Saturday 31 December 2011

Marg: Day 50-52/365 Challenge - treadmill, Carmel and "Race to the New Year" at Cool Creek Park

Just a bit of speed practice in the treadmill. Did not really run as fast as the time would suggest but definitely faster than I do outdoors. I think I need to recalibrate my pod....I should not have take it off!
Day 50/365 Challenge by margcurtis13@hotmail.com at Garmin Connect - Details

Have a race on tomorrow so just an easy pace to Gray Rd and back. It was raining all the time but only lightly and did not bother me. I used my head lamp for the first time and it was very effective and helpful.
Day 51/365 Challenge by margcurtis13@hotmail.com at Garmin Connect - Details

"Race to the New Year" (5k) at Cool Creek Park on today. We had more than twice as many people as last year. Running has really take off in our area. Brad and Erika (a friend of mine) ran today. It was 30 degrees warmer than the last time the race was on. I was glad we were not running again in windchill below 0oF like last year! I think that accounted for the higher numbers as well. Very happy with my time which was 28:33 officially...I forgot to turn my Garmin off at the end which is why my pace is slower from my phone. That has given me my fastest race pace ever of 9:11!
Day 52/365 Challenge by margcurtis13@hotmail.com at Garmin Connect - Details

Nicky Day 56/365 Long run

Had planned to do around 6m today & then the Chard 10k road race tomorrow. That all changed when my step mother rang & said she wanted to do a long run today & did I want to join her? Well it is difficult to say to a 65 year old that you only want to do 6m!!!
Went out & did 16miles slowly. Boy am I tired now!! Going to knock Chard on the head tomorrow & do a relaxing 2!!

Friday 30 December 2011

Charles: Day 55/365 - Raining but who cares

I wanted to do at least a 10k today so when the wife said she was going to Musselburgh to get ice cream for my dad for the new year dinner. My cunning plan was go go go. The run was just over 11k and it started to rain quite heavily but it was surprisingly mild and no wind so I thoroughly enjoyed todays run. I felt really strong and did the 10k in about 56 minutes which surprised me somewhat with all the days of running in my legs and I wasn't even trying to run that fast. I might even be able to put in a sub 28 minute 5k run over Arthur's Seat a week on Saturday in the BUPA Great Winter Run (mega tough run with a MASSIVE big hill for about 3k).

The details of my run can be found at Day 55/365 challenge

Oh yeah, Forgot to say that I have now passed the 70 mark!!

I have now passed the 70 runs mark and now only have 295 to go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Not much then!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Days 63-70/365 - Have developed a chest and ear infection in the past week and have a suspected hernia :(

Day 63/365 - 5km PT session with Ewan. by tcfitness at Garmin Connect - Details
Start this week in a cold and wet Glasgow. All of the snow and ice has gone and has gotten warmer!!! This run was just a little one out with Ewan who is coming along well. We took so long because we stop off along the way to perform exercises!! Not just slow coaches!!!

Day 64/365 - Nostalgic run around my old x-country route by tcfitness at Garmin Connect - Details
Was passing through Bearsden and decided to visit the old route that we did for cross country at school! My school has been since demolished and built somewhere else and houses now live on the old site. The route in question was feared by most at school for its distance and the hill section at both ends. Lets just say that the route must have gotten shorter or I have gotten fitter! One of the two!! It was nice to remember the sick feeling you got in your mouth when running in the winter really hard!! Great little run!

Day 65/365 - Advanced Run club with bad chest infection by tcfitness at Garmin Connect - Details
So today my chest infection that has come from my cold has become debilitating. Had decided to take run club even though it was coming up for the festive holidays. With a very mixed group I hid in the back and ordered everyone else to do the work! Even so we managed to get over 10km in with me spluttering everywhere!! lovely

Day 66/365 - Christmas Day Park run at Pollok park by tcfitness at Garmin Connect - Details
Agreed with Mark Robertson from Greens run club to do the Pollok parkrun this morning as it has become a tradition for the past three years to do it! Thinking I would take it easy and hang back with Mark my competitive streak rose to the surface and on the second lap I started to move up the pack. After realising I sound and feel like I have the lungs of a 80 year old I knew that I couldn't bomb it!! Even so, didnt do too bad and felt like crap after it! Commence operation stuff my face!!!!

Day 67/365 - Easy 5km but chest infection getting worse! by tcfitness at Garmin Connect - Details
Nightime in Pollokshaws I decide to go on a regular route around shawlands. Nothing special and nothing to report. Although as well as the deepening chest infection I have started to feel a pain and pressure in my groin area??? Suspected Hernia??? I have decided therefore to stop all other training over the past week to try and recover from everything (but of course still run!!!)

Day 68/365 - Evening local 5km through Burnside. Coughing everywhere! by tcfitness at Garmin Connect - Details
Not a nice night, filled myself up with pain killers and fat burners in order to increase my metabolism to get rid of the infection and help me run faster. And they did help!! Posting one of my fastest 5km times ever I worked hard through the infections and suspected hernia! Afterwards was not pretty though. Can't imaging where all this flem is coming from!! Its disgusting!!!!

Day 69/365 - Slow run through Shawlands, Now feel like i have a hernia!!! by tcfitness at Garmin Connect - Details
There is definitely something wrong in my groin. Worried now as to what it is. I have been coughing alot while running and thinking that I have defo given myself a hernia. Will soldier on and get it checked after the new year weekend. Nothing really a doctor can do???
Don't know if it is both the running and the time of year that is resulting in my immune system being terribly reduced. Have acquired some Amoxocillan so while start this course of antibiotics and hopefully get to the other side !!

Day 70/365 - Little run through the west end. Hernia not feeling to good!! by tcfitness at Garmin Connect - Details
The pain in the groin is more apparent at the start of the run than at the end. Feels really weird and then kinda warms up. Have been informed that hernias are common but when they become strangulated that is where the danger lies!! Anyway - feeling sorry for myself I decided to run around the west end and have a nice coffee afterwards!!!!!

Nicky Day 55 Upton Loop

Forecast rain later so headed out this morning. Lead legs & just felt plain old tired. Did the tried & trusted 2 mile loop around Upton & home!

Thursday 29 December 2011

Charles: Day 54/365 - Freezing Cold

A shortish run of just of 7k today in the freezing cold but felt good if not a little heavy legged. Nothing exciting to say about the run except that I'm losing motivation at the moment but definitely won't give up because it's probably down to the time of year and the poor weather causing difficult running conditions.

The details of my run can be found at Day 54/365 challenge

Nicky Day 54/365 Pitney Loop

No party for me in Kent last night. Thought I had better stay in Somerset to see about the cat. Had to pick him up yesterday late afternoon, now awaiting tests.
Because of the shortened plan run yesterday, I decided to up the anti a bit today so headed off & did just over 9 miles. Felt mainly good although legs a little tired towards the end. Rain showers & bit of a head wind coming home.

Wednesday 28 December 2011

Marg: Day 49/365 Challenge - around the block in Carmel

Ran with Brad tonight. We were glad of our cleats - thanks for the tip Charles, as it was very icy and I do not think we would have been as confident running in the dark without them. Nothing else to report. Still on vacation which is nice. Took the kids to Benjamin Harrison House. It was a small but very good museum, them down to Global Gifts to spend out gift cards from my Mum... Lots of fun.

