Smug, and aching.

Alright, maybe not actually smug - but definitely damn happy. V damn happy. A 7 mile run yesterday! (I've not run 7 miles since the terrible, horrible, [bird]flu infested Jedburgh Half about 18 months ago.)

It was wonderful. And strangely I do feel as if I could have run further. I also then did a full (for me) gym session afterwards.

And, on entering the gym, I requested a "torture session" with the mad bloke who makes people weep. So that's my Thursday morning sorted. Pain and tears. Lovely. Also free (apart from gym entry).

Now I do ache a little bit, it's more muscular than running related... if you know what I mean. The legs seems fine, but the arms are complaining slightly. However, I definitely need to do more on the arms, particularly if I'm ever to look even close to alright in a bridesmaids dress.

Ah, the bridesmaids dresses - we will get there, we must. And there is still LOADS of time, but we've not managed a second swipe at the shops yet. And life proceeds to get more complicated for all involved.

I'm still managing to keep on top of work; and on top of exercise despite a stressful few weeks. This was necessary not only as stress relief, but also as I just kept eating... no really, loads. So I've got a fair few pounds to run off (again). God I make myself angry. Ah well, all done now, just have to get back to it.

So there was a quick dash up the seat on the 4th - 30.35 for 5K. (Dog also grateful for superior speed leg-stretch.) I do love running outside but I just need to put some effort into finding routes I'm happy and confident with. I hate having to stop at lights etc, but also hate feeling too isolated... suggestions welcome.

Gym Stats: (these are really for me, not for reading with glee - but they made a good place to keep notes of progress etc).

Most exciting bit is that it was my fastest 7 miles ever. And I was on hill setting 8 (out of 15, so not mountains,but it does go up to 6.4% regularly)!

7 miles (hill setting 8) 1.03.29 - 944 calories

Waist making machine 55Kg 3 sets of 12. Now this was properly hard, I think I should leave it on this setting for a wee bit. Finally worked up to where it's a killer.

Triceps - 6kg weight - 3 sets of 12 - now here I finally need to go up a weight... but I think my only option is up to 8kg... this might be a killer initially, but 6kg is finally too light.

Seated Delt Row 25kg 3 sets 12... could go heavier (but don't want to)

Leg lifts (on the weird blue ball back thing) 24 with straight legs

Lateral Pull 26Kg 3 sets of 12 - all in front of body and my 'form' was shocking... but I was doing this last and was bloody knackered by this point.

---

Got home to discover an incredible dinner cooked for me. AND a very tidy and clean kitchen and dining room, ready to sit down and enjoy it in. Made me very, very happy.

Also discovered that I had a film we both wanted to see *shock* - so The Departed was enjoyed immensely. Then a very, very, deep sleep.

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.

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.

It's just a blogging frenzy.

So, I've finally got the whole house clean. This means nothing to you, dear reader, but means a great deal to me. It means peace of mind. Now I can get on with the rest of my to-do list.

But, I'm really here because I went to the gym today. Despite not wanting to. Despite being knackered. But TheO said she didn't want pizza (Tesco Finest Oven pizza, not, sadly, Dominos) if she hadn't worked out. And this thought alone made me say, "Aw, let's just go." She'd done a workout yesterday so wouldn't have felt bad if she'd had a day off... Me, I've been slacking for days.

So I did lots of different things for a change today. (Also I'm nursing what threatens to be a minor achilles injury, it's just a bit stiff and sore in the morning, so I might take it easy on the ole legs for a bit.)

I did:
Reclining Bike (Precor) Fitness Test Setting. This took 10min and told me I had a HIGH level of Fitness (score 38). This pleased me no end.
1 mile run in 9.15 - at 1.5% for the whole way.
10min/2.4miles on the arm bike. Hill Setting, Level 5.

Then TheO moved onto the mat exercises, which is where I was heading, and she started doing press-ups. Not girlie press-ups oh no! Real press-ups. I marvelled at her prowess and then felt a bit jealous. I've never been able to do press-ups. My massive arms are apparently all fat. But as she said, "Go on, give it a go!", my arms suddenly worked. I managed 7 real press-ups in a row and felt like I'd just won xfactor (or something I might actually care about).

I then followed this up with:
6 lifting and crossing leg lift things. (6 each leg)
6 alternate leg/arm raise tummy lifts (6 each leg)
Plank for 1min
3 more press-ups
12 sit ups

It all rocked socks. I did just enough to get a real, massive, endorphin boost and I can't believe I can finally do press-ups. (Although I must work on this so I can do more!)
My reward. PIZZA!

