Running for fun

I did it. I went out. I didn't want to. I had a stressy day and a lonnnnnger than usual drive home from work (never take a new route thinking it would be quicker. Stick to the plan!) and when I got home I was 99.1% tempted to put my jamas on and 0.9% tempted to go for a run. But I knew that the one thing I needed to do to get rid of my negative thoughts and feelings was to get out on the pavement. 

6.0km later, I finished strong and happy. I was supposed to stop at 5.5k but I felt so good that I thought another 0.5km wouldn't do any harm. It was a slow run, no way near my fastest but I needed to make the decision whether to concentrate on pace or distance, and my shins were saying long and slow. I muted my Runkeeper and just ran based on feeling. 

I said before how both the trail and running up to the next village are now off limits because neither have street lighting and DC (and me) is not comfortable with me running in places where I'm not 100% safe. So I had a mental challenge too knowing that I would be running laps around the village, which is not the most interesting running route and definitely proved hard when I started lap 2. But as soon as I was up our main village hill for the second time, the positivity returned knowing that it was all downhill and flat until the end. 

I love running in the chilly weather. Running in the heat makes me feel really overwhelmed, so a dry Autumn night is perfect for me and tonight's run reminded me exactly why I got into running in the first place. 

Advantages of running in the wind:

1. It cools you down

Disadvantages of running in the wind:

1. Must remember to Vaseline the lips thoroughly before I leave the house

2. The smell of the chippy drafts all the way up the village and it is torture running through it

So tonight was a fun run and I came home feeling on top of the world. This mix of running and swimming is really helping. I had a mega strong swim yesterday and came away feeling great. I know that I'm never going to be the best or fastest runner but I'm going to try my hardest to get fitter and enjoy it at the same time. 

Tuesday: 30 lengths swim

Wednesday: 6.0km / 39:09 / 6:31min per km av pace

DC got the call today to say Ofsted are in tomorrow so he didn't get home from school until 8pm, where of course his favourite meal was waiting for him. 

It's my turn for bake off tomorrow night so I'm going to get some recipes out and see what I can come up with to feed the girls tomorrow. 

I also found this year's Christmas crackers that I am going to buy for my annual Christmas bake off night, although it might be too early to tell you all that ;)

Dans x

Rain, rain, go away

I can't believe that 1 hour after this beautiful photo was taken, it was thundering, lightening and lashing it down like no tomorrow. It was a lovely sunny and warm day all day, my run was mega hot and then as we were standing in the garden afterwards, you could hear the downpour making its way over from the left and suddenly it was like Armageddon. I'm not exaggerating. Everyone was looking out of their windows and the toddler across the road was seriously loving the thunderstorms. 

I was just about to leave the house when it happened so I waited to see if it would cool off. I just ended up going for it. Well that was an eventful drive. Only 10 minutes of torrential downpour = flooded village. I checked with DC what I should do if I got into trouble with the water so I was well equipped and don't worry mum, I checked my breaks every time I went into a river (every 5 mins (yes ok river, I was exaggerating there)). 

I made it over to my friend's house in one piece and we cooked the most amazing curry known to mankind. 

Slightly strange to have it with g-bread but I couldn't say no :) this curry is a one pan, so easy to make, in goes chicken thigh (cutting that up seriously puts me off) then add onions, turmeric, cumin, chilli powder, garlic, ginger, stock, pomegranate juice, dried apricots, raisins, rice, coriander and let it all simmer for 40 minutes = perfect curry. You're supposed to chuck pomegranate seeds over the top but do you know how expensive they are!

We settled down to watch the XFactor which was completely terrible but I don't think we will ever stop watching it, if only for Dermot who I completely love with all of my heart. 

So we didn't make it to Thornton reservoir because we didn't get up until 10:30am but I really needed that lie in. We chilled all morning and braved food shopping before I tackled my run about 3:30pm. IT WAS SO HARD. I don't particularly like running in the heat and it was a bit too warm for me today plus my legs were threatening to completely give up on my by km 3. But I persevered even with another shin flare up and it felt pretty good when I was done. 

1/4 Friday 5.50km / 34:32 / 6:17min per km av pace

2/4 Saturday 5.50km / 33:42 / 6:07min per km av pace

I was running a lot better than I thought I was at the time, so I forgive my legs for dying on me half way through as I was obviously pushing them harder than yesterday. Not a bad time at all!! I was so glad I didn't schedule a run any later else it would had been cancelled with the weather. 