Day 49/365 Challenge by margcurtis13@hotmail.com at Garmin Connect - Details

Charles: Day 53/365 - Gales Force Winds

Day 53 - The gale force winds have returned with gusts of up to 70 to 90 mph

Another minimum 5k run today because the winds were really strong and I thought I was going to get blown over the barriers of the road that crosses over M8 motorway near Hermiston Gait. Very scarey indeed. At one point, I had to run sideways to make any progress because the gusts were so strong that they literally stopped me in my tracks and I couldn't move forward against it. I felt cheated by the wind today because I felt really strong after I'd finished the run. Awe well I'll just have to do a longer run tomorrow to keep up my training for the BUPA Great Winter 5k Run around Arthur's Seat on the 7th January.

The details of my run can be found at Day 53/365 challenge

Nicky Day 53/ Knole Rd

Got a busy old day today so my planned 5 miler has been reduced to the minimum 2miles. Our old cat not too well so dropped him off the vets! Waiting for them to ring after they have run a few tests. Off to Kent later for a friends birthday bash.
Ran out & back along the Knole Rd. Kept it slow as legs still very heavy. Diet will be back to normal over the next few days hopefully!


Tuesday 27 December 2011

Jungle

Hi guys... Not forgotten you all.... We've now relocated to Yala National Park in the South East of the island for a few days jungle safaris.... Simply not prepared to run on the tracks around here ..... It just isn't safe. ... I think the wild dogs would tear me to pieces if the elephants didn't get me first.... Even our driver looked at me and raised an eyebrow. Will see if day time running is more realistic. Good to see everyone braving the inclement weather in EU and US! Best, B

Marg: Day 48/365 Challenge - snowy run on Smokey Ridge

First decent sow for the season, with snow falling all morning and some of the afternoon. I think we got about 2-3 inches of accumulation. I went for a run at about 5:00 and already some melting on the paths and roads, however I ran in my cleats, just in case it was bad and there were many paths that we're still covered and the cleats worked very well even on the wet patches where usually I would feel my trainers slip a bit.

Day 48/365 Challenge by margcurtis13@hotmail.com at Garmin Connect - Details

Nicky Day 52/365 Upton

Played 9 holes of golf this morning then went out and did my 2 miles. Tried to push it a bit but legs still a little leaden! Was cold when I went out & am now sweating like a little piglet!

Charles: Day 52/365 - Tired & Exhausted

Day 52 - Still got a full belly and its bouncing about

Minimum 5k today because I'm not feeling too great and feeling very tired. I think the food I've eating is haunting me!

The details of my run can be found at Day 52/365 challenge

Monday 26 December 2011

Marg: Day 47/365 Challenge - Short run up to Gray Rd and back

Just a leisurely jog up to Gray Rd and back with Brad. Legs a little tired from longer run yesterday but I reply think I need to get some longer runs in if I am to be ready for the mini in May and a marathon in November.

Day 47/365 Challenge by margcurtis13@hotmail.com at Garmin Connect - Details

Charles: Day 51/365 - No More Food!!!

Day 51 - Help!

Went for my run today and wasn't in the mood for it. My legs and body felt completely lifeless. I think I've over indulged in the sweets and food!!! "I NEED TO GET BACK ON TRACK AND STOP EATING ALL THIS CRAP" or so I keep telling myself, but never listen :)

The details of my run can be found at Day 51/365 challenge

Nicky Day 51/365 Stoke Stampede 10k


Had a fantastic day yesterday & Santa was very generous! Unfortunatly so was my hubbie who was in charge of topping up the glasses!! A job too well done. Hic!!!
Did the traditional Stoke Stampede in Stoke St Gregory - 10k race. I did surprise myself though & actually completed it in 57:50 which pleased me know end. It is a pretty hilly little run & I wasnt feeling toooo great!
Feel better for it now though. Happy boxing day everyone.

Sunday 25 December 2011

run365challenge: Marg: Day 46/365 Challenge - Merry Christmas run in Avian Glen

Sorry just trying another attempt at loading photos. My last attempt filled the whole screen! No luck. One photo will have to do, I had some others but I cannot work out how to make them smaller......ok I will try putting them in as thumbnails. You can click on them to enlarge if you want to see us! Buzz, Brad and Millie, Uploaded from the Photobucket iPad App Marg, Brad and Millie, Uploaded from the Photobucket iPad App About to go on Christmas Run, Uploaded from the Photobucket iPad App

Marg: Day 46/365 Challenge - Merry Christmas run in Avian Glen

Nice sunny day today but still cold - 37o F with wind chill to 30oF. I decided to do a longer run in Avian Glen today. I felt good while I was running but have since fallen in an exhausted heap on the lounge. All the preparations for Christmas and cooking Christmas lunch and the early start to the morning may have had something to do with it! The kids got up at 7:15 am, not the usual 5:00 am which was nice!! I have a photo of me with my Santa hat but I still cannot work out how to load photos on the blog......after some time I have worked out that I needed photo bucket on my iPad..... Let's see if it works!

Day 46/365 Challenge by margcurtis13@hotmail.com at Garmin Connect - Details

Charles: Day 50/365 - Merry Christmas from Santa

Day 50 - Merry Christmas from Santa to all fellow challengers

Santa went on a very slow and very warm run today because the wind was blowing a gale and the suit was made from some sort of felt material that made we sweat buckets. Also, the over indulgence of food over the last 2 weeks didn't help because I must've put on about a stone in weight lol

I struggled with the run today with tiredness and all the extra warm clothes but the run was well worth it. Loads of cars passed peeping there horn, people waving, young kids shouting Santa and people shaking my hand. I wish I had a bucket with me to collect some money for charity but I can always do that next year :)

The details of my run can be found at Day 50/365 challenge


Charles: Day 49/365 - Christmas Eve Run

Day 49 - Christmas Eve run in a Santa hat

I went for a run to Dalkeith town centre to do some last minute Christmas shopping and wore my Santa hat as a trial run (no pun intended) before the big day. The hat attracted a wee bit of attention and was very warm on the bonce. I went for a big cooked breakfast afterwards to over compensate for the calories I'd just burn't :))

The details of my run can be found at Day 49/365 challenge

Happy Christmas from Ceylon!

I can't remember what day it is which surely is a sign that I'm starting to unwind! Before I update, I have a confession to make. In the last 5 days I've run only twice. We've been in the middle of the island near Kandy in low hill country and in the evenings it has been total pitch black.... The thought of running on tracks through jungle and forests in total inky blackness simply isn't possible. That and my in laws reminded me of the cobras that live in the termite nests at the side of the tracks... I could have run last night upon our return to the capital Colombo but I think my brother in law is friends with the devil... He persuaded me to go for a beer whilst we were tasked with Getty Ng the shopping from the supermarket... One beer turned to three and the rest is history! I did go running once in the morning in Kandy... T was a total downpour in jungly mists... I ended up running to an army checkpoint and so had to trn around else. Would have run 9 miles to make up for the missed days... Came back soaked to the bone! However today is Xmas day, and what better way to start the day with a run along the Indian ocean first thing in the morning... Wonderful. We've just got back from a lavish banquet buffet luncheon at mount Lavinia hotel and s were now just lazing by the pool. I am replete! Not sure what I'm going to do about the missed days, I do fel bad about it, but it just simply wasn't safe enough. Will upload some photos of where we were staying.. It was Imply breathtaking. Hope everyone had a great Xmas. Best, Ben

NickyDay 50/365 Merry Christmas



MERRY CHRISTMAS fellow 365ers!! Hope you have all been out for your 25th December run. I have just come back. Ran with my 65 yr old step-mother! Felt very very heavy legged after yesterdays 15 miler & a little over indulgence of roast gammon & good wine last night.
Hope you all have a relaxing day.

