This evening I ran as an official member of the Taunton Running Forever Running Club. And, I was brave enough to go on my own! Tina was busy, Fi is mid house move, Gill too had other plans and although I sat in my car in the car park for a good while plucking up the courage to get out, I did eventually do so.
As the runners gathered I just knew that they were all much faster than myself and I was desperate to see a face from the slower group I was hoping to trek out with. At last the group leader appeared and I tied my car key to my shoe, decision made, I was staying.
It was 23.5 degrees and we decided to head out to the canal in the hope of catching a breeze. One of the faster groups also started this route and I was very pleased I wasn't trying to keep up with them. Ali and me had run along this path at the weekend and were saddened that a pair of swans only had one living cygnet, their second offspring lay on the bank sadly having breathed its last. This evening the pair were apart and neither seemed to have a cygnet with them. I was delighted upon reaching Bathpool to discover another pair with nine babies still had nine. Nine beauties beginning to loose their fluffy down, hopefully on my next outing with Ali we shall see them turning magnificently white.
I took my turn at the back, thankfully this time out of choice not necessity, I spent several sections cruising along in the middle of the pack but best of all I led on several sections. Striding out feels good, coming from the back to the front even better. It was a run of many parts, a little bit of walking and a lot of effort. A great bunch of ladies and a lovely way to spend a summer evening.
If you live in my area you might be interested to know that the running club are going to be supporting a new Park Run to be held on Saturday mornings at Long Run Meadow. I'm very pleased about this as our nearest Park Run has been Killerton and although it is a beautiful 5K run it is a bit of a way to travel.
Also, Running Forever are starting a group for complete beginners, watch their website for information. Come and join me, you know you want to!
Now, if you'll excuse me my bangers and mash awaits.
Wednesday 19 June 2013
Sunday 9 June 2013
Polly Pocket
Yesterday Steve and me took Rob and Vicki to Lyme Regis. Robert had proclaimed that he had never been there and Vicki said she hadn't either. We knew Rob had been as a boy but we thought it would make for a lovely day out and it did.
We set out early(ish) and managed to park at the bottom thus avoiding that long, steep climb at the end of the day. There was a steady chilly breeze as we walked along The Cobb and I was very grateful that I had worn a jacket. As the crowds gathered the temperature rose and we walked all along the front visiting the fossil/fish/tourist shops as we went.
Change was got in the amusement arcade and I enjoyed a moment or two of being up 10p down 10p as I slid my tuppences into the tipping point machine. Steve was studying the horse racing game and after a few minutes I decided the time was right to bet on the outside chance, we netted £2.50 each on that 10p bet! Liking pound coins in my purse I enquired at the cash desk if they changed coins in reverse and I soon had 2 extra gold coins in my palm. I decided to risk all with the 5 ten pences and played the up and down game once more until the fifty pence had joined all the other coins of the players before me.
After lunch the boys ventured out onto the high seas, for a spot of mackerel fishing whilst us girls spent an hour dipping in and out of the delightful array of shops. Much ooing and aaing took place in the baby shop but we didn't manage to spend any money! I did buy myself a cotton sun dress that is so unlike anything I normally wear that I'm not sure I shall ever where it anywhere other than when I am at home by myself!
I was impressed that I was able to buy gluten free ice cream but foolishly forgot to ask for a gluten free cone. At Barleymows farm shop on our journey home I managed to buy delicious gluten free sausages for our BBQ but forgot to get gluten free rolls. Those soft white squidgy finger rolls that encase suasages and onions so nicely tempted me and I could not resist. Stupidly I devoured two. We had a lovely evening enjoying the evening sunshine and a tipple or two or three. We even managed to do all the clearing up before we went to bed!
I awoke this morning in a bit of a state, brain fog, stiff limbs, unable to see and a promise to deliver items to Mum's at 9 a.m. and a plan to run. The dreaded gluten had got the better of me but I battled on, it will not win. Steve ferried me to the parents and as I had my fluorescent jacket on Polly Dog gave me the best of greetings ever. She obviously thought she was coming on a run with me. I did wonder if Mum and Dad had teased her into an expectant hope of doing so! She sat grinning at me constantly nudging at my arm in an attempt to get me going. I suggested she came with me to save Dad having to take her out for her morning walk, it would also save Mum the afternoon shift as a good 5 mile trot would suffice. My only provision was that they came and picked her up from mine as I couldn't manage both ways!
Off we went. My goodness the start was hard. I seriously thought about turning back as my legs just would not cooperate. Polly was ahead of me and keen to take off but it was me that was slowing her down. I could not breathe, it was hot I did not want to do it. I would not give in and Polly stayed right by my pocket, we kept going, I decided as no records were going to be broken and that as I couldn't contact anybody I had to get going and I had to get home. We took things very gently on the inclines and enjoyed the ease of the declines. About half way home I fell into my stride and I really began to enjoy the run. Just looking at Polly's beautiful brown eyes, she really does smile and seeing that her tail was constantly wagging was enough to get us there.