Swimming tomorrow morning if I get up, as I'm holding out for Celeb Juice at 11pm........ Hi Dermy;) to be honest if I could skip 10:00am-7:00pm tomorrow I would, as Sundays bring washing, house cleaning and tidying up. If anyone is listening and could skip me straight to Downton Abbey that would be fantastic. 

Dans x

I wish every run could end with...

My aim of the game today was to have a really positive day. I wish every run could end with picking up your River Island shoe delivery from the post office. 

I would take a photo of my new boots but I can't put them on because I've still not had a shower even though my run was 4 hours ago...

Today was a really good day and just what I needed. A productive day all round with a new job applied for, a new shirt, new shoes, and this:

I have no idea why I have never tried a spiced pumpkin latte before. I made it my mission to have one this year and they finally launched this week. It took about 3 seconds to convert me, I think this will be my drink now until the sun comes back out. I thought I thoroughly deserved an egg sandwich too to contribute to my positive day today. Egg sandwiches always make me happy. 

After work I tackled a 5.5km run. It went really well because I found a new route and had plenty on my mind, which both made the run go more quickly than usual. My shin was playing up a little so I clicked off my runkeeper and decided that I would not concentrate on my pace or time and just run for fun. This is the furthest I have run in a while and even though it wasn't my fastest, I felt it was pretty strong all throughout, made better by some old gentlemen walking their dogs and telling me to keep it up and they would join me if they were 40 years younger. 

1/4 Friday 5.50km / 34:32 / 6:17min per km av pace

I'm looking forward to the rest of the plan and hopefully it won't be too long before I move up to 6.0km, I'm actually feeling very positive at the moment about getting into longer runs, although I'm 100% certain I may feel differently when it starts to rain again ;) good job I still have my gym membership as I think the treadmill will come in handy soon. 

I had a great cool down after my run by walking another 2km around the village to visit my friend and pick up my package. I love walking through the village at night when it's peaceful and the exercise endorphins are still running high. 

Tomorrow morning DC and I are going to drive to a reservoir near to us to have a run there. It will be a great change of scenery and I was told at work today that it's a 1.8 mile loop, so twice round should see me through. Then we can go for breakfast yum. Sunday I am planning to get to the swimming baths for 9am and cross my fingers it's not too busy. Get me having set plans to exercise, that must mean I actually enjoy it after all;)

I think I succeeded in making today as positive as it could be. Food, clothes and exercise... What more do you need?

Dans x

My new love affair

I'm loving my workouts so much these past couple of weeks that I'm surprising myself. It must be a combination of good days at work, getting home earlier, and swimming that have all made me really look forward to my run. 

I'm not a very motivated person and I'll be the first to admit it. I'm either all or nothing - absolutely crazy about something or really not bothered at all. I'm still crazy about running, but I was starting to get that 'oh no I'm tired from work and I have 5k to knock out' feeling a few weeks ago, which led me to taking a fortnight off. That has completely vanished and I'm up for it every day. 

I've said it before but swimming has helped so much. 3x swims a week and 3x runs really works for me. I'm no longer concerned about shin splints and I'm also no longer overtired every day from running  every night. Swim is definitely something I'm going to keep up. 

This is my second week of a workout every day and today I felt so. tired. But I was still up for a run in the rain and really enjoyed it. I prefer running in colder temperatures, summer is worse for me because I hate being too hot, it makes me feel really overcome and claustrophobic. Me and the wind were good friends tonight. 

The trail will be too dark to run on soon so I'm trying to make the most of it until then. I get a bit bored running around the village and really love the trail, it's so peaceful and relaxing to run through (except 4.50-5.00km of course, nothing is peaceful and relaxing about the final hurdle). I did notice a planning permission poster up though which explains that the trail is going to be expanded to make all of it 3m wide (excellent) AND there are going to be street lights. Fantastic. 

So I ran round the main street of my village tonight and past the chip shop where the smell was hugely punishingly delicious, which was 2.5km and I finished the run on the trail. 

Monday was a 30min good swim but far too busy with after school kids getting in the way. 

Here's my recap from my first 2 5kms

Thursday: 5.00km / 31:06 / 6:13min per km av pace

Saturday: 5.00km / 31:12 / 6:14min per km av pace

And here's how I finished off the plan:

Tuesday: 5.00km / 29:57 / 5:59min per km av pace

Wednesday: 5.00km / 30:52 / 6:10min per km av pace

Not bad huh?? I know I'm not going to win a marathon with these 3 mile runs but I'm really pleased with my times. 