Saturday 24 December 2011

Marg: Day 45/365 Challenge - Hagan Burke trail in brilliant sunshine

Incredible that it is 40oF today and such a beautiful sunny day!! This time last year we were deep in snow, which was nice for Christmas when we did not have to travel on the highways to work but I must say it is nice not to have the snow and to be able to easily run outside. Did the Hagan Burke with Brad which is a run I really like so I felt very positive once I was done. I needed that shot in the arm as I was feeling pretty low to be spending yet another Christmas away from all our family in Australia.

I worked out that my garmin ap was starting me at 0,0 for the past couple of runs because I was not giving the device enough time to find my true location after I turned it on and before I pressed my start button. Had nothing to do with my foot pod.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OF YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES. Marg. PS: I will try to find a Santa hat to run in tomorrow, it will not be the full suit like Charles though!!

Day 45/365 Challenge by margcurtis13@hotmail.com at Garmin Connect - Details

Marg: Day 44/365 Challenge - late night/early morning treadmill run

Did not get to my run until very late on friday night with all the last minute preparations for Christmas. So this run did not finish until Saturaday morning at 12:15! It was the last thing I wanted to do but was glad to have done it, as usual, once I had finished.

Day 44/365 by margcurtis13@hotmail.com at Garmin Connect - Details

Nicky Day 49/365

Decided to do a long run today to preempt the excesses to come! 15m. Took both Garmins, need to get to grips with this new one! I dont know how to get it to read total mileage - it just beeps 1m splits at me! Old one completed on 15.2m. When down loaded new Garmin, a frustrating 14.92!!!
Tough circuit with some testing hills. Cold morning but at least it stayed dry! Will celebrate day 50 tomorrow on Christmas day! Ho ho ho!!!

Friday 23 December 2011

Nicky Day 48/365 Upton loop

Busy busy day today! Popped out to do the 2m Upton loop wearing both my old & new Garmin. Used it as a "get used to the 450" run. Measured run with the tried & trusted old Garmin & mucked around with the new one to get used to it.
Nil else to report.

Charles: Day 48/365 - One becomes two

Day 48 - My 1 run was split into 2 today.

We got finished early at work today so I got home, put the running gear on and ran 5k to Dalkeith to do some Christmas shopping and then ran over 4km to get home again. I felt heavy and lethargic today and really felt the runs in my legs, especially the one home from the shops because it's a 2.5 mile long hill that climbs all the way and doesn't have any level sections to recover. I was totally knackered when I got home but I managed to clean the canaries cage out and cleaned the house from top to bottom before going for a shower. Does the wife appreciate my efforts? Of course she does but still manages to find fault :)

The details of run 1 can be found at Day 48/365 challenge - Part 1
The details of run 2 can be found at Day 48/365 challenge - Part 2

Thursday 22 December 2011

Charles: Day 47/365 - Run & Spin

Day 47 - 7km run and 2 hour spin class

I planned on doing a lunchtime 5km run which turned out to be 7km. The weather was surprisingly mild today so I didn't need my hat, gloves and running jacket which was great. During the run, I managed to reel in 2 other runners, passed them and also noticed another guy trying to catch up with me so I increased my pace and left him well behind. This challenge is making me so competitive :)

I also did a 2 hour spin class for charity after work with a couple of other work mates (Wendy & Kerry. Fantastic effort ladies.). The spin class was extremely tough going but what an achievement to complete 2 long tough hours. I've never sweated so much in my entire life but we managed to raise over £320 in just a few hours for the Wobbly Williams (Funding Neuro) charity.

WHO ELSE WANTS TO DO OUR CHRISTMAS DAY RUNS IN SANTA SUITS?
I am and I'll post pictures to prove it.

The details of my run can be found at Day 47/365 challenge

Marg: Day 43/365 Challenge - Around the block

Another bizarre start to my run with the first mile being supposedly completed in 1/2 a minute. My map on the phone once again showed that I started in the ocean off the west coast of Africa. I have now realized that this is where the equator and the prime meridian intersect. There must be something happening that is making the GPS start from the zero,zero location. The only thing I can think of is that I have left my foot pod on my shoe to retain the calibratioon that I achieved the other day and even though I am not using the receiver, perhaps it is interfering with the GPS?

Having said all that Brad came with me on my run and was feeling much better and we actually ran about 3.2 miles in about 32 minutes. Grey but dry day today and the temperature is 43oF. It is so mild for December!!

Day 43/365 Challenge by margcurtis13@hotmail.com at Garmin Connect - Details

Nicky Day 47/365 Long Sutton christmas lights

Decided to try out my brand spanking new Garmin 405CX this evening. After much bevelling, button pushing, trotting back & forth to figure it out, I managed to get out & do my minimum 2m. Alfie (hubbie) came too but struggled. He wore my old 305 as a back up. I dont trust technology. I could have sworn the darn thing read 2.4m when we got back but after much fiddling to register the thing with Garmin connect etc etc the run measured 1.96m. Hope you are not going to punish me for the none registered 0.4m as I am showered & clean & have half empty glass of wine in hand!

Tony Days 56-62/365 - this is more like ice skating than running!!/WARNING TIRED LEGS!!

Day 56/365 - Quick 5km run before Crossfit! by tcfitness at Garmin Connect - Details
Nice little quick 5km before CF today.

Day 57.1/365 - Couple of km during crossfit by tcfitness at Garmin Connect - Details
Had a competition with Rodger at CF to see who could run 1600m the fastest. Needless to say that I won by 5sec. Not that I am anyway competitive! He then went on to smash me during the workout of the day!!
Day 57.2/365 - The remainder of the daily run round shawlands by tcfitness at Garmin Connect - Details
As I only managed 1600m earlier during the run, I had to make up the difference later in the day. A nice little 5km run around shawlands (even though shawlands isnt that nice) made up the difference!!!
Day 58/365 - Advanced run club goes ice skating! by tcfitness at Garmin Connect - Details
Even though the terrain resembled more of an ice skating rink than tarmac streets we decided to venture out and take running club! We skated about for the first 2km and then got onto great western road - Quite literally - ended up running the whole of the GWR ON THE ROAD!! Thought we might get arrested at one point! 11.5km is not bad for just over an hour!

Day 59/365 - Easy 5km on the ice after a fantastic day snowboarding! by tcfitness at Garmin Connect - Details
After a full day at Glencoe getting my first boarding day in of 2011/12 I knew that I still had to get home and do my run! There are no prizes given for this run today. It was almost never done!! As someone famous once said - Its a marathon not a sprint!!
Day 60/365 - Feeling very very tired in the legs - easy 5km by tcfitness at Garmin Connect - Details
So as we venture further and further into our challenge - One thing is for sure - My legs are becomeing more and more tired as we go along. I have been trying to come up with novel ways to split the runs so that my legs get more chance to rest - the best one yet has been to run late at night and then first thing in the morning then you almost have 36hrs before your next runs this seems like a great option and may start to try it if I can get out my bed early enough!!
Day 61/365 - Easy 5km before Crossfit. Legs extremely tired! WARNING!! by tcfitness at Garmin Connect - Details
Legs even more tired today. Have found myself stopping at points during my short runs in order to walk for a little while. The tiredness in my legs is having a mental drain and I worry sometimes about the damage I might be doing!!!

Day 62/365 - The most tired my legs have ever felt! Not a happy bunny!! by tcfitness at Garmin Connect - Details
Tonight I stopped three or four times during my run just to walk for a little while. I have completed stopped going to crossfit this week in an attempt to reduce my training output. Hopefully By reducing the total amount of workload that I am doing and by having some days off work coming up I might be able to recover somewhat! Roll on christmas!!!

