tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17709497296176271882024-03-12T22:22:10.677-07:00Running MeditationsRunning Meditationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03134751859199150133noreply@blogger.comBlogger62125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770949729617627188.post-14954704290615810762011-08-01T06:56:00.000-07:002011-08-01T06:56:45.783-07:00A gentle start to the day<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">A 7.30 am run along the cliff path to the next beach in soft grey weather. Hardly a soul in sight. The tide was right up against the rocks so a run along the beach barefoot wasn't possible today as yesterday but stopped on a large rock to do two Qi Gong exercises before running back and again stopping half way for 5 minutes to do 3 more. Did a quick sprint on the last bit of path down into the village and disturbed a heron in the stream on the beach which was deserted - just how I like it. As the dog and I walked along the tide I looked at the still water and reflected on how lovely a cooling swim would be. (I haven't been in the sea for years although it's on my doorstep.) </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">As I've been looking at Shifu Yan Lei's "Ten Tips from a Shaolin Monk on How to stay Young" - number 2) came to mind ......."Don't talk too much. Most people either talk or do. Better to do." and number 1) Don't think too much. Thinking takes energy. Thinking can make you look old."</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Therefore, I decided to just take off my top and jogging bottoms and go in my running top and underwear which was fine. So the dog and I had a nice little swim together and I didn't have to think about how nice it WOULD have been but I did it instead.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I have also been thinking about doing more drawing and intermittently talking about it for a good number of years and today was also the day I sat outside with my sketchbook - albeit a quick, small sketch.</span>Running Meditationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03134751859199150133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770949729617627188.post-31193467987492664122011-06-30T15:23:00.000-07:002011-07-09T02:13:08.085-07:00Floppy left foot. :-S<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I took the dog up the field this morning as I haven't been there for a few days. The grass and bracken is so tall that the path is practically obliterated, hence my not going as it makes running slightly tricky. Found my hidden corner where I practice Qi Gong which I also haven't done for a while what with running and so on. Dog had a good jump about in the tall grass (she's a Springer) and sniffed about patiently waiting for me so thought I'd carry on into the next field afterwards but because I had to be back in time to take the teen to a hospital appointment thought I'd do it in a run - so I did - in my split Joules dog wellies. (I had to wear wellies even though it was hot to protect me from the nettles and brambles - or 'random shizzle' as my teen would say.) I don't know how far it was so didn't log it. I've come to dislike logging distances and especially timing during June.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Got back in time to have a coffee and watch other half open some birthday presents from us - numerous pots for planting to add to the ones we already have on the go. So far we have parsley, rocket, perpetual spinach, six tomato plants of various types, Nero Kale (delicious), radishes, a few strawberry plants, basil for indoors and more to come for the new pots. It's great to be growing our own again as we have been too busy with work for the last few years to garden any veg. but having pots makes it more manageable.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">We got back quite late from the hospital and so had lunch about 3. 30 which is fairly common and by the time I'd digested and hung out a wash and done the breakfast and lunch pots it was getting on for 5.10 pm. Yikes! I'd been hoping for a nice long leisurely run to round off Juneathon but as I had to be back for 6.00 pm to take the Tai Chi class at 6.15 it would have to be a quick one so I thought up a new route along the road and down a lane and over fields. Everything was going great until after about 3 miles in, as I joined the road, I could feel my left foot not responding properly. It was flopping and dragging and when I slowed down it seemed worse but while running I was in danger of tripping up. I carried on until I came to the very steep hill which I would have walked anyway and tried desperately to control it but to no avail. I tried leading with the left leg and telling my brain to consciously move the foot how I wanted but nothing seemed to work. All quite worrying. It must be like this for someone who has had a stroke, I thought. To make it worse a car came past and I quickly stood still in the side of the road so I didn't look stupid. In fact every time the odd car came past I had to wait. Well, thank god it's the last day of Juneathon went through my mind.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I got home a bit later than I had anticipated and couldn't really take the class very well as in the eight step form I was teaching you extend each leg at one point while balancing on the other one but it just wasn't do-able after the run so I had to modify that move myself which I tell the older members they can do if necessary.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">So, there we are. The end of Juneathon. I've had some chips and a glass of wine. I've blogged every day. I've logged every day and I've done some exercise every day. I've stretched myself (in terms of fitting everything in and in pushing myself). I've commented on other blogs and on Running Free although not as much as I would have liked but I may have a little read over the next few days at my leisure.