Getting back to it - and oh god it hurts.

It's been a fairly hectic week domestically and socially.

Brunch and Dim Sum to celebrate with Teech. Oh, the glory of msg and weird gloop with 1000 yr old egg. Mmmmm.
Blarney and Babybelle came for a visit, my child holding skills are still standing firm. As is my love for the little tyke. She gets bonus points for not giving me her cold.

We got a new freezer for outside to finally hold the vast amounts of meat we keep being given by neighbours. Also stores extra supermarket offers! And, the cherry on the domestic cake, a new Hoover. I could wax on for hours about hoovers, but finally I decided I could live with the current arrangement no more. Despite having good 'suck' I would not drag our 8.5kg upright dyson around a house with a large surface area which is all hard floors. As soon as you start to kick an appliance hoping it will DIE you know the time has come to move on. Found a great wee, cheap, hoover that got a Which Best Buy in April 2009 - it's bloody marvellous. (But enough about that - and I haven't even mentioned the search for a spray mop... oh what an exciting time I've been having.. TheO found me researching the options and practically wept with laughter... it is only a mop after all.)

I've also been trying to 'up' the running this week. And sort of managed. Early in the week I set out to do my 9 mile run. After 5 miles (in 49min) I just gave in. It wasn't working, in any way. I did then follow it up directly afterwards with a 2 mile dog walk... but this doesn't really add to the running.

We then went to circuits, having missed out for several weeks. It was being taken by Springbok who can give a fairly half-arsed workout. Not this time. Oh god. 3 days later I'm still wincing when I laugh. We did the usual circuits for 1min each, but between each one was another 1min of core torture. Sit ups, plank, leg raises - the works. Then do it all again with the core torture between every second exercise. All v v hard work but made me feel all endorphiny.

A lovely dinner with some semi-distant relatives of TheO's on Friday rounded out the week. Why do people keep making us 2 puds at dinner? It's happened a few times now and I just can't say no to sweet food.

The following w/end was packed. We met up with the Cheese Board in Harvey Nicks to have lunch and discuss quilt making... I know, sounds a little odd, but worked v well. After a lovely lunch we discussed designs, plans and themes for our own squares. Much discussion and decision making was done. A result all round.
On the way home we then popped in on Meeper and Ceegar who were on fine fettle, and the dogs appreciated a long walk around the school grounds. More plans were made for further catch-ups and we finally wended our way home.

Just before we got back we discovered a tree down across our road. Too big too move, and too precarious to get under. Luckily Dotty filled us in with a secret back road which led us round to home, we met Farmer (the clue really is in the name!) and told him about the tree. By the time we got back and changed in anticipation of having to move the sodding thing, all had been done. Nothing like a team of people with a tractor and the desire to scavenge wood.

That takes us to today:
I awoke at 8.30am; a time I know is laughable to many, but which I will refer to as DAWN. I stumbled downstairs, made my porridge, ate it, and went back to bed. At 9.45 I made it up, and started to dress and prepare for the run. Finally I managed to have some coffee -this improved the day immensely.

I did 9 miles in 1.28.50 avg 9.53
9.16 - flat
9.39 - short climb
10.16 - generally up but gentle gradient
9.43 - flatish/ down slightly
9.58 - flat
9.31 - slightly down
9.50 - flat
10.16 - half mile climb
10.18 - flat one very short rise

This was quite momentous as it really cleared my mind of the crap distance runs that have occurred recently. I needed to know that I could do it - I needed to know that it was all as possible as it can seem on a good day. I was very lucky with the weather. Quite cold, but not nippy, some breeze but not too much, and perfect sunshine. A great day for running.

It gives me far more hope for the run in a few weeks. I think I might, once again, be ready for the half marathon distance.

Now I wasn't overly excited by my time for the 9 miler as in the gym recently I've been so much faster and averaging just under 10min/miles seems like a bit of a back step. But my carefully kept records tell me that it's a 9 mile training run record. A good 5 min shaved off the old record. This gives me even greater hope for racing as I always get a bit of a boost from knowing it's all or nothing.

But the 9 miler wasn't the highlight of the day. We got to celebrate Tigger's birthday. Her delightful otherhalf had baked an enormous mountian of various and delicious cakes. It was lovely to celebrate, laugh with friends, eat great cake, and chill out. Although the sugarhigh after the run did almost do for me. I'm just coming down now.