Wednesday 21 December 2011

Marg: Day 42B & 42C - pod calibration attempt 2.

I tried to calibrate my foot pod again tonight and I am now much closer with the pod and the GPS and within the accuracy of the device as is (less than 5% difference).
1.07 miles Day 42B by margcurtis13@hotmail.com at Garmin Connect - Details

1.02 miles Day 42C by margcurtis13@hotmail.com at Garmin Connect - Details

I think I need to leave the pod in the same position on my shoe to get consistent results. Nice night for a short run to make up for the quirky events of this afternoon!

Marg: Day 42/365 Challenge - Transatlantic????

Well today's run was interesting. My phone was doing something weird as it had me covering the first 2.5 miles in about 2.5 minutes!!! I was running with Brad and he did not feel well after about a mile and I kept running and then caught up with him at another point on the run. From their we walked back home and caught up with Millie who was walking the dogs. When we got near home Buzz was coming up the street to do a run so I ran with him to the top of the street and back. When I finished to look at my results my map on the phone said that I started the run in the water off the west coast of Africa!!! I felt amazingly good for covering about 7,000 miles in 1/2 an hour. I actually think I ran/ walked about 3 miles, however if I have time a might do another one as I did not really feel like I got a good run in today.

Day 42/365 Challenge by margcurtis13@hotmail.com at Garmin Connect - Details

Nicky Day 46/365 Christmas Treasure Hunt with Club

Fun run around Langport with the club. Our Christmas treasure hunt with the juniors. Lots of toing & froing looking for certain houses & counting their reindeer, deccies etc.
Warm evening & dry too.

Marg: Day 41/365 Challenge - Carmel treadmill

It has been raining for two days straight and quite heavy tonight so I did a treadmill run. I think I may now have the food pod in the right position for best calibration but I will retest over the weekend. Had my last day in the office and so i am looking forward to some daylight runs over the next week.

Day 41/365 Challenge by margcurtis13@hotmail.com at Garmin Connect - Details

Charles: Day 46/365 - One word for todays run!

Day 46 - Knackered!

You have to question the accuracy of the garmin watches? I ran exactly the same route as yesterday and it showed a difference of 0.05km which is 50metres. I'm not complaining about it, I just wonder if its worth doing a complete restart of the 410 before I do each run.

My time today was also about 90 seconds slower than yesterday's run and by god I felt it in my legs. It could be that I wasn't mentally ready for it or I was tired after a broken nights sleep. My legs were like lead even when I started running. I also think that a Wednesday is my nemesis of days for running because when I look back over the last 7 weeks, its always a Wednesday that I feel sore and tired. Well tomorrow is another day and I bet I'm fine during my run but at lunchtime but I've also agreed to do a 2 hour spin class for charity after work. Ohhh I'm going to be sore on Friday!

The details of my run can be found at Day 46/365 challenge

Tuesday 20 December 2011

Ben day 49 and 50/365 - Ceylon !

Well, here we are in Sri Lanka! Been here two days and been for my obligatory two runs. First day was odd.... Got to our beachfront villa about 6pm in the end and before I could open a beer I had to go for a run! Decided to stick to the streets and headed along the main Galle road that runs on the south west coast. About 30 Celsius and humid. Came back drenched. Day 50 - thought I'd hit the beach this evening. Was very very dark, a scattering of beachfront restaurants. Skinny white man running on the beach at night attracted some attention from local kids drinking on the beach! About a mile on the beach and then headed into the streets but the pollution was significant and made breathing a bit difficult!

Charles: 45/365 - Short run today

Day 45 - Spare 30 minutes

I only had a spare 30 minutes today so thought that I'd go and get my minimum 5k run out of the way. Nothing to report on the run other than my feet were really sore. I've developed a corn between the 2 small toes on my left foot and it was extremely painful and the pain was traveling up the ball of my foot. I've also got a blister on my second toe on the right foot which I didn't notice until I took my shoes and socks off. I think that this challenge is going to play havoc with my feet more than anything else.

The details of my run can be found at Day 45/365 challenge

Nicky Day 45/365 Long Sutton - Somerton - Pitney - Upton

Have a half day today with an afternoon of paperwork, so took the opportunity to do an 8 miler in daylight. Pleasant weather. Only downer was 4miles in I came across a "flood" sign on one of the country lanes. A detour would have been 2 miles, so I just waded through the ankle deep cold water. Nice sloshy cold feet for rest of the outing. Also a little bit muddy down a couple of the paths, but hey it is wet December.

Monday 19 December 2011

Charles: Day 44/365 - Double Run

Day 44 - Lunch time run and then running club.

Two runs today totaling 14.9km (9.25 miles). I went for a lunchtime run at work in case the running club was cancelled due to back weather. The run was pretty eventful but I surprisingly felt really strong and full of running. I wanted to do another lap of the circuit but time constraints stopped me. I have to work after all to pay the bills.

The temperature was surprisingly mild tonight at 6 degrees celcius but even that wasn't enough to bring the people out to go running so only about 2 dozen turned up and we all decided to go running as one group. We built in 'escape' routes so that those that couldn't or didn't want to do the full distance could peel off and head back to the start with the guidance of a jog leader. In the end only about 10 completed the full distance tonight. The pace was very relaxed, too relaxed at some points for my liking so I would sprint away to give the faster members of the group someone to chase. This seemed to work a treat for some of the faster lot but for some reason I wasn't even out of breath or sweating that much which was a huge surprise considering the miles I'd put in over the last 44 days.

The details of run 1 can be found at Day 44/365 challenge - Part 1
The details of run 2 can be found at Day 44/365 challenge - Part 2

Nicky Day 44/365 Christmas Lights

Well the weather has been atrocious all day so I was dreading getting in this evening & having to go out again in the cold & rain for my run. Got all donned up in my wet weather gear, stepped outside & couldnt believe it. Rain gone & stars shining! Decided to extend to 3miles as such a lovely running evening. Trotted all around the village checking out everyones Christmas lights. Felt very festive. A surprisingly enjoyable run! Happy days.

Sunday 18 December 2011

Marg: Day 39/365 Challenge - Around the block in Carmel

Nice day today, sunny, 43oF. Brad and I went for a run around the block at a pretty good pace. I really enjoyed the run today! Feel like I need to step up the distance a bit, but struggle to find the time at the moment.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/135252264#.Tu5qAangrn4.blogger

Charles: Day 42 & 43/365 - Dangerous and Frosty

Day 42 - Dangerous running conditions.

I had an appointment to get my hair cut at 10am and decided to run to the hairdressers. BIG mistake because it had been a heavy frost all night then a thaw and then sleet that froze as soon as it hit the cold ground. This all meant that the pavements were covered in a layer of black ice. Hence, I ran mostly along the grass verges and on the roads with the cars whizzing past. I actually felt great during the run itself and was surprised by my time in the bad conditions. I even treated myself to a good fry up for a breakfast afterwards :)

The details of my day 42 run can be found at Day 42/365 challenge

Day 43 - White frosty pavements.

I was at my dads in Fife and went for an early morning run before I took him shopping. The pavements were all covered in a white thick frost but my Asic trail shoes coped brilliantly and I never felt that I was going to slip or fall. I was surprised at how much grip there was on the white frost. I had intended to go for the minimum 5k but me being me it turned out to be 8.2k because I was enjoying my slow jog in the crisp clean air.

