Happily Ever After

Life in The Rural Retreat with a beautiful wife, three cats, garden wildlife, a camera, a computer – and increasing amounts about running

Earlier posts can be found on Adventures of a Lone Bass Player, where this blog began life. Recent entries can be found here.

Missing The Frost

by Russell Turner - 16:14 on 17 January 2025

I’m missing the sub-zero temperatures – running was much easier in crisp, still air. Now it’s mild, damp and windy and I’m struggling.

Today’s 90min long run concluded Week 2 of marathon training; even at a very sedate 2:0.5min run/walk it was hard work – not promising as the runs get longer. At this rate, even the X-Border 10k will be a challenge. It’s fortunate that the long run is supposed to be slow. Even a pair of virgin Adrenalines, bought nine months ago on special offer when I didn't need them, were no help.

The good news is that next week’s forecast features temperatures back in single figures, no rain and only light winds. Hopefully that will perk me up.

I blame my blood donation earlier this week (even though that had nothing to do with the sluggish Week 1 long run). The blood will renew itself quickly but the loss of iron will take a lot longer to build back up. However, it’s a civic duty that only 3% of people perform, and everyone expects blood when they need it.

My bid for a Great North Run ballot place ended in failure. If I was really keen I could take a charity place, the £350 fundraising minimum being not a huge target, even after begging for sponsorship last year, but the fact I can’t be bothered says it all. And there are a couple of Scottish 10ks the same day to choose from, which will be a lot easier logistically.

The first half marathon on my race calendar (if I discount earlier 14-, 16- and 18-mile marathon training runs) is a mere eight weeks away. That’s in Alloa, where I was supposed to be accompanied (at the start, before he surged ahead) by Squirrel James. Yesterday I was informed that he’s pulling out because the race clashes with a Celtic-Rangers game. Some people need to get their priorities straight.

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