But that's it - I'm off, it's late and the family descend next week - need to get that hoover into action sharpish.

xx

Killing one bird with 2 stones.

Now, this could be a post about weight, but sadly there is well more than 2 stone that I'm dragging round as additional ballast.

This post is about the idiot who thought that combining my hill training with my long run would be time well spent. IDIOT. It was time knackering myself. The stats are pretty horrid.
I'll describe the run:
Out of the door and 1.25 miles uphill
Back down again (total 2.5miles)
Then up again
then down again (5 miles)
Then 0.25 miles along a flat section and back (5.5miles)
Then up hill for 0.75 miles
and back down again - 7 miles total.
Was meant to be 8 miles but the hills really did me in. 1.15.00 time. Avg 10.44 (11.54 was my slowest mile - eek)

So, I'm still at least one week behind on my training for the Island Half (which may become the Island 10K... it's been a while since I raced that distance...). But I have managed 17 miles this week and a circuits class (which was shit - taken by new guy who was rubbish).

Also - that time has come again to celebrate another anniversary. It was 3 years since my first ever run yesterday - and I'm still going.

Now last year there was a lot of stuff going on, this year has been quieter-ish.
We really did move house - it only took 2 months longer than expected and there's still plenty to do! We also managed to sell the old place. TheO passed all her exams with flying colours and qualified as a massage therapist. (Lucky, lucky me.)
Got a new nephew and the Cheeseboard had it's first addition (finally a girl!). There was Friends' Christmas, my Dad got married; we went to Santorini, and I developed a love of Gardening and asthma.

So put that way, it really was a quiet year compared to the year before. However it was the year we/I needed. Now I can focus on the future, and work, and a burgeoning love of travel - I'm already planning the next trip...

From a running point of view this year had been pretty shocking. I did the IslandHalf last August but haven't raced since. Mostly due to laziness. Luckily it's the Island that calls me again this year and hopefully that'll kick start the racing again. I've also logged my fastest 5, 8 and 10 mile runs this year so the PBs do keep improving all be it incrementally.

Whilst I haven't blogged as much this year as last year, and I definitely haven't run as many miles - it's fantastic to have a record of everything, and to be able to assess what I've done and how I've done it (slowly and with much winging) a the years pass.

Feeling quite introspective now but I think that's just the endorphins leaving the need for a shower growing. Here's to another year where I might even get the extra ballast shifted too.

Arrrg, passage of time faster than I would like.

So, whilst Juneathon didn't kill me, July seems to have taken me hostage and kept me well away from the ol' blogosphere. It wasn't an uneventful month.

* There was an excellent lunch at Sangsters with the neighbours. Much laughter and good wine.
* Some running, but not enough. I managed an adequate 10K outside before heading to ...
Santorini: it was a wonderful, relaxing (read: lard-inducing), hot, luxurious holiday. It's been 2 years since I was away for more than a few nights in the UK, and it was bliss to not have a phone, any internet (ok, internet would have been nice), and just be in the heat for 7 whole days. I could describe more but I hope the following images give a clear picture.



On returning I'd barely carried my extra stomach up stairs before we were heading out to compete in the 2009 Mouse Race. (Posts from 20th-ish July 2008 will give full details of the concept.) This time it was held at Wheeler and RFs - this is because Wheeler won last year by amassing such a vast stack of points for various activities that he could not be beaten.

This year we were treated to Bacon butties and coffee on arrival :-) Not only that but the only blissfully sunny day of the last week! Then the games included dog agility (Baffie's bidability proved to be useful, and Bridie's biscuit addiction was no bad thing), space hopper jockey racing, treasure hunt, boule, gladiator battle in a river (see below where I can be seen attacking a small child), tree swings and pinata, skittles, quoits, arts and crafts, costume show and some genius rounders in grass as high as pooch; Teech's slide into the last base to win our team the game was a stroke of brilliance but TheO deserved all the plaudits as she scored 80% of all the rounders and was a force to be reckoned with. Throughout the day food was brought out to keep our strength up. And we finished with a barbecue, some excellent jamming on the guitar, fiddle and cello, and a little impromptu ceilidh dancing.

The outcome of all this was that I went into a highly competitive points frenzy and WON! You know when your serious rival is 11 that you should probably calm down, but who cares, as I was an organiser last year I couldn't take part. And yes, this does mean that next year I can't take part as we'll be hosting "Mouse Race 2010, bringing it home".

