back for dinner the next night. The pizza did not disappoint.)

Pudding was an ice cream from Joseph's ice cream van near the WhiteMoss car park which fuelled us up the hill and back into Grasmere via Dove Cottage. Today's post walk swim reduced to a dook in the jacuzzi due to the large number of small and noisy people in the pool.


Tuesday was an early rise to make the most of the good weather and we had a long steep climb up to Alcock Tarn that towered over our cottage with fanstastic views across the lakes. We couldn't resist shopping for new walking and running gear - an ideal fill in until we went to see the Ambleside Players perform 'The Weekend' by Michael Palin. There's nothing quite like amateur productions is there.

Wednesday was the well known and much loved Catbells at Keswick. We started in rain and wind and it was very busy with some slippy bits, but it was beautiful and well worth the crowds for the fanstastic views. By the time we hit Keswick, we were cold, but we were soon warmed up  by cumberland sausage sarnies and tea at the very fine Wild Strawberry Cafe Main Street Keswick.

Thursday was a damp day, but it is after all only water, so we headed off to Troutbeck via Wansfell through the mist.  At the top I had a flashback to a walk I did there in the 1970s as a teenager, when I went up to my knees in bog. Funny what you remember! We bought cups of tea at Troutbeck Post Office and sat on the bench outside in the drizzly mist eating our lunch, bliss. Sarnies ouside always taste better.

On our last night there, we ate out at Potted Out in Grasmere. We ate hummus made in heaven and yummy pizza and chips, oh and drank wine. I helped Ali eat his creme brulee. Okay, so we indulged, but the food was great and I think we'd earnt it.

Too soon it was our last day. We packed, tidied the cottage and headed off. We popped in for a final batch of Grasmere gingerbread. It is unbelievably delicious, even to me who considers gingernuts as unfit for human consumption. And then to meet the lovely Chris at the Grasmere NT Office across the road.  We got even more ideas of things to do in and around Grasmere next time we're down. Maybe even to do the Grasmere Gallop next June.

One final walk on our way home - Kings How near Keswick. Another panting scramble up rocky paths, a traipse across a bog and a swift ascent to a panoramic 'top of the world' view. Brilliant sunshine, shirt sleeves, bliss.

Down for lunch, a final visit to Booths to stock up on their amazing range of quality local food and drink and then back north.

It was a truly wonderful holiday, and we made every moment count. The weather was great, and we spent a lot of time walking in shirt sleeves in late October (spot the Scots! Most walkers were a bit more clad than us!).  It was very different to walking in Scotland - not just the weather, the walks were much shorter so we had time to potter about so days felt long and luxurious.  Even though it can be busy, we found many places and times when we were totally alone, it was like we had the walk to ourselves. So many great walks and magical places, and even more to look forward to next time.

I hope you feel you've had a bit of a holiday reading it. Once I got used to walking again, I really enjoyed it. It is good to have time to look around and there's no way I could have run up those hills anyway. I'll leave that to @pyllon; @runner786 and @dingdongrun!

Back to work tomorrow, the holiday is nearly over. Looking forward to my next trip to the Lakes already and really wondering if I've forgotten how to run.....

 Take care

Sue