Prep for the IOM HAlf

The Isle of Man is a small Island only 26 niles long. It's very hilly and windy. The Manx walk at a 45 degree angle, even on the rare occasions it's not windy!

The forecast is wet and windy. I am assured it is the flatest route they could come up with so nothing too scary in the profile!


Off to catch my flight now.

Yoga

Didn't manage to fit a run in today, but I did return to yoga.

Had a great session with Jo. Feeling all calm and in control by the end of the session. Then we shared a bottle of wine:-)

Recovery

Did 3 mile recovery run tonight. Usual route, in the rain, quite cold. Perfect climate for me!

3.2m-28:55

Running to Jump City

Time was tight today. With the children off school and the junior section coaching, I had to meet the band, (Jump City) at the Rehearsal Studios in town from 9-12 (Yes we are actually practicing for the Renfrew Ferry Gig!!) The only way I could see to fit anything in was to run to band practice.

When I got home from the club at 7 45pm Jeremy had made a fantastic supper which smelt divine and was torture, I was tempted just to eat and drive to practice in a civilised fashion....but I didn't. I took the risk with the Tupperware, filled it to the brim, taped it up and put it in my camel back.

I really do not like running with a back pack on, but knowing that the only options for food at the studios is vending machine chicken soup, I strapped it on, set my ipod onto the Jump City Playlist, and headed out.

I have been stretching (I think Stephens stretch is magic, see comments on last post), massaging, icing, rolling and I was hopeful that my legs would be recovered enough that I could get into Glasgow swiftly as I didn't manage to leave till 8.10pm.

I always like to run from A-B, it is much easier psychologically!! I set off cautiously, by the time I got to Broomhill I felt great and relieved that my knees and hips weren't complaining. Slight tenderness in my thigh but nothing to worry about.:-)

I wasn't exactly hammering along but I had a good smooth steady run and felt great by the time I got to the Clyde. The light was fading and all the lights along the river the bridges, science centre, Hotels and TV buildings were reflecting off the rippling water. Glasgow was looking as good as any city. What a great reward at the end of a great run.

I may yet manage to run the iom half on Sunday! :-)

Oh and by the way...my dinner arrived well mixed but un-spilt...and tasted even better for the journey!!

Route, Home-Drymen-Switchback-Anniesland-Crow Rd-Expressway-Clyde cycle path-Lancefield St

6.8m-56:34 average 8:19mm

IT Grief!

Did a 3 mile recovery, really slow, as my left knee is still sore after yesterday's run. I felt it was better to get it moving rather than to take the day off and let it stiffen up. It was OK for about 2.5m but then the discomfort started to creep in so I walked the rest not wanting to make it worse.

Iced and rolled it when I got back.

Hope it was the right decision.

Wahoo! 20 and still standing!

Wahoo! Got the first 20 miler under my belt this morning:-)

It was a bit of a shock to the legs as it's been a while!! I won't lie- I did struggle and it was very painful. I seem to be having trouble with both IT bands from 17 miles onwards, more rolling in order me thinks!

Ran with Robert from Bishopbriggs out along the Canal through Twechar and onwards. I really like this section of the canal and it is one of my favourite 20 mile runs...partly as you can just relax into the run and appreciate the fresh air, barges, swans, surroundings and so on without the distraction of traffic.

I had planned to get some pictures but by the time we had finished I didn't have the strength to lift the camera!!

Time was 2:58 so not great but all I was bothered about was getting the distance in!! Will hope to improve time on the next one!!!

Walk Break!!

Just ran 5 miles along the west highland way.

Am still having problems getting my breathing right, I actually took a walk break after a couple of miles to see if I could sort it. By the end of the 5 miles I was feeling a lot better though. It's just those first 2/3 miles.

My Garmin was not charged as I haven't found it's 'dock' since getting back from France so no stats. It's always quite relaxing to run without, I will need to dig it out today as it's a 20 miler tomorrow though!!

It was good to be on the west highland way again. There was lots of foot traffic. Plenty of groups off to tackle the 95 miles and midges!

5m easy