Fell Run!

It goes without saying now that I'm either running or riding to work.

This weekend I did something a bit different - I went fell running! The weather was terrible, a mixture of sleet and hail, howling winds and just very cold in general. I did a five mile circuit around some moderate hills and took immense pleasure in running past walkers, wrapped up against the elements (just their eyes showing as their hoods had been pulled over their heads so tightly). I wore a pair of Ronhill Tracksters and a long sleeved t-shirt so had to keep running just to stay warm.

Although it was a hard 48 minute run, it was truly enjoyable and liberating. I'll definitely be doing it again.

The Hill is Getting Easier

I'm continuing to ride to work as I can't stand my courtesy car and it's actually a lot quicker on the bike.

I noticed last Friday how easy (it's all relative) I found the final hill. In fact, I almost wondered how it was that I'd ever found it necessary to stand on the pedals going up it.

I went on a good long walk on Saturday with a really long stretch of uphill. It was a fantastic day and I felt kindly rewarded by really great scenes - carpets of orange leaves on the fields way below us etc.

An attempt at snowboarding yesterday has left me feeling achey and battered, though. At least my legs still work!

Night ride

Last Wednesday I did my first night ride of the year. It was misty and rainy but incredibly enjoyable. I got back after 2.5 hours on my mountain bike feeling tired but satisfied.

I rode to work the next day and still felt tired from the relatively easy ride.

I've decided to take a few days off hard exercise as I'm feeling a bit worn down at the moment.

Continued Effort

On Thursday night I was given a courtesy car by the garage which means I now have the option to drive to work in the mornings.

I did this on Friday and I was accused of looking bleary-eyed. In fact, I didn't feel on top form all day. This was definitely down to the lack of riding/running in the morning. I usually feel invigorated by the time I go through the doors to my office but on Friday I felt like crawling back into bed.

I was pretty tired last week and felt like I needed a week off exercise. However, the exact opposite has happened: Firday night I went skiing, Saturday I went for a long walk, Sunday morning I went for a run, Monday I rode to work and then did turbo training in the evening and today I've run to work.

Admittedly, last night's turbo training was curtailed by me thinking that there was a burgular in the house when the cellar door popped open for no reason whatsoever. I carried on for a bit but was too freaked out to properly get my head down.

My base level of fitness has significantly improved since last year - yipee!