The details of my day 43 run can be found at Day 43/365 challenge


i can't believe how far I've ran in 43 days!! I've covered 320.64km = 199.16 miles. That means that tomorrow I'll have broken the magic 200 miles and for my hard efforts I might even treat myself by doing a double run, but that will depend on the weather :))

Nicky Day 43/365

Sllight hangover today due to a family curry night last night. Going to be embarassing putting out the bottles for recycling on Tuesday - think I might take some down to the bottle bank to save face!
Because of the above, my planned 8m run turned into the minimum 2m - couldn't face going further - also very cold! Naughty naughty, but tiz the season!!

Marg: Day 37 & 38/365 Challenge - Carmel in and out

Treadmill run tonight, and very late, but had to get it done! Even though treadmill running is pretty boring I defintely run faster (even though not as fast as the results would suggest) and getting into a rythym with a bigger stride, has been helping me to run a little faster outside.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/134857433#.Tu4D5ru97Gs.blogger

It was snowing this morning, but only lightly and stopped without any accumulation. Christmas shopping today. I am about 90% there! Millie and Buzz have also done their shopping as well. Went for a quick run with Brad on the usual dash out to Gray Rd and back. Nothing much to report.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/135041557#.Tu4CJsl8QZ4.blogger

Ben Day48/365 - Cycling once more

Ben Day48/365 - Garmin
Just time this afternoon for a quick trot along the cycle path before driving to Heathrow in the next hour - Garmin didn't pick up satellites until a quarter mile in which is why it's reporting a slow 2.75 miles only and not the normal 3.

A busy morning last minute packing, and sorting Santa's deliveries for our return! I'm taking the Garmin dongle with me in the off chance I find someone with a laptop I can use for a bit - I'm not too concerned though, this 305 ought to retain upto 20hrs worth of data which is 40 x 30 min runs... since we're away for 18 days I'm hoping I won't need it but you never know (I am taking the charger though!)
If for whatever reason I can't find a laptop I'll be keeping a travel diary and will hand write my blogs and transcribe upon my return!

EIther way, next blog entry will be about a run in Ceylon!! have a great xmas everyone. BB

Saturday 17 December 2011

Ben Day47/365 - Long Ashton co-op and back

Ben Day47/365 - Garmin

Not a huge amount to report this evening. A crisp cold night into the next village and back. Not a great deal going on apart from last minute prep for Sri Lanka tomorrow and dropping off presents for folks and most importantly my godson George Felix!

Ollie has a cycle race tomorrow, so I may well take the Garmin there and get my monies worth so to speak!

Turns out that the boy he was 2nd to last Sunday was racing in the age category above him - so Ollie did come first in the U8's... strong legs that boy!!

Nicky Day 42/365 Pitney

Trot around Pitney village hand delivering Christmas cards. legs very heavy & sluggish. Possibly because of the wine drinking present wrapping session I had last night! Legs are going to have to get used to wine hangover mornings for the next fortnight me thinks.

Friday 16 December 2011

Ben Day46/365 - Cycle Path to victory!

Ben Day46/365 - Garmin
Guess where I ran today race fans! - Purposely wanted to take it easy - I think like Charles I'm slowly getting worn down (though Charles is really grinding those miles out!!) muselces not having proper chance to recover... I think the pace is the only thing I can play with to try and giv ethe legs a chance to bounce back a bit. However, I was surprised to see tonights pace at a healthy 7:30 av... must try harder tomorrow!

Spent some time over lunch playing with Twitter - we've now been given leave to tinker with social media at work, so I took a look to see if our company President tweets - doesn't appear to, but I did find this:

Elanco - what we do

I sometimes get asked what I do for a living - in future I'll just show them this video. It's a privilege.

Finished up work today - fly to Ceylon on Sunday - c'mon Sunday!

Charles: Day 41/365 - Freezing!

Day 41 - Freezing cold and running big hills is torture.

Sorry guys but today's blog is a very short one because I've not much too report other than it was freezing cold, slippy underfoot and my body ached all over with tight muscles. I used today's hilly run as a recovery run and took a very relaxed pace. The other thing that springs to mind is that I should do more warm down stretching to stop the tired muscles ruining the enjoyment of the following days run because I really felt the effects of yesterday's 8 miler.

The details of my run can be found at Day 41/365 challenge

Nicky Day 41/365 Long Furlong Rd

Disaster! After last nights run, uploaded to Garmin Connect, put my Garmin on to charge & the whole thing died. Will not charge, turn on etc. It has been a little temperamental for a couple of months. Purchased a new base charge plate but that didnt work!! Hmm.
Bought step mother Garmin 305 for Christmas. Sneeky me - charged it up & have decided to "try it out for her" until my brand spanking new Garmin 405 CX arrives! Naughty Nicky.
She wont mind - she is a technophobe & wont know how to set it up anyway - all done for her!

Anyway, just popped out for the minimal 2miles as we have my sister & bro in law arriving in the morning & I need to get tidying, wrapping, cooking!

Thursday 15 December 2011

Marg: Day 36/365 Challenge - treadmill at home.

Treadmill run tonight as I was feeling extremely tired and this was all I was up for. Finished my last assignment for my international law certificate for the year and ended up getting to bed very late. Now I am paying for it. Anyway, as usual, I felt much better after doing my run and I am already thinking about what runs I will do over the weekend.

Day 36/365 Challenge by margcurtis13@hotmail.com at Garmin Connect - Details

Ben Day45/365 - Cycle path - just for old times sake

Ben Day45/465 - Garmin
Crazy busy day today - finalising end of year PM's for line reports and myself - back to back meetings for most of the day meant I had to wait until wifey got home after she collected no.1 son from beaver Scouts... baby sitter was arriving at 7:20 (to allow wife and I a few hours to go xmas shopping together!) so literally had 25 mins to get out for a run and a 2 min shower before dashing out for my most favourite habit in the whole world - shopping!! (not!)
Run felt good - inspired by TC's efforts I tried to keep an even pace this evening.. feel tired though now - just the one beer this evening!

Charles: Day 40/365 - Another double header

Day 40 - Lunch time and evening run.

Two runs today totaling 13.39km (8.33 miles). The second run was in very frosty and icy conditions that proved to be quite slippy underfoot. I had to try and run with a short stride with my heel striking the ground first to try and stop my self from falling. I managed to get to the end of the run safe and sound but in hind sight I think it was crazy even attempting to run in those conditions at night. I think I'll have to stick to my lunch time runs and leave the evening runs until the spring arrives in about June, this is Scotland after all lol.

I've been keeping a log of my runs in an Excel document (as well as the Garmin Connect) and it says that now I've broken the 300km mark in 40 days of running (300.66km = approx 186.75 miles = approx 4.67 miles per day). It's amazing at how quickly the miles build up :)

The details of run 1 can be found at Day 40/365 challenge - Part 1
The details of run 2 can be found at Day 40/365 challenge - Part 2

Nicky Day 40/365 Muddy lanes to Upton

Home in daylight so decided to do 3m down the country lanes to Upton then home. Pleasant late afternoon with nothing special to report!

Tony Day 55/365 - Run with Ewan through the west end Glasgow

I really did panic because I thought that this run was not transferring from the Iphone app to GC!!
Panic over though!!
Nothing to report here other than Ewan is doing very well and that this is the longest that he has run in about ten years!!Good on him and It was good to get out and have some company for the runs!

Day 55/365 - 9km run with Ewan through the West end Glasgow by tcfitness at Garmin Connect - Details

Tony Days 53 + 54/365 - Do we have to run this fast?

