All paid for

We're in Cyprus for Christmas; Paphos to be exact. It's the first time I've been abroad at this time of year, my first time on Cyprus and first all-inclusive holiday too. The weather has been a bit mixed but on a par I guess with an average English summer. We've managed a few short runs along the coastal path but I've hit the buffets hard along with the local Keo beer. It's very tempting when your main (only) focus race is in late July and it's "all paid for"!

Thanks Morgan

I got an email out of the blue this morning from Morgan. He'd picked up on my interest in Hokas for the Lakeland 100, and kindly sent me links to some really interesting web-resources and blogs. More to follow when I've worked out how my new Google Nexus tablet works

Slight return

Stef dragged me out for a lap of the village on Monday evening and we managed another couple of these 20 minute jogs yesterday and today. I couldn't believe how sore my legs were on Tuesday morning although, thankfully, the worst of the dreaded breathlessness seems to be abating. Next year's big target is the Lakeland 100 and races / challenge events we have entered or planned to enter (Hebden LDWA, the Grizzly - my first but not Stef's, Haworth Hobble etc) are all basically training runs for the 100. I've got a lot of fitness to get back (and a lot of weight to lose) but I feel better (and have been sleeping better) for the return to running. The good news is my endurance base is usually good and I respond quickly to training normally so hopefully some improvement will be gained soon  

Run come dance

Alfie's first Christmas

Be thankful for what you've got

Carl Bean

The comeback trail

I've had some flu / viral thing where I've been struggling for breath for weeks. I ran every day in September and October then haven't managed a mile since then. I went to the doctor, who more or less said only time will help and usually it's around six weeks for one of these things to clear. I've even been struggling to run upstairs to get my coat or go to the toilet. I usually say (only half joking) that my usual fitness test is if I can run up our stairs then I'm okay (if I can run upstairs, then I can probably run a mile, and if I'm okay for a mile then I'll probably be okay for a leg of a Bob Graham...etc)

This morning I've just managed to run up and down stairs five times. I've never had my VO2 measured but my mate John, who does triathalons, said to me that my 'aerobic base' should be good, whatever that means. I'm hoping I might just be on the comeback trail at last. I certainly hope so because being out of breath has been quite alarming at times and as usual when I've not been running I've put on weight, which needs to go and soon! 

The Clarendonians

My mum used to come upstairs before I left home and ask, 'are you listening to that reggie music again me duck?'. I was and I still am

Gone but not forgotten

My mum would have been 76 years old today. I think I posted this photograph of her earlier in the year but for me it captures mum's spirit perfectly

Junior Murvin R.I.P

Labi Siffre