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I've loved it and I've been annoyed by it but most of all I did what I set out to do. :)) So for me that's my first 'athon' completed and with the injury to show for it.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Three cheers to all you lovely people out there who have been pushing yourselves at the same time as me, I'm pretty sure that I may have just said, "Oh not today" if it wasn't for all of you and I appreciated those who left me comments.</span>Running Meditationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03134751859199150133noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770949729617627188.post-83481086367130979402011-06-29T15:37:00.000-07:002011-06-29T15:37:18.111-07:00After Juneathon ...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">My last night of Lau Gar Kung Fu while doing Juneathon and I trained with this in mind. However, my knees felt as though they were buckling under me when I walked back to the car after all the low stance work and last night was quite uncomfortable as my knees were so achy after a short but steep run. I sometimes wonder what my performance is like as I train alone and have no proper equipment to check against age, terrain etc. etc. I feel as though I'm training hard but when I look at other people it seems a bit pathetic. Always room for improvement though. I do find that it's my body that isn't up to it rather than my mind because mentally I could keep going when I run but usually my ankles seem to lose elasticity and my feet start to trail. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I also moved about four wheelbarrow loads of garden rubbish which I had pulled up and I think that counts as physical exercise even if it's not running.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">We bought a new power cable for my lap top and it's working again so I don't have to borrow one to blog.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Maybe after Juneathon I'll make time (I don't know from where though) to sit down and work out how to make my blog more attractive and get some photos up. It's been just about all I can manage to fit the exercise in and do the logging and blogging let alone suss out aesthetically pleasing designs. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">After Juneathon I'm going to get some earlier nights. After Juneathon I'm going to do more cycling in the sunny weather. After Juneathon I will try the Audio Fuel long run downloads. After Juneathon I will sit and watch some films. After Juneathon I will download some new music to run to. After Juneathon I will try to improve my time on a run. After Juneathon .... I will miss knowing there are all the other Juneathoners out there doing Juneathon.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">The day after we finish I have a 2 hour Kung Fu session and a four hour one on Sunday :) and I may go for a run or cycle on Saturday or I may laze in the garden and carry on reading, "Born to Run".... I'll just wait and see what I feel like and I may not blog about it.</span><br />
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Running Meditationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03134751859199150133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770949729617627188.post-70866642565943961472011-06-28T14:11:00.000-07:002011-06-28T14:18:03.959-07:00A half hearted blog.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I'm looking forward to not blogging. My running Meditations title has taken on a different meaning during Juneathon but I'm not sure what it is yet.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Did a run along the coast path so the dog could get a walk as well. The GPS reading was 2.09 whereas Maps said 2.94. My knee's a bit sore tonight so I hope a rest will help. I haven't been running up the very steep hill but a walk/slow jog, even so I think it could be a bit punishing on my knees.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I don't feel like writing any more so I have chance to relax and read a bit so that's all for today.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Other half has been in an ill zone all day but it's not going to get me - at least not until after Thursday.</span>Running Meditationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03134751859199150133noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770949729617627188.post-15328692429883116562011-06-27T14:54:00.000-07:002011-06-27T14:54:44.906-07:00Machinations of a Juneathon Mind with 3 days to go<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Driving to kung fu tonight I drafted a blog in my head and felt quite pleased with it ...... unfortunately, I can't remember much of it, just that it was to do with my psychologies.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">It was a struggle to get the impetus to go training tonight and I would have gladly stayed at home. Fortunately, I had written my Juneathon programme in my diary during May and Monday night is Kung Fu night so off I went to Kung Fu. I'd already shirked out of going along an hour earlier to help out at the kid's class which I normally do so there was no more procrastinating to be done.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I remember thinking how strange it is that I seem to have a pattern of losing momentum towards the end of a goal. I start off enthusiastically and continue with a very determined dedication towards the middle and even two thirds in but then right at the eleventh hour I have a habit of giving up - or at least contemplating it - and losing the fire that started me on the journey initially. It's as though I just say, 'right, that's it then'! and switch off the light. I was reflecting on this in the car and wondering what it is all about and why on earth I have a tendency to do it.