Hey Run365 fans! Getting really tired of running fast but it seems that sometimes you need to!!
Had a spare 25min between clients and it was getting late in the eve so decided to try and get my 5km in the time allowed - Ran fast, breathing heavily - got back to the gym in a fantastic 20:36. thats after 52 days of running! If I hadn't had to stop at the traffic lights that would have been sub 20!!! Gutted!!
Day 53/365 - More than 50 days in and I can still run a 20min 5km?? Bizarre by tcfitness at Garmin Connect - Details
Got a call to cover the advanced club at greens on a Tuesday - Cue another Hurricane! The weather was bleak and horrible but we are hardy souls in Alba and we exercise when we shouldn't! We will need to think about starting to raise some money for a charity as I am beginning to need a reason for doing this challenge! Self-doubt creaping in!!!
Day 54/365 - Cover for Advanced run club at greens by tcfitness at Garmin Connect - Details


I think I might have lost the details of day 55's run. I am hoping that there is a glitch in Garmin Connect!!

Nicky Day 39/ Street 5k Series

Absolutely awful weather all day - sleeting when I left home to drive to Bristol. Mendips also white with snow. Driving home from work it was absolutely tipping it down. I was not looking forward to this evenings race! The 2nd Wedesday of each month during the winter months, is the Street 5k series. I try & run these when I can. Yeoviliton run a similar series during the summer.
Thankfully by 6:30 when it was time to head off, the clouds had disappeared, stars appeared & wind dropped - as had the temperature!
Due to the temperature I did 2 slow circuits of the 1km route prior to the 5k race at 19:30. Felt fine. 19:30 & off we went. I felt ok & was dead chuffed that my times actually got quicker with each of the 1k circuits. My finishing time was 24:51 - around 30 secs quicker than 2 months ago.
Really enjoyable evening as all the Christmas lights up & we even had a santa sleigh being dragged by a tractor down the high street with Christmas music booming out! :-)

Wednesday 14 December 2011

Marg: Day 35/365 Challenge - Gray Rd and back

It is 6:30 at night and 55oF!! Such variable weather for December. I am sure we will pay for this later in the season! Just a short run tonight out to Gray Rd and back. Very nice and my fastest pace for outdoors on my own. Yaktrax arrived today. Seems crazy that I might be looking forward to conditions where I can test them out.

Day 35/365 Challenge by margcurtis13@hotmail.com at Garmin Connect - Details

Ben Day44/365 - Basingstoke reverse loop

In the office again today so managed to put down the mince pies and get out for a 5k at lunch time. To break it up I ran the reverse of the loop I ran last week to give me a change of scenery.. first mile just seemed to drag along, though once I got into it, by the last mile I was begining to feel much more in control again (as opposed to enduring it!) and so picked up the pace a bit. Felt very pleased to have made the effort and got out of the office - it would have been easy to stay in and go for xmas lunch with the rest of the office.. the trade off was that I got to eat my office xmas lunch by myself in the canteen - still the staff in the restaurant made me feel welcome as I wolfed down some soup and a turkey roast with all the trimmings! (I was starving at lunch time, and that was even with treating myself to a full English breakfast at 07:30!) my one weekly treat when I go to the office is a full-English - the reward for leaving the house at 05:30 for a 2 hr drive to Basingstoke!)

This running everyday business is generating some interest in the office - lots of office chat about the route I took being favoured by oddballs and weirdos who like lurking in woodland... some recent press about weirdos trying to grab women and girls whilst they're out walking their dogs in this area or something which is disturbing and concerning to say the least...I shall remain vigilant! - TC can I borrow your Captain America costume please.

Ben Day44/365 - Garmin

Charles: Day 39/365 - Lunch time madness

Day 39 - The high winds and snow didn't materialise as the forecast had predicted but the threats are still there.

I decided to do short 6.57k run at lunch time today because my legs felt like lead and my lower back was stiff and sore. Having said that, once I was on the move I soon freed up and got into my stride but I was about half way round the course and I suddenly felt knackered but I pushed on to get the run over with. Strange that I felt fine once I'd finished my run...Was it a feeling of relief?

I was also planning on doing a second run today but I think I'll rest up and leave a double run until tomorrow night, weather dependent and the wife agreeing to pick me up after work.

The details of my run can be found at Day 39/365 challenge

Tuesday 13 December 2011

Marg: Day 34/365 Challenge - Treadmill at Carmel Total Fitness Gym

I ran on the treadmill tonight even though it was quite mild out as Brad said he would come with me. The footpod is still recording a faster time than I am actually running. I have put the footpod as close to my ankle as I can so I will need to think of another hypothesis to test!! I am making sure that I am running well over my minimum so I am not too worried, but would just like it to be more accurate. I ordered Yaktrax for Brad and I yesterday. We are expecting more snow later in the week. Had training all day today and will have the same tomorrow. I am really looking forward to a good stretch of the legs.

Day 34/365 Challenge by margcurtis13@hotmail.com at Garmin Connect - Details

Charles: Day 38/365 - Windy, windy

Day 38 - I think I died today because the gale force winds are back and made the run twice as difficult.

I had to lean into the strong winds all the way on the run. The winds were swirling round and every time it changed direction, I would lose my balance, stumble and almost fall over. At some points I think I was actually stationary!! Besides the wind, I wanted to treat the run as a recovery run so pace wasn't important.

As I look out the window at the time of writing, Its still strong winds and its started snowing so tomorrows run will be quite interesting :)

The details of my run can be found at Day 38/365 challenge

Ben Day43/365 - Bath Skyline reverse route

Ben Day43/365 - Garmin

what a day! Over at Uni in Bath again today - headed out around the stunning Skyline route, this time in reverse to the exploratory run I did last week. Today we had, rain, wind, hail, thunder and lightening, and whilst I was in Bath, Bristol had snow. part way thorugh the run, the sun came out for a bit which was nice, then a MASSIVE hailstorm kicked off just as I was returning to the Training Village. phew!


Nicky Day 38/365 Upton Circuit

Wasnt going to risk leaving todays run till later as it is dry at the moment. Popped out & did the 2m circuit up to Upton. Cold but pleasant.

Monday 12 December 2011

Nicky Day 35/365 Knole Rd

Just realised didnt write up my Day 35 - probably because it was my birthday. Busy day so up & out for the usual Knole Rd 2miler - even Alfie came with today.

Marg: Day 33/365 Challenge - Gray Rd and back

Not much energy tonight. Long day at work, fell asleep in front of the television. Every part of me just wanted to go to bed. Forced myself to get out there and it was a cool crisp moonlit night. Amazing how much better I feel now that I have done it!!

Day 33/365 Challenge by margcurtis13@hotmail.com at Garmin Connect - Details

Charles: Day 37/365 - Runny club

Day 37 - Running Club with added runs

Running club tonight and it was mega tough because I wasn't feeling too great. I had already made 3 trips to the loo with a dicky tummy before heading of for the club. The run was torture because my stomach was hard and bloated and I struggled to breath going up the 2 big hills we did.

I charged up the first hill at the front of the group to test my stomach but stayed at the back of the group a few other times so that they wouldn't smell the foul air supply that seemed to be following me :)

Other than the bad stomach I felt fine and strong. I definitely think that doing all this running is making me stronger both physically and mentally because I would normally have made excuses to myself as to why I didn't want to run tonight. I knew I had to run so the challenge made me determined to get out and do my run!!

