Having had to stop before the end of a three hour training run on Saturday 13, I felt terrible walking the last 10 minutes in sleet and snow. The prospect of trying to complete 26+ miles seemed a long way off.
Fortunately at the beginning of the half term week I spent some time with my neice and her young children who took a great interest in improving my training. running through the Cornish countryside being shouted at by a 10 year old certainly rejuvenated my enthusiasm so after a short 1.5 hours on Thursday the 3 hours on Sunday was not easy but at least I didn't stop. Sadly my wife is still faster and more stylish than I on the runs.
Monday was back to full time school and the sponsorship ideas are starting to flow. The competition to colour my beard seems to be popular and the support of the whole school though a non uniform day should help towards the total. I will be setting up a donation site through the sponsors of the race, the Virgin group. If people use this site there is also the possibility of extra income through grant aid.
On Monday night there was a lot of amusement from other people at the gym when I was trying to keep my coordination during a spinning class. I am not sure who invented this form of torture but it takes the worst elements of cycling and aerobic exercise and you don't even move forward! At least running will seem less difficult this week.
I have managed to watch a little of the winter Olympics and although I can't get into the curling or ice dancing I have been amazed at the endurance of the cross country skiers and the madness of the downhill skiers and boarders. However I am not sure what possesses people to lie on a tray and rush down the sliding route at 90 miles an hour. It is really impressive to see such dedication to the Olympic spirit and I hope that some of our Bracknell youngsters will be inspired by what they have seen and participate in future games.
More training to come and I would just like the temperatures to rise a little as running in the evenings and early mornings at the present time is not comfortable. Of course if the temperature gets too warm I will probably find that as uncomfortable. However my long runs take in some of the nice routes beside the Kennet and along the Thames so once the weather improves the aspect will be great. Here is to a good week and a few more miles under the belt.