I'm finishing off my workout week with a swim tomorrow before bake off at my sister's, and of course I have my 10 mile walk on Friday, which means my rest day will be switched from Sunday to Saturday and I'll get a run in on Sunday before I start a new week. 

My next set of runs: 4 x 5.5km 

We are so close to the weekend!

Dans x

Trouble with Topshop sizes & happy birthday Dad!!

Yesterday after work I drove straight to the swimming baths and threw a few shapes in the form of 30 lengths. It set me up well for a meal out for DC's sister's birthday. I was designated driver and we had a lovely Italian and a few (soft for me) drinks in a bar where you can pull your own pints on your table. 

I love this beautiful lady. This is DC's brother's girlfriend and she is one of the most lovely people up you will ever meet in your whole entire life. I have never met anyone who has as much kindness in their heart as this girl. She is studying for a fashion degree plus she works at Topshop so it's a no brainier really that we're friends. 

Oh and BTW I had just got this jacket back from the dry cleaners and then put it down on the side in the loo and covered it in water less than 12 hours later, so I think I will be off to the dry cleaners again on Monday morning. 

Sometimes you can really tell they are brothers but maybe not last night, what do you think???

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Everyone knows that Topshop makes me happy. Topshop makes my bank manager nervous. Topshop makes my wardrobe sparkle. Yes I'm a materialistic girl, shoot me. 

But the one thing that annoys me about Topshop (apart from their prices sometimes) is their awful sizing. I've seen it time and time again - DC will try on some jeans in the store, think about it for a day or two, order the same item online, only for it to be delivered and not fit. As in, completely too small. 

It's never happened to me before until today. I tried on these jeans in store a few weeks ago. 

I loved them but bought some Miss Selfridge ones instead because I really wanted grey jeans and they had sold out in Leigh grey. But I bought them in the week with 20% off and couldn't wait to collect them today to wear to lunch. 

I couldn't even get them past my thighs. 

I was so disappointed, now I have to take them back in the week and probably take a few pairs into the changing room to try on. I don't understand how Topshop can get their sizing so wrong and it's really annoying that you buy exactly the same item twice, for one to fit and another to be more than a few inches out. So no new lunch jeans for me. 

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This morning my sis & I took a trip into town for breakfast and shopping. 

Beautiful sis. 

I bought a few presents for DC's birthday next week - I can't tell you what they are as I have no idea whether he reads my blog or not, a present for my dad's birthday tomorrow and treated myself to a new Clinique eyebrow pencil as I had ran out. A trip to the Clinique counter always makes me happy especially when I have a gift card and my purchase only actually costs me £1.

My sis fell in love with this Henry Holland jumper and it looks so cute on her. My sis has lost 4.5stone with weightwatchers and I know she feels amazing shopping in any store she wants to now. She looks amazing. 

I got home just in time to change and leave for my Dad's birthday lunch. They have fallen In love with our local pub and we try and go there every few weeks so it was only down the road for us. He is 46 tomorrow!!!!! And he's the best dad ever. 

This is my favourite meal here. Cajun cod with tartare mash and veg. 

My sis got this cake made for him. Good job he supports Liverpool then!

He was only pretending to blow the candles out here because he tricked us all and blew them quickly before the cameras were ready. I think he was wishing for Liverpool to keep up their 3-0. 

I had a nap when we got home but I don't think it was a great idea to eat a big meal plus icing (mum eats the cake, I eat the icing - our tradition because out of all the cake choices in the world why would you waste calories on a simple sponge?) and then nap and then run. My stomach was abit full and it was a really tough run, my legs just didn't want to move. 

BUT I completed my mission to exercise every day this week, and it feels GREAT. The mix of swimming and running really works for me. 

Monday: 30 min / 30 length swim

Tuesday: 30 min / 30 length swim

Wednesday: 30 min run

Thursday: 5km run

Friday:  30 min / 30 length swim

Saturday: 5km run

Rest day tomorrow and although I know I should rest, I'm raring to go to get my 5kms completed. 

Thursday: 5.00km / 31:06 / 6:13min per km av pace

Saturday: 5.00km / 31:12 / 6:14min per km av pace

Hopefully I'll hit a 30min 5km by the end of these runs!