The details of my run can be found at Day 37/365 challenge

Nidky Day 37/365 Knole & back

Been in my running kit all day waiting for a break in the paperwork to pop out. Got too stuck in though so didnt go out til gone 5! Typical - been dry & sunnyish all day. I step out the door & its blowing a gale & pouring with rain!
Decided to try out my new head torch, as recommended by trail runner magazine (not the expensive airport light that Ben has got!!!). Must say, not impressed. Not as good as my old Petzl Tikka! Will reserve judgement though until I have tried it with good old Duracell instead of the rechargeables it came with (that were I hasten to add, fully charged!!!) If it is still only as good as Scrooges candle, its going back!!
Anyway, back to my run - usual boring route down to Knole & back although all dark streets are boring in my eyes. Blood sugar dropped on the way back so stopped off at the village shop & bought a Crunchy Bar. Yum yum but I dont fancy any dinner now!

Ben 42/365 - Ashton Court MTB circuit

Yay - 6 weeks in - broken the back of this beast now - 52 weeks? piece of p*ss!

Went up around the Blue routes at Ashton Court at dusk. no one else about - first 1.5 miles really seemed to drag then the rest went nicely. Can't weigh up this feeling rubbish and beeling good stuff - I think hydration and rest are critical... more water, less beer in future I think!
Ben Day42/365 - Garmin

Sunday 11 December 2011

Marg: Day 32/365 Challenge - around the block at Carmel.

Just a run around the block tonight. Nothing much to report. Felt good, not too cold, can't complain. Nice weekend, sad it's over. ...

Day 32/365 Challenge by margcurtis13@hotmail.com at Garmin Connect - Details

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Tony Days 47-52/365 Running during the winter!!!

So the snow came this Monday and Tuesday! So I popped out to Costco to get my hands on some snowtracks that I found that were cheap!!!
They are very good for traction in the snow but I struggled to find out how to fit them properly. When running quite fast the tend to slip over the front of the shoe. So had to stop frequently in order to strap them back on! When they were on though they were really good and I did not once have to worry about traction and slipping!!



Day 47/365 - Nice little run around Pollokshaws in the snow by tcfitness at Garmin Connect - Details
Wednesday and I had 45 min to get my run in. With my battery dead in my garmin I resorted to the iphone app. Got round one circuit of the block to find that the app had stopped recording! ouch!
Really felt tired so decided to rack up a total of 4km from the first two recordings. That meant that I had to get another km later in the eve. Got back after work and just went round the block in order to get the total 5km. Could be a good way of running when tired - to split the runs up during the day.
Day 48.1/365 - Having garmin difficulties today! by tcfitness at Garmin Connect - Details
Day 48.2/365 - Part 2 of my garmin difficulties by tcfitness at Garmin Connect - Details
Day 48.3/365 - Part 3 of my Garmin difficulties! by tcfitness at Garmin Connect - Details
Thursday and the news is declaring the worst weather warning we have seen in years. Funny how the hurricane has been called Bawbag!! Even stated it on all the major news channels! Love it. Decided to stay of the streets during the hurricane in order to not get blown away. Ran into Pollok park and immediately decided it may have been a bad choice! Dodging fallen trees and branches, at one point I had to actually climb through a tree in order to keep on running my route!! Got back to the gym without killing myself and can now say that I survived Hurricane Bawbag!!
Day 49/365 - Running during Hurricane Bawbag (official) by tcfitness at Garmin Connect - Details
Buddy is coming on so well now and tonight took another minute and a half off his 5km time!!!
Day 50/365 - 5KM run with Buddy the Dog! by tcfitness at Garmin Connect - Details
Run club today was busy! The snow has gone and the weather was actually quite pleasant! Had 10 people in the class and took them back up to the necropolis then run down into the site of the old maternity hospital on Montrose street that now hosts some lovely stairs and ledges for performing exercises on!!
Day 51/365 - Advanced running club at Greens Finnieston by tcfitness at Garmin Connect - Details
Getting Knackered now! Body really feeling tired and legs struggling to put one foot in front of each other! Need to find an effective way to get my legs to recover. Any suggestions?
Day 52/365 - Slow 5KM run round Burnside and Rutherglen by tcfitness at Garmin Connect - Details

Charles: Day 36 - Wobbly run

Day 36 - Wobbly Williams Unofficial 10k run

Today was the day for the 1st Wobbly Williams Unofficial 10k (training) run. The run is for the Wobbly Williams charity (www.wobblywilliams.com) which helps with funding into research for Neuro problems like Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, Strokes, etc.

The run was along the Forth and Clyde canal from Dalmuir Lock to Lock 27 (and a bit and back) and I have to say it was fantastic to be involved in the event with everybody wearing the pink coloured TryAthlete tops. The run was quite flat but along the canal path which turned into loads of mud and puddles. Have I said yet that I loved getting all muddy. I also managed to put in a decent sub 54 minute 10k, even though I've already got 36 days of running in my legs. The garmin shows 9.6k but I put that down to running through wooded areas.

The details of my run can be found at Day 36/365 challenge

Nicky Day 36/365 Langport X-country Charity Run

Local cub group asked if our club could do a little charity event to raise some money for them. 4 races for the different age groups running on various length routes on the moor.
Womens race was 3 circuits (approx 6k) & mens was 4 circuits. I decided to do the 4 to make it worthwhile getting muddy & sweaty for. Flat as a pancake but strong headwind! Completed in 45mins so pleased considering the wind & amount of alcohol consumed yesterday!!!
There are 2 readings as after trotting out a third of a mile to marshall kids race, I should have put Garmin on to add an extra 0.6m. Second reading is my event.

Nicky Day 35/365

Got a busy busy day today so it was an early up & out & back along the Knole Rd. Bit chilly & legs for some reason felt like lead. Pinched nerve pain feeling better after treatment on Wednesday. Got a bit more later on this morning.
Again Garmin not downloading.

Ben - Day41/365 - Leigh Woods

rubbish rubbish rubbish!
Ben Day 41/365 - Garmin
headed over to Leigh Woods this afternoon - I'd spied a gully leading off the main path earlier in the year and I wanted to go explore it - BIG mistake! Steep descent - slippy muddy, wet leaf litter and marbly rock underfoot  - how I didn't face-plant into rock I don't know - popped out at sea level next to River Avon where the slave ships used to sail from in Bristol before  heading over to Brazil, W.Indies and then latterly, the US. (river is tidal at this point).  Knew I didn't want to run alongside the Avon, so headed back straight up the hillside - it must have been a 1:2 incline - wasn't long before I was gasping and wheezing like a 40 a day addict... - suffice to say I've not been on this bit before and just before the cliff top (the bit that overlooks the bridge) I found a wonderful little grotto hollowed out, cave like, from the soft rock just under the main viewing area - cracking view of the bridge too.
after that lung buster it all went downhill prety quickly - it's reasonably level on top, just muddy and a big of clag... but I must have stopped about 7 times over 3.4 miles... left feeling pretty miserable.
I think with hindsight, all the running about I did with Oliver this morning on his cyclo-cross race and then missing lunch and then thinking I could crawl back up a steep gully and not pay the price - I was being a bit optimistic - either that or I'm just WEAK!!!

Oliver was pipped on the line for first place this morning - a great race - 2 laps of a long uphill course - he joined the ranks for the Junior and Senior cyclo-cross proper today - he had to carry his bike up some steps as one of the obstacles on the lap!
I love this second photo - he looks nearer 16 rather than 6!

Back over to Bath Uni tomorrow - so looking forward to running the skyline in reverse now I know where the route goes!