Since victory was assured I've not been resting on my laurels, today I finally dragged myself out for a proper run, a 5 miler, although it was hot, and hard, and quite unpleasant at times. But I had to do something to try and recover from the meat feast that was a barbecue followed by a huge roast Sunday lunch with Teech and HH.

Having just discovered that we don't have to go and cat sit in the middle of August this coming month is looking like it should be full of nice meetings with friends, work and pooch walks. Oh, and maybe a little more running if I want to be ready for the Island half in 3 weeks time. Eeeeek. I might even have a moment to blog it.

Not dead, Juneathon did not kill me. Although it might make me ramble a little.

Well Juneathon seems to have come and gone. I can report than I was a complete blogging failure but my Juneathon exercise stats are getting better.

Last year 10/30
This year 22/30

I'm happy to call this a result! Although I just read a quote that says, "flexible goals lead to mediocrity" - a statement that is all too true; there's nothing like pesky self justification after-the-fact...

Since I last blogged there's been a lot of walking; some in Little Glenshee with Tigger; and an epic 3h explore in Glen Garr which was bloody marvellous, although there was a little breaking-a-path through head high braken that made it less than perfect at the end. The views and complete peace was fantastic when we were in the heart of the glen.

Also walked to the pub one night which was lovely, it's so nice to live somewhere where there's a pub you actually want to go to. Where the food is tasty and the welcome friendly.

A few circuits classes have also been completed, I'm finally feeling like I might be making progress, the (knees down) press-up no longer fills me with dread. Still shit, just not as shit. Arms are definitely feeling stronger. That and I keep using them for gardening!

The garden in question is slowly, slowly getting a little bit clearer. The work to do is so enormous I only tackle a little piece at a time, and just enjoy the flowers and being outside. TheO is doing the veg patch so we might even get some food from the wilderness. People are beginning to walk in and comment on some bits that look nice though, which definitely lifts the spirits.

Had a fantastic BBQ w/end a few weeks ago with many friends and even some family. Those who were here for the whole w/end went shooting (clays) and pottered about in a boat on Loch Tay. It was a ridiculously "Perthshire" w/end. Marvellous in every way, and the BBQ and wicker man all worked a treat, friends, family and neighbours all mingled very happily. There's nothing like previously calm friends attacking a pinata with coloured sticks! Even the calm can appear to lose their minds. I will add that the shooting was particularly brilliant and I can't wait to do it on a regular basis. I need a gun licence, and a gun!

On a sadder note the dogs had a horrid fight (again) - it was a week ago now, and Golden dog still has a huge gash on her leg (despite vet intervention). She's such a cutie and doesn't deserve it. And damn it, the black dog is still adorable to us... ah well, life carries on as it ever did.

I've also been running more, which does nothing less than make me a MUCH happier person. It's so ridiculous; all I have to do is go for a run to be in a good mood (ok, the run has to be somewhere below disasterous).
I managed a 5 miler that was fine; a 10K in the gym which was damn fine (59.13), a horrible 5miler outside when it was so hot and heavy that I made it 2.5miles, had a 5min rest and ran home. NOTE TO SELF: when it's summer, and hot, and horrid, remember to take your preventative inhaler before going on a run, also remember to take your antihistimines. OR YOU WILL DIE. The less said about that run the better. I think I melted and sneezed myself to death simultaneously.

Today it was still a bit hot, and I'm a wuss, so I went for a run in the gym. 8 miles completed! Also my best ever time, 1.16.29. The machine was on 1% for the whole time, and I just toggled the speed between 9.40 and 9.13. Hard, and I will ache tomorrow; but definitely worth it. Proper distance running definitely fills my heart with joy. All the 3 and 4 mile runs just don't do it, they don't provide the same sense of completion and the same rush. The endorphins really get going after about 5 miles. Joy, joy, joy. (Even if I did consider going to bed at 10.06pm.)

TheO managed to cover the dinner we went to with our neighbours. We'll call him Tay and her Pickle. They were giving us a lovely 7lb salmon in thanks for past dinners and BBQ event. We were lacking in a freezer that would hold such a beast - so they set up a dinner party which was not only delicious but very good fun. We drank FAR too much and rolled home at 1.30. Luckily no apologies had to be made, but my liver may never recover. TheO manged to, very temporarily, have a little nap on the bathroom floor. Sadly I'd already passed out in bed, after forcing us to drink pints of water and eat some toast - a hangover is all in the planning!