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Realising the thinking patterns emerging I thought over the remainder of Juneathon. It's only three days to go and Wednesday is Kung Fu so that makes Tuesday and Thursday a run or cycle day so that's easy really. Blogging and logging won't take too long and I can still have access to the work computer so it may be a complete one this time, albeit a measly mileage but it's been continuous exercise never-the-less.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I've been very impressed by the amount of running some of my fellow Juneathoners have done and Aus Womble (right on mate *said with ozzy accent*) is in a completely different league to the likes of my running performance.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">But I also appreciate and feel like encouraging those with a smaller mileage who are undoubtedly improving their abilities and overall fitness and have made the effort. My comments on their blogs will have to wait until tomorrow though.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Three cheers to ALL of you (including myself)...... Tuesday, Wednesday, THURSDAY (also my partner's birthday!) </span>Running Meditationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03134751859199150133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770949729617627188.post-62760931770833884372011-06-26T15:26:00.000-07:002011-06-26T15:26:17.046-07:00A run with mosquito netting.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">What a scorcher today! Left my run until 8.30 pm as couldn't bare the thought of going out in the heat of the day. Even so it was still pretty hot for the time. Wisely took my mosquito netting to fit over the running cap and glad I did because as the sun was going down on the top of the cliffs I could see clouds of little midges caught in the sunlight. It was so much easier running in the evening without having to grit my teeth or keep spitting gnats out of my mouth. I'm sure I must have looked quite silly but fortunately there was no one there to see.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I estimated the distance on Running Free maps again as I am still without equipment. It said 1.31 miles one way so I guess that should be 2.62 miles for the full distance but that seems further than I expected.</span>Running Meditationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03134751859199150133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770949729617627188.post-10051671658956078142011-06-25T13:22:00.000-07:002011-06-25T13:23:56.237-07:00Beetroot blogging and windy running<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">You may be forgiven for thinking this blog is going to be about the dietary benefits of beetroot and the digestive system but you would be mistaken.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Chose a 175 bpm interval training session with Martin Yelling again along the coast path and did a double run along the beach. I set up the GPS but the mileage stayed at 1.4 which was the reading when I reached the beach before I'd run along it twice and returned on the same route, so I don't know exactly how far I ran today. Not only has the GPS stopped working properly but my old Apple has died for good, which means I shall have to borrow 'the work' Apple to finish off blogging Juneathon as I can't afford the money for a new one just yet.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">But set backs haven't deterred me before (injuries maybe) and I still did the exercise even if the statistics are a bit vague. I walked up the steep steps again as I can't run up at 160 bpm let alone the 170 interval that Martin was telling me to do. I attempted to pick up the beat on the slope but could feel my face getting redder and redder (hence the beetroot reference)and decided to slow it down for a while to recover as I don't have any heart rate monitoring equipment other than myself. Fortunately, the fresh winds revived me and I got ready for another burst just as the dog turned up from her own private 'interval' training a little short of breath.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I really must get her to co ordinate with my runs a bit more but in the true willing nature of dogs she did put another effort in.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I arrived back hot and sticky and needing to wash my hair yet again. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I think all Juneathon participants should get a shampoo allowance.</span>Running Meditationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03134751859199150133noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770949729617627188.post-27933536676194514002011-06-24T14:23:00.000-07:002011-06-25T11:21:18.815-07:00More tiredness, more toast and more - EXERCISE.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Still really tired. It could be to do with the fact that I am not getting to bed before midnight when I'm kung fu training and then seem to be waking at 5.00 am and getting up at 6.30 am. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Cycled the short distance to work to try and make myself more alert which involves two sharp hills each way. Didn't take the GPS so couldn't log mileage though but I think it's only about a mile.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Went to stock up the cupboards at Tescos and tackle the Friday crowds. Terrible! There was a log jam at the check outs. (Bought more muesli though to see me through the rest of Juneathon. I would have bought the Dorset Muesli but couldn't justify the £3.69 or more when there wasn't an offer on - even though I wanted to enter the camper van competition so I got 3 boxes of Jordans (with no competitions)because there WAS an offer on.)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">(Note to self, *this is sounding like jogblog's blog* - the style is rubbing off Cathy!)