Dans x

The real reason why I run

So this is the real reason why I run:

I pick up goodies for our bake off night once a month when the farmers market comes into town. My friend heads for the burger tent and me for the cake tent. These amazing treats were either peanut butter flapjacks or Oreo chocolate cookies. I try to feed my guests full of other people's amazing homemade treats before I start cooking so that they won't notice if my meals are awful :)

Now that I've completed 8x 30 min runs, my next plan is 4x 5km runs. Note that I know this plan is not going to make me the fastest, strongest runner in the world (and I hate speed work) so the aim of the game is to just get out there in the fresh air and improve my fitness and distance. 

Maybe after these runs are over I should look for a training plan on the internet to help my improvement, I was fond of Runkeeper's 10km plan but they charge now. 

I didn't get up for my 6am run. But I was true to my word and ran after work. It was the hardest run ever, I think I got it wrong assuming it was colder than it actually was and so my long sleeved top made me way too hot only about 5 minutes in. I really struggled and felt like I needed to give up. Mostly it was my breathing but for the last 1.5km my legs just didn't want to run anymore. I made it to 5km though although slightly deliriously. 

Thursday: 5.00km / 31:06 / 6:13min per km av pace

I don't know whether my face is a reflection of my top or whether I was actually that pink. 

Last night's bake off was a favourite of ours from an old weightwatchers mag. It is spinach & butternut squash spaghetti lasagne and this photo doesn't do it justice but it was yum and serves 6 at only 7pts+ each although we split it between 4. Accompanied by salad and the nicest g-bread ever. This lasagne is my sister and friend's speciality so I just stood and watched it happen. 

I made the dessert from a ww cooking for 2 recipe book - apple and sultana crumble cakes. 

They're not the best desserts as not sweet enough for me especially when you forget to add the demerara sugar on top like me but they did the job for a healthy bake off (we are not counting the brownies here).

(We are obviously also not counting the cream).

I'm so glad we are back to making healthy meals for our bake off. You can get into a rut ordering takeout or making bad food because it is quick and easy but it's so much more fun getting all of your friends in the kitchen to make a good meal from scratch, and it always tastes better too. 

Dans x

A week of workouts

This week I am tackling my workouts. Next week it is the diet (I just can't stop eating). So I've made a promise with myself to do one 30 minute workout every day this week, up to a rest day on Sunday. I'm not car sharing this week and next so I've been able to swim after work. Swim = happy Dani even with all the kids in the pool. The only time I don't enjoy swim is lengths 27-30 when I seem to lose strength and knock a contact out at the same time as swallowing 2 litres of water. 

Monday: 30 min / 30 length swim

Tuesday: 30 min / 30 length swim

Wednesday: 30 min run

It has only taken me a zillion weeks to complete 8x 30min runs. 

30 minutes 

1/8 Monday: 4.66km, 6:27min/km av pace

2/8 Wednesday: 4.67km, 6:26min/km av pace

3/8 Friday: 5.09km, 5:54min/km av pace

4/8 Monday: 4.73km, 6:21min/km av pace

5/8 Saturday: 4.74km, 6:20min/km av pace

6/8 Tuesday: 4.64km, 6:28min/km av pace

7/8 Friday: 5.06km, 5:57min/km av pace

8/8 Wednesday: 4.61km, 6:31min/km av pace

Today's run was the slowest out of the bunch but at least I got out there for the first time in nearly a fortnight and completed it. My breathing and energy is definitely not back up to 100% but I feel so much better than I did at the weekend. 

I am going to try my hardest to wake up early tomorrow and run. I really really want to test how I feel throughout the day after a morning run and I need to remember to ignore the warm comfy feeling of my bed at 6am and drag myself out to the wind and rain. I have the girls round tomorrow night more or less straight after work so the morning is my only chance to keep to my target of a workout a day for a week. 

I will succeed!!!

Dans x

Run like there's someone chasing you, the best lunch hour & the big weekend

Today so far has been a mixed bag:

Woke up late (expected)

Still felt absolutely terrible (expected)

Great day at work (unexpected)

Fabulous lunch break (unexpected)

Didn't feel like running (expected)

Best run of my life (unexpected)

Let's start with the run. I love surprising myself by having an absolutely fantastic run. Today I was running like someone was chasing me, and I even tried to slow myself down after worrying that my chances of a heart attack were rapidly increasing but my legs had their own game plan that was different to my head. 

There's no better feeling for me than a <30 min 5km run. I wish I could pinpoint the exact time that I hit 5km but I was concentrating on finishing the last 20 seconds or so without either being sick or fainting and falling into the road. 