Saturday 10 December 2011

Funny observations

Just uploaded Garmin entries for my Day 39 and Day 40 (on Day 40, now we're home in Bristol) - Day 39 and 40 shared exact same distance by chance and exact same average pace - Day 40 was 2 seconds different overall running time - on both days I ran without watching the pace on the Garmin, both run on completely different terrain, conditions and locations... consistency baby - consistency!! when do we get to start calling ourselves runners and not joggers then?

Marg: Day 31/365 Challenge - Jingle Bell Run, downtown Indy.

Cold morning this morning, only 16oF with wind chill taking it down to 8oF. However it was very sunny and a great day for the Jingle Bell Run in downtown Indy. It raises money for the Arthritis Foundation (close to my heart, or rather my joints). Less people this year but still a good turnout with lots of people in costume. Brad and I ran together. I did my best pace for the year, 9.27 mins per mile. Felt great. The we went out for a really nice breakfast and I think I undid all the good work..

Day 31/365 Challenge by margcurtis13@hotmail.com at Garmin Connect - Details

Ben Day40/365 Gildersome & Drighlington

Day 40 - two days more and I'm six weeks in - huzzah!

Ben Day40/365 - Garmin
Up in Leeds seeing relatives this weekend - in the village where I grew up. A quick 5 K over the old quarry and over the fields to the next village (Drigh) then back along the main drag past the M62. No one else out this evening, particularly near the fields and quarry - muddy fields and undulating running.

Nice to spend the day with my parents and sisters and their families - lots of planning and talk about next years canoe trips we're going to do together - we're planning canoe-Easter egg hunts and moonlight canoe trips with the kids on Windermere - winner! - you can camp on the shore of Lake Windermere at Low Wray, and put the boats straight in from outside the tent - secret of life!

Back to Bristol this evening - no. 1 son has a cyclo-cross race tomorrow morning and he needs to be fresh. School gave him a trophy yesterday, for winning his age category (Under 8) in the Western League. He was very proud!
Tomorrow afternoon will be spent cutting down our own Christmas tree and then decorating it with the kids!

Charles: Day 35/365 - The snow is here!

Day 35 - Snow is here in the Edinburgh area.

Woke up this morning to the streets all covered in snow so I got up and scraped the snow from the drive, paths and cars. When I finished that I donned the running gear and a thermal running top and my Asic trail shoes and my YakTrax grips that fit over the shoes and went for a run and loved every minute of it.

I forgot how tough running in the snow is and how much you change your running style to accommodate the slippy conditions. The Asic trail shoes and the YakTraxs worked brilliantly and I didn't slip once. The only thing I had to watch was when I got to clear parts of the pavement that moved into the snow area so that I didn't lose grip because the YakTrax don't like smooth tarred surfaces. I'm so pleased that I've also invested in some thermal running tops but I can't get used to the tight fit spandex material because I like my tops to normally be loose fitting.

Oh, and I can't believe that that's 5 weeks of the challenge over already :)

The details of my run can be found at Day 35/365 challenge

Friday 9 December 2011

Marg: Day 30/365 Challenge - Smokey Ridge and Carey Rd

I can't believe it is Friday. This week has just flown by. About to bring up the rear tomorrow, being the last of us to make it through one month! To celebrate I will be going on the Indianapolis Jingle Bell Run. Had the whole family on track to run tomorrow, as we had all enjoyed doing it last year, but the air temp is going to be very cold and Millie is only just getting over her cold and Buzz is likely to come down with the same if he pushes himself in this run. So it will just be Brad and I. Brad came with me tonight for a 3 miler around Smokey Ridge and Carey Rd. Nice night, nice run.

Day 30/365 Challenge by margcurtis13@hotmail.com at Garmin Connect - Details

Ben Day39/365 Basingstoke

Writing this on Saturday morning.
Ben Day39/365 - Garmin
Well yesterday I was in the office and was finally coordinated enough to remember my running kit to enjoy a run at lunchtime in the Basingstoke area. I recall Marg telling me about a route she found just next to the hospital and a new housing estate. A quick look online showed some off-road potential and I wasn't disappointed. A nice 2.5 mile circuit following an avenue of beech trees for pretty much all of it - really enjoyed it - even found a little hill at the end I used to make sure I got my monies worth (3 mile min). Work even have hot showers to boot - hurrah! I'd forgotten my towel (not THAT coordinated!) but I was able to find an old tea-towel in the boot of my car - it was a bit oily and was planning on using it, but imagine my surprise when I found a stack of clean fluffy white towels in the showers at work instead!
In Leeds this weekend visiting my family and sisters etc before crimble. Have arranged a run with my elder sister for today - hope she doesn't leave me for dust on the hills! Will upload Garmin upon return to Bristol this evening.

Charles: Day 34/365 - What a contrast in weather

Day 34 - Perfect running conditions tonight

What a contrast in weather conditions from last nights run. Tonight was calm winds, clear sky and cold air. Just perfect running conditions.

The run was from the house to the wife's work because we had to go to the hospital to see her dad tonight. I thoroughly enjoyed the run and the feeling of breathing in the fresh crisp air. My knee is a bit tender tonight but that's probably due to my drive gates battering of it at some force in the strong winds last night. I've also developed a corn between the 2 small toes on my left foot and that hurts like hell but I've been told its an 8 to 10 week wait to get an appointment with the foot doctor. Do they know how many miles I'll have run by then :).

The details of my run can be found at Day 34/365 challenge

Nicky Day 34/365 Knole Rd

Didnt want to have to go out after work this evening as got stacks to do, so out for the boring old Knole Rd route before doing some paperwork & heading off to Weston super Nightmare for a meeting.
I cannot view my maps or anyone elses at the moment. Can you all see my maps?
I continue to download the Garmin sporadically depending on whether or not I can get onto Garmin Connect. There helpdesk do not seem to be able to assist.



Day 34/365 Knole Rd by knickerscat at Garmin Connect - Details

Thursday 8 December 2011

Marg:Day 29/365 Challenge - Gray Rd

Very busy day today and when I got home Millie had her main orchestra concert on that meant four trips backwards and forwards from home to various places including her school where the concert was on. It was a very good concert. I love the music program they have here. Not much to say about the run except that I fell over twice...Not watching where I was going...I now have my knee on ice.

Day 29/365 Challenge by margcurtis13@hotmail.com at Garmin Connect - Details

Charles: Day 33/365 - Windy!?

Day 33 - Hate it, hate it, hate it....I've decided I hate the wind with every fibre of my knackered body.

I decided to do the bare minimum 5k because I knew the wind and the route was going to make things mega tough tonight. I also chose to do the run at a slow pace because there was no point in trying to overdo things when I wasn't mentally up for running tonight (nice warm house, tv and full stomach). The run itself was okay but running into a strong headwind must act like a vacuum on the lungs because I couldn't get a decent breathing rythme and it felt like I couldn't get a good deep breath to tackle the big hills. Glad its over!

The details of my run can be found at Day 33/365 challenge

Ben Day38/365 - Cycle path/Long Ashton

A spectacularly nondescript run this evening - caught a break in the weather after 9pm when Anusha got home -wind and drizzle started about 0.5 miles from home on way back in.
All quiet on the Western front!
Ben Day38/365 - Garmin

Storm force 100mph winds!!

Hi All, I'm not looking forward to my run tonight with the storm force winds up here in Scotland with gusts of up to 100mph. I'm going to try and hold of under after 9/10pm tonight when the winds are expected to die down ever so slightly. If you hear in the news tonight of an unidentified fat bloke floating around Dalkeith then its ME!! Cheers, Charles