Aquarobics & Weather getting worse!

Snowed last night and side roads all slippy this morning, but no snowday off school, though some of the buses didn't make it in. Not safe to run today, so Plan B operates - Aquarobics, swim & sauna. Only 12 hardy ladies made it to Barbara's aqua session, but it was still good and lots of room to swing arms & legs about! Followed that with 24 lengths (2 up from last time as per plan), again with lots of room as only around 5 people in pool, and then a cook in the sauna! Main roads ok on the way back, only car park & our road slippy, so just took those slowly. Weather forecast is for freezing temperatures at least until the weekend, may have to rest the running for a while....I hope it warms up soon

It's tough doing a long run in the cold!

Robert & I ran through Stanwick Lakes to Islip & back, round a couple of lakes, down to the Irthlingborough bridge entrance and back to the start in 2hours 13minutes. It was a sunny, but a very cold day, running down white paths 90% of the time (luckily it wasn't slippy). I found it quite tough breathing in such cold air, but was pleased to keep going for what must be around a half-marathon. Even managed a burst of speed at the end!
Much of the lakes was frozen, capturing icy ripples, and leaving little open water for the ducks & swans. Lots of birds about, saw flocks of geese, goldfinches on the teazles and fieldfare flying along the hedgerows. Rest from running tomorrow - I think I need it!

Snow at Irchester

A sprinkling of snow fell in the night, and a little more joined it around breakfast time. The local farmers' market traders were are strugging to keep warm, but as the morning progressed most of the snow melted. I set off around Irchester Country Park for a run before lunch. Some of the paths still had a white sprinkling, but most were clear and all were 'runnable' with care. I wrapped up against the cold breeze, but was soon rewarded by the sight of a goldcrest, the uk's smallest (very sweet little) bird. There were quite a few birds about, varying in size from the little goldcrest to the magpies and crows. I ran for about 30minutes, up and down the paths. Snow permitting I'm looking forward to a long run tomorrow.

Rushden Run

Ran around Rushden after work today. It was very cold; snow is on the way, but I layered up including my new hi-viz top and added hat and gloves. I ran for an hour around the streets, taking in some hills on the route. Don't particularly like the cars & fumes, but it's too dark to run around the park, so lit streets are much safer. Feeling pretty fit and strong, running well.

Irchester's getting darker!

Round Irchester again after school today. Even though I started earlier it was still getting dark when I finished. I may have to run from home around the streets in future, I'll miss the countryside, birds, squirrels and the friendly dog walkers - cars, pollution and potholes just aren't the same! But the main thing is to run, and to run safely. I may run with my local club too, was thinking about going tomorrow, but it may be sleeting by then.....so maybe that will be a run from home too?

Aquarobics & Swimming

I've been cross-training tonight - an hour of Barbara's wonderful aquarobics and then a swim (22 lengths - I'm going to add 2 per week). Very busy for aqua, but great fun; lots of ladies of all ages, shapes and abilities all exercising and singing away together! I felt fit and strong and in need of a workout after a day's rest yesterday. Then into the sauna & steam room, which I'm sure is extremely good for me.
Weather is getting colder - slight ice on windscreen when I came out. Weathermen are predicting snow in the next few days - that'll be fun when I'm running -can't wait!

Long Sunday Run

Got up early to have breakfast so that we could run earlier - started at 10.13, not bad for us, though we did think 9.30 would be good! A cold morning, so I put on my thicker long-sleeved top, leggings, gloves and my lovely hat pulled right down over my ears, to keep them warm. Robert & I did the same route as last week, Stanwick Lakes to Islip and back and round a couple of lakes in a similar time. That's the last three weekends running around 2 hours. This week it was harder than last because I had done 40mins hard training the day before - so I'm pleased I kept going. I am going to try and do a similar set of runs next weekend too. Have just signed up for Bedford half-marathon on 12th December. Having a rest from running today, will run through the ironing pile in a while!

Speedy Spurts

Ran around the lakes for 40 minutes today, including 5 fast spurts. Felt quite good, kept going after each spurt and got breathing back pretty quickly. Not many people around - quite misty and cool, but spotted Harry Heron, Woody Woodpecker and all the usual water birds. Looking forward to long run tomorrow.

Dusky run around Irchester Country Park

Ran around Irchester again today after work. Quite cool again, so I layered up and had to get rid of some when I got warm - off came the hat, gloves & bright red rain jacket. A little over half an hour for the route again, just as it was getting dark. Soon cooled when I stopped and on went all the layers again.
Since Saturday (6 days) I have run one 2hr session, 3x30minute sessions (over 20 miles altogether) and done an hour's aquarobics and swam 20 lengths. Feeling quite fit!