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Just have time to sit down with my toast - one with peanut butter and one with honey and tahini before driving off to Kung Fu for my Juneathon of the 24th. Another late evening meal.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I'm looking forward to NOT waking up at 6.30 am for the school bus.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I'll confirm my training when I return ...............</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">....Later. I was so tired I took a 15 minute nap to order and surprised myself (never managed it before) and woke up just in time to drive to Kung Fu. Very clammy evening again and everyone was dripping. I suspect it was as much the climate as the workout - which was hard but wouldn't explain why we don't normally sweat quite so profusely.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Need to get a belated shower now as I chose to relax and have tea before it was too late. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Already feeling that I may miss the virtual company of my fellow Juneathoners in a few days even though I haven't spoken to everyone.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Finished off, said goodbye and jumped in car to drive the 2 hours back home while stopping off for a couple of items for dinner. Grabbed a slab of barabrith and changed into running gear for a quick coastal jog estimating that I could just fit in 35 minutes and get back in time to change and take the Tai Chi class.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I didn't have the GPS with me but reckon I did over 3 miles as I ran along the beach as well and completed all Tom Yelling's intervals minus the final cool down of 5 minutes. So I felt quite satisfied with that.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Surprised that I had time for a 4 minute shower and change before nipping up the village to take the Tai Chi class. I was pleased I did the run before hand because there was a delicious Mexican meal waiting for me at home and a large glass of wine. Worth all the back to back work during the day.</span>Running Meditationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03134751859199150133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770949729617627188.post-52251350384831013712011-06-22T14:57:00.000-07:002011-06-22T14:57:00.495-07:00Lots of bowls of Muesli for Juneathon<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Driving home West tonight after training there was a beautiful evening sky with the fields lit up a bright green by the golden sun and it was 9.15 p m. It occurred to me that I should make the most of these sights as we are now turning towards earlier nights.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Two hours of Lau Gar training was another red faced and extremely sweaty session - in fact I don't believe I've ever 'glowed' so much in my life before. Which means it was a good evening.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Nibbled salted cashews for tea while driving and then had a bowl of muesli at 10.15 pm.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> I felt like going for a run during the day - Adrenaline Junkie to be precise but by the time I had finished a 2 hour cleaning job I knew there wouldn't be time before Kung Fu so it will have to wait.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I was checking my Running Free statistics today and wondered how much unlogged exercise I do in the course of a day walking around, bending, stretching, lifting etc. etc. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I'm a little concerned about how I can fit in my Juneathon tomorrow as we are working away from home which means an early start and then when I get back there won't be long before the Tai Chi class but I hope I have time to fit a run in, otherwise it will be a late one and another bowl of muesli at 10.30 pm instead of a proper meal.</span>Running Meditationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03134751859199150133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770949729617627188.post-18036088109684305452011-06-21T10:44:00.000-07:002011-06-21T10:44:24.860-07:00Tai Chi running!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I'd forgotten to charge my ipod before the Tai Chi class today so we did it without music which wasn't a bad thing. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I took my shuffle for an afternoon run but I haven't used it for ages so couldn't remember what music was on there. It turned out to be all the Martin Yelling Interval training sessions and Tai Chi music. As I didn't feel like doing 180 bpm runs up the very steep hill on my route, I opted for running to Tai Chi music! It proved to work very well because I felt calm and balanced internally and just let myself run and find a rhythm. I had no way to measure it but think I was taking much longer strides. I felt very energised at the end anyway. It wasn't a long run because I had to get back for an appointment but it was a very refreshing break in a busy day.</span>Running Meditationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03134751859199150133noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770949729617627188.post-10722040845145338702011-06-20T14:31:00.000-07:002011-06-20T14:31:05.250-07:00Tired, tired, tired.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Blogging time again and I'm so glad that I've been exercising long enough not to listen to my inner voice saying, "I am soooo tired, I just want to go to sleep," although I suspect if I wasn't doing Juneathon I may have stayed at home but I packed my kit anyway (but forgot the water :(( )said, 'Goodbye' got in the car, put on the radio and drove to my destination. </span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Once in training I didn't have time to think about my tiredness. It was only towards the end of the session when I had to motivate myself (rather than someone else doing it) that I lost steam a bit. Back home I had the usual bowl of muesli and have had my bath and can't wait to tumble into bed and read before falling into a glorious sleep.