30 minutes 

1/8 Monday: 4.66km, 6:27min/km av pace

2/8 Wednesday: 4.67km, 6:26min/km av pace

3/8 Friday: 5.09km, 5:54min/km av pace

4/8 Monday: 4.73km, 6:21min/km av pace

5/8 Saturday: 4.74km, 6:20min/km av pace

6/8 Tuesday: 4.64km, 6:28min/km av pace

7/7 Friday: 5.06km, 5:57min/km av pace

Not bad at all for a run I could have easily slacked off until tomorrow morning. 

I went out into town at lunch with my friend and we had such a great lunch break. There is a strict criteria for a lunch break to officially be classed as great in my opinion:

1. It doesn't rain

2. It involves retail therapy

3. It involves food

4. It involves freebies

5. It involves friends (this should come first) 

Today's lunch hour hit the spot. 

1. It didn't rain. 

2. I bought this gorgeous dress from Henry Holland to get me through my Autumn nights out and it had 25% off. The cost per wear on this £26 frock is going to be excellent. And I feel GOOD in it. 

Apologies for the worst outfit photo ever but I don't have a great mirror or any friends to take my photo right now. 

3. This mysterious bag and cup contain the best things you can ever buy from Costa coffee - a tiffin cake and a Terry's chocolate orange mocca latte. 

No this did not help me on my run but it was an amazing idea at 1pm. 

4. For the next couple of weeks you can get a free hand cream from the Body Shop with a Voucher Codes code. No purchase necessary. 

Yes my work desk does need a good scrub. 

5. My friend C is actually the best. 

SO. TOMORROW. THE BIG DAY. 

it's our friend's wedding that we have been waiting for only since the beginning of time. I can't wait to see the bride and groom, can't wait to spend the day with my wedding date - the other best man's girlfriend, and I CAN'T WAIT to hear DC's speech. I know he is going to be fantastic. He has practised and practised and it's so funny so fingers crossed I'm not the only one that's laughing. I will secretly try and get a recording in so I can show everyone how fantastically great he is. 

I think this will be my outfit:

A second apology there for the rubbish photo. 

So DC is with the groom and best man tonight and I am home alone but do not fear, I have my favourite m&s dinner:

I also have this to tuck in to:

I promise the spoon was only put there for the photo opp and there's only a 99% chance that I may devour the whole lot. 

NOT TO MENTION I'm not even lonely tonight because I am spending the evening with my second boyfriend:

Watching Joaquin Phoenix in The Master. 

So I am sorted. After I do two loads of washing, the washing up, and a bit of a kitchen clean. There is a 110% chance I won't get round to this. 

Dans x

Another run and a fat lasagne

Today's Runkeeper motivation message really hit the mark:

It was raining tonight and I'm not feeling any better but I knew that if I held off a run until tomorrow, the circumstances would be exactly the same. I was hoping for a dry autumn but it doesn't look as though the rain is going to stop until at least August ;) so on went my cap and waterproof and out I went for a muddy trail run. 

30 minutes 

1/8 Monday: 4.66km, 6:27min/km av pace

2/8 Wednesday: 4.67km, 6:26min/km av pace

3/8 Friday: 5.09km, 5:54min/km av pace

4/8 Monday: 4.73km, 6:21min/km av pace

5/8 Saturday: 4.74km, 6:20min/km av pace

6/8 Tuesday: 4.64km, 6:28min/km av pace

It was my slowest run out of the lot but I'm happy with that. I went out with the thought that this was just going to be a good jog to get me out and about in the fresh air. A slow run is definitely better than no run at all and I would have only wasted the half hour on the sofa playing a dot to dot game on my iPad that I'm completely addicted to. 

The best thing about this run was the finish line. The even better thing about this run was the hot shower afterwards. I loved running in the rain and mud today. Two separate runners passed ,e and both said hi, I told you it was a great run. 

Perhaps my run was impeded slightly by this amazing breakfast

But the chocolatey goodness was worth it. 

I made up for it with a healthy lunch and some recipe inspiration 

This was after I got soaked in the rain running to get it. Wet two times in a day, this is coming from a girl who used to be paranoid about her appearance but really doesn't give a monkeys anymore :)

I've just demolished a huge lasagne courtesy of DC's mum and I'm going to spend the rest of the evening having cuddles with my bestest friend:

Dans x

My idea of cross training

I'm taking a different approach to running now that I've had a busy week; I'm going to continue to run 30 minutes for another 4 runs before moving up to 35 minutes. By keeping at the same timed runs for a bit longer, I think it'll stop my shin from hurting again now that it's finally calmed down, and the gradual incline will hopefully make me stronger. 

