Tuesday 15 December 2009

Finally made it back to the gym today after too much fun, frivolity and feasting to go into detail.
It's been a bit of a whirlwind recently and we're not even started on Christmas!
Since I was last here there's been a day in Edinburgh xmas shopping, a circuits class which was ABS HELL, dinner with some village ladies, a murder mystery party (whoo hoo), and, and I tell you - the neighbours took us out for dinner ('cos we looked like we needed feeding up after that lot!).

Everything seems to be slowly coming together. Getting (almost) all the xmas orders done was a real bonus. It feels a little like taking the monkey off my back. I just needed to know they were all where they were supposed to be well before xmas; much better than having nervous and irritated clients calling to 'just make sure' that items will arrive in time. So understandable, I too get a little impatient at this time of year. ... If I've paid for the delivery... I expect delivery in decent time.

Ah well. Today was a day of relaxation. A lie in was called for, then my only plan involved sending off parcels and going for a run.

I managed 10K - the furthest I've gone in 7 weeks (since the dreaded half). And it was quite painless, and rather lovely. Apart from me being a muppet: TheO had jumped out at the post-office and run from there. I'd seen her on my way to the gym. She initially hadn't fancied too long a run so I was sure I'd see her at the gym pretty smartly.

I ran for 4.2 miles (38.25) and got really quite panicy (can often happen to me when I run anyway, think it's a kind of syndrome). It had been almost 40 min since I arrived and she was only 10min from the gym when I passed her. Even taking into account a much longer run it was now really, really dark - and surely she had to come in soon.

Luckily I managed to hold it together mentally (for a bit) as people kept coming into the gym and no-one had that tell-tale look on their face that said "oh my god did you see the mangled and mutilated body of that runner lying by the side of road". My real fear was that, as it was dark, she'd run along the woodland path and was simply fallen and injured.

So thinking that I'd never forgive myself if I 'just finished my run' before searching for her prone body I got off the running machine (this is something that may never have happened before). I made a quick sweep of the changing room, headed outside, and saw a v happy and relaxed TheO running past me. Ascertaining she was absolutely fine, and had waved at me twice (sadly I couldn't see the outside from my position in the gym) I quickly hot footed it inside to finish my run.

I think I was away from the machine for a MAXIMUM of 3 min. So I did my last 2 miles in 18. 18
This gave me a fine total of 56.43 - not bad given I did lots of hills and am a little out of practice.

This week I just have to keep the running up and the eating down. And get the rest of the presents sorted and wrapped. Then I'll be all prepared for Christmas. Oh yes I will.

Tuesday 8 December 2009

What is it about this time of year?

I seem to be constantly busy, often not sure what I'm achieving, and regularly only fitting in ONE exercise session a week - which, in turn, doesn't help with the first two.

After the hideousness that was circuits I was determined to go to the gym on Sunday - before our guests came round. I didn't. The day seriously got away from us. Soooo the Monday was a hangover. *Shudder* I just drank way too much. It was a great night with some truly stellar food thanks to TheO - an incredible smoked salmon pate with walnuts (YUM) and then a brilliant roast. Also it turns out that the woman, who doesn't like cooked fruit, makes the best apple crumble ever.

I've also managed to get some work done this week - and get the rest of the Christmas orders under control. So, to celebrate a few days of activity we're off to Edinburgh to get some xmas shopping done tomorrow. An early start is planned. Urg.

But really I stopped in here to gloat (albeit in a quiet and unassuming manner) about beating my 5 mile time again. 44.41 so about 8.56 a mile. This really pleases me. If I'm going to be a lazy arse brat and not do much in a week, I might as well make the session count, right?

It was one of those runs (treadmill - again) that just makes you happy. Everything works, everything comes together, you've run the first mile without really thinking about it... just a damn good session. Followed by lots of stretching and 10 press-ups.

Then I had dinner made for me. (Oh so appreciated.)
Now I've got to sort out the Christmas lists for tomorrow. (And remember to come back and work rather than veg out on return.)

Saturday 5 December 2009

Still going strong

Well, a little weakly today as I went to circuits last night for the first time in TWO MONTHS. TWO. MONTHS. How the hell did that happen, and oh god why did I go back if it hurts sooo much?
Ah well, I'm pretty sure it does me good, in some way.

We have, as usual been pretty goddamn busy. It never seems to stop.
After the dogs were clipped (they may just have forgiven us) we headed south. Our first stop was a B&B - and it was crappy. Not the kind of crappy where you can complain, just the weird every surface is painted peach and an old man is watching the god-channel in the lounge way. They did food. I was served an entire quiche for 6 people... I tried v hard not to eat it all. She didn't have ANY caffeinated coffee in the house... in case she was given some by accident. In what world could that happen? GIVE ME MY DAMN COFFEE IN THE MORNING. *and breathe*

Then we made it to Staffordshire which was delightful and quite relaxing. Although it was a place that highlighted by addiction to the internet. I need to do something about that. Really,do you think blogging helps?

After a few days there we went on to London (a first for the dogs!) and all went swimmingly. We ate wonderful food, far too often, and far too much. But it was delightful. Also managed to catch the Maharaja exhibition which is ££ but worth it. Spent some time with other sister-in-law which was lovely as we don't get to see her much.

In London I paid £15 to run for 45min. It makes me quake to think of it. But, the only up side was that those 45min covered 5 miles dead - and this makes it a new PB for 5 miles. 4 miles at 2% and 1 mile at 1.5% so not slacking on the incline... delighted.

On Sunday after tennis, tea, brunch and many other meals along the way we headed north. And my god is that a long journey. I swear the entire M6 is just one set of roadworks after the other. Pah.

We arrived home to find that Dotty had not managed to find the appropriate key and therefore our house was COLD AS THE GRAVE. Or possibly colder. It took a fire, and many blankets before we even thawed through. Good to be home though.

I feel a bit like I've sleep walked though the last 4 days. Who knows what happened, not much, and yet I've been busy. Just catching up with life, work and everything I think.

It seems like 1 exercise session a week is all I've managed recently. Must UP this significantly or Christmas will end up bloating me to the size of a house. Eeeek.

Right, off to write other blogs and maybe even head to bed.
Oh it feels good to be back.