I am very lucky to have so many running companions. They all offer a different experience and take me on very different routes. I am very grateful to them all for keeping me going, especially on the toughest runs.
I would love to own this pretty pink cottage on the sea front at Lyme.
We set out early(ish) and managed to park at the bottom thus avoiding that long, steep climb at the end of the day. There was a steady chilly breeze as we walked along The Cobb and I was very grateful that I had worn a jacket. As the crowds gathered the temperature rose and we walked all along the front visiting the fossil/fish/tourist shops as we went.
Change was got in the amusement arcade and I enjoyed a moment or two of being up 10p down 10p as I slid my tuppences into the tipping point machine. Steve was studying the horse racing game and after a few minutes I decided the time was right to bet on the outside chance, we netted £2.50 each on that 10p bet! Liking pound coins in my purse I enquired at the cash desk if they changed coins in reverse and I soon had 2 extra gold coins in my palm. I decided to risk all with the 5 ten pences and played the up and down game once more until the fifty pence had joined all the other coins of the players before me.
After lunch the boys ventured out onto the high seas, for a spot of mackerel fishing whilst us girls spent an hour dipping in and out of the delightful array of shops. Much ooing and aaing took place in the baby shop but we didn't manage to spend any money! I did buy myself a cotton sun dress that is so unlike anything I normally wear that I'm not sure I shall ever where it anywhere other than when I am at home by myself!
I was impressed that I was able to buy gluten free ice cream but foolishly forgot to ask for a gluten free cone. At Barleymows farm shop on our journey home I managed to buy delicious gluten free sausages for our BBQ but forgot to get gluten free rolls. Those soft white squidgy finger rolls that encase suasages and onions so nicely tempted me and I could not resist. Stupidly I devoured two. We had a lovely evening enjoying the evening sunshine and a tipple or two or three. We even managed to do all the clearing up before we went to bed!
I awoke this morning in a bit of a state, brain fog, stiff limbs, unable to see and a promise to deliver items to Mum's at 9 a.m. and a plan to run. The dreaded gluten had got the better of me but I battled on, it will not win. Steve ferried me to the parents and as I had my fluorescent jacket on Polly Dog gave me the best of greetings ever. She obviously thought she was coming on a run with me. I did wonder if Mum and Dad had teased her into an expectant hope of doing so! She sat grinning at me constantly nudging at my arm in an attempt to get me going. I suggested she came with me to save Dad having to take her out for her morning walk, it would also save Mum the afternoon shift as a good 5 mile trot would suffice. My only provision was that they came and picked her up from mine as I couldn't manage both ways!
Off we went. My goodness the start was hard. I seriously thought about turning back as my legs just would not cooperate. Polly was ahead of me and keen to take off but it was me that was slowing her down. I could not breathe, it was hot I did not want to do it. I would not give in and Polly stayed right by my pocket, we kept going, I decided as no records were going to be broken and that as I couldn't contact anybody I had to get going and I had to get home. We took things very gently on the inclines and enjoyed the ease of the declines. About half way home I fell into my stride and I really began to enjoy the run. Just looking at Polly's beautiful brown eyes, she really does smile and seeing that her tail was constantly wagging was enough to get us there.
I am very lucky to have so many running companions. They all offer a different experience and take me on very different routes. I am very grateful to them all for keeping me going, especially on the toughest runs.
I would love to own this pretty pink cottage on the sea front at Lyme.
Monday 3 June 2013
What I Call "Menopause"
There I was, struggling along, legs full of lead, glorious June sunshine beating down, my body temperature already well into the red when suddenly an additional heat surge encompasses my whole being. How this was possible is a mystery. I sought relief on the shady side of the lane to await the certain spontaneous combustion.
These episodes happen quite frequently but I had not experienced such an intense heat-wave whilst already too hot! I bravely made it to the top of the hill by which point my face matched the cerise of my t shirt. Gradually the inner glow eased and it was now down hill all the way home.
Before me lay the most inviting woodland track, dappled sunshine, birds twittering and a gentle breeze to entice me homewards. I'd like to report that I ran the rest of my route, but the run my legs were allowing this morning was not the run I had planned in my head. I knew when I woke after several 'five more minutes' that the brain fog was present and the weight of my legs proved once again that gluten is the food of the Devil. I am my own worse enemy. I will try harder.
I am quietly terrified of my next run, a date with my good friend Tina at running club on Wednesday evening. Wish me luck!
These episodes happen quite frequently but I had not experienced such an intense heat-wave whilst already too hot! I bravely made it to the top of the hill by which point my face matched the cerise of my t shirt. Gradually the inner glow eased and it was now down hill all the way home.
Before me lay the most inviting woodland track, dappled sunshine, birds twittering and a gentle breeze to entice me homewards. I'd like to report that I ran the rest of my route, but the run my legs were allowing this morning was not the run I had planned in my head. I knew when I woke after several 'five more minutes' that the brain fog was present and the weight of my legs proved once again that gluten is the food of the Devil. I am my own worse enemy. I will try harder.
I am quietly terrified of my next run, a date with my good friend Tina at running club on Wednesday evening. Wish me luck!
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