30 minutes 

1/8 Monday: 4.66km, 6:27min/km av pace

2/8 Wednesday: 4.67km, 6:26min/km av pace

3/8 Friday: 5.09km, 5:54min/km av pace

4/8 Monday: 4.73km, 6:21min/km av pace

5/8 Saturday: 4.74km, 6:20min/km av pace

Saturday's run was really strong and my second best run so far. It felt great and I didn't have any niggles. Sometimes I wonder whether leaving a bit longer between my runs makes my next one stronger, but then as soon as I accept this theory I go on another run with heavy legs, so it's still a mystery to me ;)

I didn't run on Sunday, I took my friend for a big nandos and we saw this brilliant film:

I actually had no idea what it was about before I saw it, but anything with Rachel McAdams is good by me (I conceded a couple of years ago that I will never be her and my chances with Ryan Gosling are seriously diminished but there's still chance yet ;) ) I didn't even realise it was a British film and I recommend you go and see it because it's an adorable love story but also hilariously funny. 

I was going to miss out the fact that I also had a Chinese takeaway in the evening but I'm not a good liar so shoot me :)

I was back on the healthy wagon today ready for our friends' wedding at the weekend. DC's best man speech is sounding amazing and I can't wait to hear it and secretly record it but don't tell him that. I was so crazy busy at work today that I skipped breakfast, had a banana at 12.30pm for breakfast and then a ham salad and packet of crisps saw me though to starvation at 6pm where a 9 Bar saved my life. I had a swim date with my sister at 8pm and dinner wasn't ready quite in time, I figured today wasn't my day to sink in the deep end with a stomach full of chicken so I saved my dinner until afterwards and called my sister at 8pm from the gym car park to hear the words "oh s*** I fell asleep". I was actually tempted to drive home and took three steps towards my car before sucking it up and turning around. 

I had an AMAZING swim. Just 30 lengths as I was sooo hungry but I parked up at 8pm and drove out at 8.30pm so I reckon I did 30 in 26 minutes. I'm sure that running has made my swimming SO much stronger. I wasn't out of breath and even though my arms were aching by length 6 it wasn't hard to forget about it and push through. Not bad for someone who couldn't swim until she was 16!

I wonder if I will get up to run in the morning? Will this be my morning? The cold mornings say no but I may try my best ;)

Dans x

Genius ways to make your run seem faster

A 30 minute run is a 30 minute run. Unfortunately there's no way of magically shaving the last 5 minutes off of that but there are some strategies I use to take my mind off of the minutes and before you know it you're finished and have that amazing post-run triumphant feeling. Here's my ideas and a few of DC's too. 

1) I used to split my run in half and turn around half way through, but knew that my finish point was exactly where I started and sometimes it felt I would never ever get there. Now I run further on my outward run so that the finish line is a surprise - if I keep switching my outbound time around then I never know exactly where my finish line is and it always happens to come around faster than I expect it to. 

The extra walk on the way home always helps to cool down too and I can either catch up with my friends on the phone or start a draft blog post while my running thoughts are still fresh in my mind. 

2) Be polite. For me there's nothing nicer than a dog walker or a fellow runner saying hi to me as we pass. And gradually I've stopped keeping my head down and started to be the first one to say hi - and that for me all red and sweaty faced was quite a feat. Running, cycling, walking we are in all this exercise circle together and a smile and a 'good morning' really perks me up and makes me feel much more positive about what I am achieving. 

3) Take in the scenery. I have a trail right by my house that leads to the next village and it's so beautiful through all of the seasons even when it's throwing it down with rain. I run past birds, squirrels, countless dogs, horses and cows, and when the sun is shining I realise how lucky I am to live in the countryside. 

4) Think up blog posts while you're running. I can come up with my best ideas while out and about putting one foot in front of the other as fast as I possibly can. I seem to forget them all by the time I'm back home and showered, but it's a good start!

5) Find a friend to run with you. I'm not at the stage yet to find a running partner because I do feel as though I wouldn't be able to keep up with them. But I see ladies running in groups and realise how much fun they're having together. You can catch up on the latest news and gossip and not only that but you have double the support plus double the celebration at the end (and you're more tempted to reward yourself with a trip to the coffee shop for cake - who can say no to that?) Before my sis got her hernia I used to love our running trips together, I enjoyed the slower pace and having someone by my side. 