Irchester again

The weatherman promised heavy rain, so I did wonder if I'd get out running today. But the rain all fell on Cornwall, so despite the cold breeze I was running, togged up in leggings, long-sleeved top, rain jacket, hat & gloves. Quite cold and gloomy around the park, with few dog-walkers and little wildlife to be seen; hardly any squirrels let alone lions! I don't like the cold breath you take in on days like today, but you soon get warm and then it's ok..Seemed harder than Monday, but did well running for just over 30 minutes, finishing as the light was fading around 4.20pm. By the time I was driving home it was dark - roll on Spring!

Aqua & Swimming

Wow! 'I feel good!' An hour of aquarobics, 20 lengths, steam & sauna - lovely! I feel fit and looking forward to next running session!

Round Irchester again

Round Irchester again after school. Felt good, running well for around 30 minutes and enjoying the run despite the cold! Lots of squirrels around, various birds and dogs with their walkers, including the nice man with his little dog who likes to have a chat. I am currently reading a book about a man who bought a zoo, when he describes his 'wildlife' it's much more exciting than mine - even when it's a cow that he thinks may be a puma? Perhaps, I should look out for more thrilling wildlife to make my blog more interesting? Anyone spotted the lions at Irchester Country Park?
CRY have confirmed that London marathon have me officially listed as a runner, and I will get info from LVM very soon...

Over 2 hour run

Went for run around lakes with Robert today. From Stanwick to Islip & back and round a couple of lakes to finish. Felt pretty good and seem to be going a bit faster. Lots of birds around, flocks of geese, goldfinches, chaffinches, tits, lots of swans and ducks on the water and a heron or two. Hands a bit cold at the end - must take gloves, and slight bleeding toe, but I'm pleased with performance. Only 5 months until the big day!

More aqua

Would have loved to stay in bed a bit longer this morning - I think last week's clock change is catching up with me. Last week I was up with the lark & running...but I've still run after school as usual this week and aquarobics, swim and sauna tonight - off to bed soon to top up energy levels! Have just sent email confirmation to London Marathon - exciting!

Getting colder but still going!

After a rest day on Monday I have been running around Irchester Country Park on Tuesday & Wednesday after school. The unseasonably balmy days of last week are over....it's time to run in leggings & layers. A bit warmer today than yesterday but still feels more difficult filling the lungs with cold breaths of air. Yesterday only the wildlife, a few hardy dog walkers, me and someone reversing and then speeding in a battered old car!? were journeying around the paths, but today a bit of sunshine made it busier. Felt easier than yesterday and I did run a bit quicker.

Runs getting longer...

Ran with Robert through the lakes today. From Stanwick, past Ringstead Lakes, past A14 to edge of Islip & back in 1hr 51 mins. Felt like hard work but kept going, so pleased with my performance. Slight twinges from left knee, hopefully will be ok -rest from running tomorrow. Wildlife spotted included a red kite soaring overhead.

Cows at Dawn!

Up bright & early on Friday for run around the lakes again. Really mild - amazing for November. Passed some cows on the path to my left that I was to loop back on....what were they doing there? Returning they had disappeared...had I dreamed them - it was early? No there were definate tracks but they had vanished! Was a good run though and saw lots of wildlife including woodpecker, heron & cows!!!

Aquarobics

Aquarobics was good fun as usual tonight! Barbara seems to be always thinking of new moves (the cat tonight) and something a bit like the sand dance. Old Motown hits to sing along to as well, while you exercise & good company.It's good for cross-training and I'm sure the sauna does me good too - just cooking me nicely!

Rainy Run

Ran around Irchester Country Park after work. Raining, but not windy like yesterday and quite refreshing once I got used to it. Legs felt pretty good, wasn't sure they were mine picking up speed going downhill like that! I like running out in the fresh air. Just need the nights to stop dropping in!

Dawn Run

Well, Sunday turned very rainy and our run didn't happen. We did change the clocks, but my body didn't and so I woke up an hour early on Monday morning and decided to run then! The sun was just surfacing at 6.25am, a mist lay over the lakes, the trees were beautiful autumn colours, the birds were in song and I was off!!! I managed to fit in an hour's run before having to dash back for work. My body wasn't quite sure what was going on, but I felt pretty good. Lots of birds about, flocks of geese overhead and at least 3 green woodpeckers, even a few humans & dogs!
Today I have run around Irchester Country Park after work. Quite windy, lots of leaves flying around but I kept warm running and didn't notice the hills as I was too busy watching a deer and enjoying the autumn landscape! Beats the gym any day!