Also - and quite finally for this huge catch-up, managed to fit in a nice, little lunch with Dr in Edinburgh, then we went to see Spartan and Blarney and Babybelle - I am delighted to report that they are not only alive (contrary to what phone and text silence would imply!) but seem to be doing wonderfully. For people who are still about to move house, and got themselves a new wain 3 weeks ago, they are coping like pros. Babybelle is alive, adorable, and always dressed beautifully. I'm reliably informed (and can feel the difference) that she's also gaining weight just like the little bloater should. Parents are looking human and able to make conversation on a number of topics, this is surely even better than can be expected at this point in time. I'm sure with a little more sleep they'll be partying like they always have. (Just a few friends, scattegories, and a little glass of wine.)

Tomorrow is a trip down the coast to Sangsters for lunch with Neighbours. Should be delighted. If I can walk after the run.

**Quick mini edit - just discovered that my fastest ever 8 miles is exactly a year after my last fastest ever 8 miles. Bizarrely feels like quite quantifiable progress.**

Still slacking

Now, when you read - you'll understand the slackerage. But really, I need to get my arse in gear.

I've managed a lovely night our for dinner with HH, Tigger and Badger who were all in delightful form. Hastily thrown together by TheO as HH was having a nightmare set of hours and stress at work. Luckily she's getting to the end of the tough bit.

I've spent 2 days cleaning the house - in very vigerous and determined style - things have been cleaned that hadn't had a proper going over since we moved in! (Eeeeek) And as I had to shower after doing it, it definitely counted as exercise!

Then MaYa turned up, with her 3 boys. And my were they the most deliciously delightful that they've ever been. Apart from Eldest running in on arrival and throwing his arms around me and saying, "I'm soooooo happy to be here!"; they all were incredibly good. Now this was aided by Aunty Fun and mygoodself. We took them to an activity park on their first day. Huge swings, slides, castle, go-carts, zip line, tramploines, the whole lot. They loved it and ran themselves compeltely ragged - as did we. A double go-cart peddling up hill on gravel with a heavy boy in tow is no easy feat.

The next day we took them to Butterfly World. Less of a 'world', more of a 'big-green-house'. It was identical to when I was last there - 20 years ago (the horror of that statement has still not left me). The boys loved it, even Middlist was impressed by the creatures, the flowers, the fish and everything else. The very best bit was handling the creatures though. A giant millipede, a python and a tarantula were all presented for handling - it was brilliant. I'd never held a snake before! And I'm never holding a tarantula - thought I'd be ok - but TheO took great joy in being 'brave and unconcerned Auntie'. I'm still in awe.

On our way back from Butterfly World, Blarney and Spartan were kind enough to invite us to see the new babe - and my, were they brave when they invited in MaYa and all of her brood. MaYa was DESPERATE to see them and it all worked out well. They were marvellous for those who'd been home from the hospital all of 24h. Luckily they survived our visit and the joy of seeing them both ok, and meeting the new babybel was spectacular. I think both grandmothers were doing a fine job of being incredibly helpful, and slightly taken aback by the vast number of us.

On their final day of the Islanders visit our Neighbour brought her pony round and the boys got pony rides in the garden. It was pretty magical. Until the moment we realised middlist was seriously allergic to horses and his eyes swelled up horribly. Poor boy had to go inside, wash, and be comforted with milk ("in microwave" was asked for), and a dummy. Luckily the swelling did go down, but he was a little miserable.

They pushed off after lunch and we breathed a huge sigh and collapsed. But not for long as our neighbours were coming round for dinner. As I felt truly dreadful for a bit, TheO did sterling service and both went shopping and rustled up a huge chilli. Neighbours walked in with strawberries and champagne - a delight.

Making up for the lack of juneathon proper we went to circuits last night and knackered ourselves completely. It was hard work, and I'm horribly overweight at present - AND horribly out of shape. Must do better. Off to do some yoga before going out.

Juneathon days completeed: 8/12

Falling in love again

Well the running is making a resurrection. I wont be marathoning at the end of the month. Maybe it's because I'm a lazy bitch, or maybe the time just wasn't right. I took my eye of the training ball and it sailed right past me before ricocheting off a post and knocking me out.