6) Stop clock watching. I'm not very good at this. I love watching my pace and knowing how far I've ran but it's not a great feeling when you realise the minutes haven't flown by as fast as you feel they have. Sometimes I make a promise to myself pre-run that I won't look at my runkeeper until a certain point in the run and it definitely helps. I've also turned off the 5-minute update so that now my runkeeper only tells me when I've hit my next km, so the absence of constant reminders definitely makes me feel much better. 

7) Listen to music. This is an idea from DC. I used to listen to music all of the time like he does but nowadays I run without. Most songs are over 3 minutes long and if you sing along in your head it's a good distraction from what you're doing. I use runkeeper but I know that the Nike running app has a power song that kicks in when your pace is slacking - one of the Finance Directors at work had the Rocky song blasting out when his pace hits below a certain pace and it really motivates him to get his legs moving. 

8) Think about how you'd spend your millions if you win the lottery. Another one of DC's ideas, I just hope that included in his list is a Mulberry handbag and a ten year free supply of Clinique for me. 

8) Find a friend to celebrate the finish line with you. 

Dans x

A weekend of sleeping & eating

I didn't get around to finishing my weekly run this week. I think Friday's amazing run completely ruined me, not that it wasn't worth it. So today I ended off my week with an easy run that turned out pretty hard. 

Week 3 - 30 minutes 

1/4 Monday: 4.66km, 6:27min/km av pace

2/4 Wednesday: 4.67km, 6:26min/km av pace

3/4 Friday: 5.09km, 5:54min/km av pace

4/4 Monday: 4.73km, 6:21min/km av pace

It actually wasn't a pretty bad run for the start of the week.

I took a different route than usual to the next village. It's a straight road down but it looks pretty flat and this is where it's deceiving. It seems flat when you're driving but running down you realise you're gradually going downhill, and the dreaded feeling arrives when you turn around when you figure it's now a constant slight uphill for the rest of the way home. It was TOUGH. I kept my eye on a runner in the distance and before I knew it I was up the hill and finally back on a downwards path towards my village. 

I had the strongest craving for this meal all through the day so I made the genius decision to end my run close to the co-op to buy some cheese, and the even more genius decision to put the jacket potatoes in the oven before I left for my run so that they were amazingly crispy by the time I got home. 

Perfect comfort food for how I was feeling today. 

Friday was spent watching Picture Perfect and waiting up to pick up DC and his friends at 1am. I got into bed around 2am and we ended up sleeping in on Saturday. We spent all day watching Boardwalk Empire and I fell asleep for a nap 3-6pm which is something I have never ever done in my life but definitely a new habit that I could easily pick up as it's the best idea in the world. 

We went to our friend's house for a dinner party in the evening and she cooked an amazing risotto for 8 people, she's a super-friend. The best bit is yet to come. Risotto was followed by HOMEMADE BANOFFEE PIE. I wish I had taken a pic, and the recipe. We didn't get home until 12.30am so Sunday was also a bit of a sleep in before we dragged ourselves food shopping, visited my Gramps in hospital and went to DC's mum's for a yum roast. We left earlier than planned because we are so tired from our weekend of sleeping and eating, which I can promise you was much more interesting than cleaning my house. These weekends are the best. 

Dans x

The perfect run & other stories

I just ran the perfect run. I thought it would take me WEEKS to get back to a 30 minute 5km. I wasn't even feeling this run today. I have no idea what got into me but whatever it is I want to keep it! 

I can't believe I went below a 6min average km. I must have really gone for it! I was actually groaning out loud by the end. And praying for the last 3 minutes to go quickly. I was so surprised because my shin didn't give me any bother at all (it's hurting now though). I ran up to the next village and round the block, did another half block before coming back but I estimated it short so had to do 30 seconds on the trail too. I was tempted to follow my running idol and lay down on the floor afterwards but I wasn't quite brave enough; I limped home instead. 

I think this is what is called negative splits ;) FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MY LIFE. 

Week 3 - 30 minutes 

1/4 Monday: 4.66km, 6:27min/km av pace

2/4 Wednesday: 4.67km, 6:26min/km av pace

3/4 Friday: 5.09km, 5:54min/km av pace

I can't wait to see how tomorrow's run is going to go, as right now my legs do not want to move one single bit :)

In other news:

Grandad's doing much better after overloading on oxygen at the hospital, which has made him look and feel a million times better. The docs wanted to keep an eye on him today though and the hospital doesn't discharge at the weekend, which means he will be there until Monday at least. I was a bit concerned about nana being at home by herself (she has early onset dementia) but she says she is absolutely fine and says the best thing is wrapping herself in bedcovers and not having grandad steal them ;) 

I am clearly the favourite grandchild as I turn up to the hospital with cake ;) well my colleague and I demolished the coconut raspberry slices on the right but I took the lemon tarts along for nana and grandad and it made them very happy. Although my absolute favourite is lemon curd tarts so they were lucky to get their hands on them! The best thing about the cakes is that they are homemade from a stall from a farmers market that comes into town every month. My friend Luke & I try and get a lunch break together each month to go together, and I love our catch up as even though we don't see each other enough (and we are even in the same building every day) he is a very dear friend to me. 

