So that was xmas

I’m not really a christmassy person. However I do find it a good reason to be outside and getting in some longer runs while I have the time off.  In the last week I’ve managed around 50 miles (not counting today – Im waiting on the tide) and have taken the days off as needed when I can feel that the legs need the rest.  If I was the type to do new years resolutions then ths years would be to try not to be injured half the time. Sometimes you cant do anything about it – Some times you can – I’ll at least try! I have plans for 2019 but everytime I announce plans something tends to get in the way so I’ll keep them to myself until they happen.

Until then I’m just going to enjoy being out with Murph and doing whatever miles I can.

Murph loves the forests – I love them because he’s safe to hunt small furries (he never catches any)

I think this was xmas day – they all blend into one. Just as I like it when the weather keeps people awy

Sunnier runs and a poser

Think we were out approaching dusk for this one – Running in the dark with a headtorch is something i’ve learned to love

Old places and friends

Went away to Newport in West Wales for a few days to stay with friends who had a cottage there. of course it pissed it down for the two days – apart from early Sunday morning whereupon Murph grabbed the chance to go run up Carningli which forms part of the Preseli beast route.  It was great to run up there without having already covered 13 or so miles but even on fresh legs its a killer.

It was also good to appreciate the area, when you’re racing you miss so much and so being able to take the time to stop and look was great.  We bounced off along the beast route and then cut back to follow the track back to Newport.  It’s odd how although I’ve only run this stretch twice in races it feels comfortable and familiar. I cant wait to get back out there in May to give the ultra another go. I’ve been toying with the idea of running the 24 mile version with Murph who would cope fine with the physical side but I don’t think would cope so well with other runners and bystanders.  We shall see May is still a fair way off.

 

So we’re going up there right?

Investigating rocks – This is the shallow gradient

View of a murky Newport from halfway up

View from the summit inland towards the rest of the preselis – The Beast route goes back along those hills in the distance. I never really thought about how far it looked until today

Wild ponies!

Doubled up

Managed 7 miles on sat and 12 on sunday because it was just a pleasure to be out and about – well moreso on sunday as it wasnt pissing down like saturday. To be honest I dont really care about the weather its just a joy to see Murph zoom about and be happy. And im happy to be out knocking the legs around a bit, they certainly felt it for the last few days so back to just walking for the week I think. See i can be careful!

You’re aware its cold and raining right?

Hey look the waterfalls working again!

I can derp! Wanna see me derp?

Aha proper trailrunning!

Now this is better weather – Look theres a sky!

And sun!

No Time

And by no time I mean im not running with a watch at the moment. Its a concious decision rather than I forgot to wear it. I figure all it does really is encourage me to look at pace and distacne etc when that really doesnt matter as I come back from injury.  A watch can make you feel guilty about walking and right now I need to walk every now and again to rest the soreness. Its actually surprising what a few minutes of walking can achieve in relaxing the muscles again. If I look back I had reached the point where because I could run anything and everything I just did and at faster and faster pace – because I could and it felt good. Then i’d look at the watch and think wow 7 min miles – thats awesome – as my body slowly broke apart.

Sounds so sensible but the newfound commonsense (we’ve been here before I know) isnt quite there yet as I did 10 miles or so this morning through the rain and mist – but I loved being out again and actually running. I guess Murph did too …

Happy dog in a wet forest

Tongues out on the misty beach – Looks grim but I like it

Oh hey dude you got any treats we’ve been runnig for an hour

Before the mist