But now I no longer dread my schedule - now I can just go for a run. I've got plans for a half this year, and will enjoy both it and the training. I can focus on that speed and distance and not stress out about how much damn time it takes to run 20miles when 8 people are coming to dinner and you haven't had time to go shopping.

Marathon running - you were for me, but sadly it was just a fling. We might hook-up in the future but I wouldn't be holding your breath.

With that in mind I've been out a few times this week -nothing drastic, nothing stat worthy, but all good runs. Managing to maintain a relatively easy 9.30 pace which is nice to note. Gives me a base to work on. Have to up the mileage a wee bit though as the last 10k was a month ago! That kind of thing always freaks me out and I end up thinking I'm going to become unfit and decrepit instantly. Also managed to go to circuits again - bloody love that torture.

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SKIP THIS BIT UNLESS YOU CARE ABOUT OUR DRAINS (and our mental health)
We've had some real traumas this week - the drains, that never ending saga just ploughed on:
I got a written quote, was told the job would take a day and a half, and agreed to it going ahead. A day and a half later they called to tell me that the work done so far (the job agreed to) would be DOUBLE the amount quoted and the smaller amount left to do would be DOUBLE that again, by this stage we are talking about thousands of pounds.

When I questioned the difference between the quote and the amount I was seriously given the run around by a guy who was rude, patronising, offensive and threatening. (As in threatening to stop work and 'see if I could find someone else to do the job'.) I asked to have 5 min to think about it and then call him back. He called his workmen and got them to stop without further discussion. (TheO also called him to ask for a simple breakdown of costs and his offensiveness and rudeness was unbelievable.)

Luckily in the 2min before he called the guys I ran outside and told the guys who'd worked their arses off what had happened and that we were v pleased with their work and they were great. That all the difficulty lay with the accounts dept. We were very honest with the workmen. They were then called and told to rip out all the work they had done - bear in mind this is our main house sewage drain - and take the pipes away. **Note that whilst I had questioned why it was double at no point had I ever said we weren't going to pay. Also note that we've used this company 3 times before for pretty serious jobs and always paid promptly.**

The lovely workmen looked at me, and we just said "tell your boss we refused you entry to the property" - it's nothing to do with you and it brings it on us. We then realised that life would be easier if we just paid for the work that had been done. We handed over a cheque, apologised to the guys for all the palaver, and thought we were done.

5min later one of the guys rings the bell, and this is when the biscuit is really taken, and he says in a horribly apologetic tone that the guy in accounts "wont accept a cheque as it might bounce". We have to pay by card. We do - luckily not having to talk to the waste of air who's just lost his company thousands of pounds worth of work.

Only possible glimmer of upside - whilst giving the lovely workmen coffee whilst I was busy calling to pay by card - TheO asked if they worked for anyone else... you know, just asking... and they said they'd come back and finish the job for us on Saturday (probably)... and I think they might as I found all the pipes to finish the job hidden behind a hedge in the garden this morning! They are very nice men who work for a very stupid company. (And right is very definitely on our side!) We now can use everything except the kitchen sink and dishwasher. So TheO was to be found carrying pales of water into the garden to wash-up the remaining dishes from a dinner party for 8! She most definitely rocks.

Had the guy in accounts had the brains to make up some shit that sounded realistic then they'd have got the job; because he was an idiot we'll never use that company again and we'll make sure that none of our friends or neighbours do.
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And breathe.
I will also note we had a lovely w/end (pre-drains) with RockGod and Professor. She told me about plants (and I took notes) and we travelled far and wide to find excellent cheap pottery, and delicious (not so cheap) chocolate. Result!

Oh yes, and my dad got married; and we were fine apart from the choice to begin the ceremony with many lengthy comments all starting with once in your life you find someone who ...- so you know, the last marriage, to my mother, the one that I'm a product of ... that was nothing. Brilliant. At best a thoughtless twat, at worst a complete twat. Idiot.
My 85 yr old gran also got drunk - she was hilarious and for me, saved the whole occasion. When she starts saying things like, "I'm a methodist, that's why I don't drink" whilst being neither a methodist nor sober you know the night is really kicking off.

And breathe again.

Shoe Whore

Shoe Whore will run for shoes. There are some shiny new New Balance babes coming from the dudes in the sidebar ---- Fitness Footwear ---- and I will review them once I return from cat-sitting in Northumberland (where I'll try and run my pants off so I get back on track).