I found a new favourite drink today. This elderflower and lime spring water is yum and only 7 calories. I love elderflower drinks lately, I need to get my hands on some for my friend's dinner party tomorrow as I'm going to drive instead of drink. 

I bought this jacket today with my birthday vouchers. I have had my eye on it for so long, I have no idea why I didn't buy it before as I love it. My friend Laura has it but I'm sure she won't mind as we along with DC's sister always seem to get our hands on the same Topshop clothes, even with all of the million items that are available. We must be both a) telepathic and b) obviously have excellent taste. 

I was going to buy it in store but the queue was too long so I bought it online, using a 10% off code, free delivery, and my gift cards which means this £58 jacket cost me £7. This made my day. Although I do have to wait for it to be delivered, as I've promised myself I will stop paying £7.50 for next day delivery. 

Today was apparently the end of summer (the rain proved it) and Autumn is my favourite time of year, mainly because of the weather (I think Autumn is romantic and DC laughs in my face) but mostly because of creating a new Autumn Topshop wardrobe of course!

I tried this on too and it looks great in the photo but less flattering in real life. I couldn't justify paying £48 (!!) for it so it went back on the rail. 

DC's jeans were a bit tight today when they came out of the wash so he did a lunge in them and this is what happened. I sooooo wish I was there to see this but I was running, he is really upset because they're his favourite jeans and jeans are sooo expensive these days, but the thought of lunge + rip made me laugh for ages. 

He has gone out with work tonight and I think I drew the short straw because his friend's gf has picked them all up to take them into town, but I am doing the pick up run.... At 1am. I've done this quite a few times but the last 2 times I picked DC up from town he really messed me around so I've told him in no uncertain terms that if he doesn't turn up where he says he will at 1am then we will fall out forever and ever. 

So I'm just about to cook some marinated chicken and roasted veg, then I'm going to put something on from Lovefilm and settle down with my favourite popcorn. A nice quiet night all to myself to end a busy week... Perfect. 

Dans x

Oh, to be a cow...

Tonight's run was a bit of a naughty run. I was hoping to take it easy but at the same time, beat my time from 1/4. I spent the first half of the run texting my friend. I wouldn't really recommend it, because although it makes the time go fast, it made me slow down and probably look like I was running Phoebe style too. 

Although as you can see, she had some wise words of encouragement for me. 

Half way just as I was about to turn around, I had to pause to let a couple of cyclists past so it was the perfect opportunity to grab this lovely photo. 

I wish I could graze all day, drink crap loads of water and lay down whenever and wherever I felt like it. Oh, the life of a cow. I'm sure they never think "hey maybe I should run to that fence and back to run off the packet of minstrels I demolished on my 3pm energy slump". I also bet they never worry about how big their bum is or how frizzy their hair gets in the rain. Although I wouldn't be too excited about a grass based diet, just think about how many stomachs you have to hide all of that bad food in.

Week 3 - 30 minutes 

1/4 Monday: 4.66km, 6:27min/km av pace

2/4 Wednesday: 4.67km, 6:26min/km av pace

I beat my distance by 0.01km. Any improvement is a plus, no matter how small, that's what I say. But I  called it a naughty run because I spent the last 10 minutes attempting to make up for my slow half. It wasn't a wise idea because now my shin is playing up big time and I'm getting to the point where I know that either a) resting or b) a 7.00min/km average run are the only two options that I have for the rest of the week. It's much worse than I can remember it ever being before - it was always just a niggle on my shin bone but now it's moved to the side and my muscle is so tender arghh. 

I got in from my run to 3 mobile and 1 house phone missed calls from my mum, and when I called back I got the news that my Gramps has been nee-nar'd into the hospital. His health has deteriorated a lot recently and he has trouble breathing. My parents are on their way to the hospital now so while I wait for news I'm going to run a hot shower and put on the weekend's XFactor to keep my mind off of it. 

Dans x