However we see below us the replacements for the Nikes. I tried a smaller size in the Vomero - and still they ate my socks - I think it was a lower heel cup... or something. So I went with the Wave Rider 12s from Mizuno:
First impressions are that they are slipper comfortable, much firmer than the Vomero which was a bit like walking round on a pillow (lovely, but disconcerting), and v light in comparison to all my old shoes. They are also a pretty colour. So far they have coped with one mile on a treadmill with no ill effects. (To me, or them.)

A proper road test will be carried out soon. Meanwhile I'm still recovering from the bash my body got at circuits. Pilates, Weights, Yoga and other mean tricks with resistance ropes and balance balls were played on us. I loved it but will suffer - a lot.

Much like an old dog ...

... who gets a little left out when a new puppy comes along - my blog has been neglected for that little up-start twitter. Damn those easy 140 character posts (*cough* I mean tweets).

Soooo - apart from pictures of snow and the 1970s do I have anything to report? Well, yes indeed I do.

The 7th saw the most perfectly clear day so I headed out with my new Innov8 shoes. And here are the stats you've missed so much:
4 miles to PVS and back.
1 - 9.18
2 - 9.21
3 - 9.46
4 - 10.10

4m - 38.37

All pretty flat. Bit icy on last mile.
First 2 miles were incredible. That feeling of the world melting away, a crisp sunny day and suddenly all is right with the world. You feel like you're flying without even having to try. Just magical, the reason I fell for running in the first place.
3rd mile ok, 4th mile much harder than expected - really need to keep running outside - there is no substitute.

The shoes were marvellous - full post about them soon. And other related shoe news!

That night we went to see Rock God and The Professor as RG was cooking me a meal for my birthday as we hadn't been able to meet up on the day. (V sweet suggestion.) I'd been asked (weeks ago) about my favourite food and hadn't really thought much of it... then all became clear.

Scallops and black pudding on a bed of Colcannon with basil infusion drops and a drizzle of pumpkin seed oil.
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Venison and dauphinoise with kale and a red wine jus
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Baked chocolate and raspberry cheesecake with cream with Edradour cream liqueur in it.

Now, not only was this a GREAT set of food for me it was all cooked incredibly well, like restaurant well! Kudos to Rock God. There was also insanely good chat that covered several gamuts from atheism to transgender, with a bit of politics thrown in for good measure.

I fell asleep a little heavier than the day started - god damn that cheesecake and its irresistibly.

On waking Prof ushered me into her study to show me my present. The lovely lady has [edit: given me a fab gift which for reasons of her own she prefer me not to discuss. She is CrAzY.]
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The rest of the week passed in a flurry of moving boxes. We're almost there. The boiler room is now almost how it should be. I discovered another 3 boxes of my stuff that I have to flick though and decide I really don't want. More of my workshop is set-up now. We've decided on what the workshop will eventually be, and found a great company to do it. Our neighbour - lets call her Athena - has all the skills and knowledge to help up take down the old shed and build a concrete base. (?!)

All of the above info from Athena came becuase she took TheO skiing on the 11th. They headed up to Glenshee and I emptied the sun room of all its crap - including a huge marble plant stand I had to move in 3 trips even with a trolley! I also got Valentine's orders made and sent off. V productive for once.

In return for the skiing we (I mean TheO) made supper for us all. All I could say at the end of my heavy lifting day was "Show me the gin and tonic!" Luckily my skills run to making gin and tonic for all.

Yesterday I braved the snow and went to the gym for my first ever organised exercise class. I chose circuits as I watched them last week and decided it would be the perfect combo of really goddamn hard but I wouldn't die/embarrass myself.

We did the following:
5 min warm-up just me on elliptical machine 19/5 - pre class.
Class:
Stretches

7min running machine 6.3/6.4
6min elliptical machine 19/7

1min each:
standing lunges 1.5kg weight each arm
plank - did manage to hold it the whole time but if was arm shakingly tough.
seated chest press
straight arm pull down
lateral pull
back extension (on ball)
step ups
tricep dips
then 30sec on each of the above!

6min arm bike

elastic rope thing
bicep curls
arm raises
tricep pulls

5 min cool down on bike

I survived and it was the best workout I've had in a while. I always neglect my arms.
As I discovered this morning I neglect my arms a lot. I had difficulty moving or raising them above my shoulders. A day's (and man I was lazy, it literally took me all day as I kept footering) hard cleaning has made me all ache, but look forward to tomorrow when Ceegar and Meeper join us. Valentine's day? A romantic and couple-y time? Don't be daft.