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Goodnight to all my fellow Juneathoners - I'll read some of your blogs tomorrow. :)</span>Running Meditationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03134751859199150133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770949729617627188.post-25458713572885914802011-06-19T03:18:00.000-07:002011-06-19T03:18:11.833-07:00A Short Update<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Managed to fit in a two mile run/walk again this morning as I know it will be virtually impossible until later in the day when I won't feel like it. The accuracy of the GPS is called into question again but I've started to combine it with Maps on Running Free.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Took a route I do regularly to the adjacent beach which has VERY steep steps which I always walk as it's a disaster waiting to happen if I jog down. Stopped off at a neighbours house while they are away and checked everything was OK which took about 15 minutes, then set off on the road home and walked part way up the steep hill before running back at a leisurely jog. So I've jogged, logged, blogged and walked the dog (or should that be 'dogged') for today.</span>Running Meditationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03134751859199150133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770949729617627188.post-30605263674437891062011-06-18T14:46:00.000-07:002011-06-18T14:46:20.100-07:00A measly two miles<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I could have been doing a 3 hour black sash training session today but had prior arrangements which involved driving to a country fair and squelching around in ankle deep mud. Consequently, we didn't get back until 5.30 and by the time we'd unpacked the car and sorted out all the muddy gear it was getting on for 6.00 pm before I was ready to go running. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I was very tired on the drive back and determined to sit down with a glass or two of wine and watch a film so decided on a short run before dinner. However, the short routes near home are all anaerobic work outs so I set off at a slow steady jog up the steep hill before heading onto the coast path. It was great to blow the cobwebs away in the wind and although 2 miles hardly made up for a missed 3 hour black sash work out I was glad to have made the effort. </span>Running Meditationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03134751859199150133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770949729617627188.post-21191913134691741632011-06-17T14:46:00.000-07:002011-06-17T14:46:51.788-07:00Full of beans (and not baked ones)!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I'm writing a late blog tonight, not because I've been out for the night, not because I've been drinking, not even because I've been at home watching a DVD but because I went shopping at Tescos. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Friday night training is 45 minutes drive away and when it had finished I thought it would be a good idea to stop on the way home to fill up on diesel while it was quiet and then decided to do some shopping rather than tackle the crowds on Saturday. Hence I'm eating a cold tea at 22.44! and blogging. Dedication or what!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Anyway, I had a brilliant night practicing my sword and sparring amongst other things and felt full of beans - in fact I still do.</span>Running Meditationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03134751859199150133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770949729617627188.post-14994759289053524932011-06-16T12:59:00.000-07:002011-06-16T12:59:44.174-07:00Energised but ready to sit back<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I tried setting out for an earlier run today but seemed to continually get distracted by other jobs like washing up, putting a wash on, hanging a wash out, checking emails etc. etc. and when I eventually got out of the house realised that I'd left the key indoors so carried on up to the field where my partner was walking the dog before going out and walked back with him to collect my key.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I then had to re-set the GPS before starting the run. I took Audio Fuel with me today as they haven't accompanied me for a few days - in fact I've been running without music on several occasions. 'Adrenaline Junkie' was my choice and I ended up with another red-face. (Definitely not posting any photos).</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">As I was running flat out to the 190 bpm sprint the local mini bus had to hoot to alert me of her presence and I didn't feel I could stop so carried on along the bumpy verge for a few seconds. Stopped off 3.17 miles along my route at my destination to do a bit of cleaning and have a quick shower and on my return journey home (washed and refreshed) decided to do a light jog to save time when the same bus lady passed me coming back in the opposite direction. She either thought a) I'm a very slow runner or b) I'm an amazing runner and I had been jogging ever since she last saw me over two hours ago! </span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Again there was discrepancy between my GPS and Maps on Running Free. What are a few figures between friends but just in case, I opted to record the lower figure - saint that I am.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">The rest of the day was busy going from one thing to another so it was nice to finish off taking the Tai Chi class before the evening and I can now say I feel refreshed.</span>Running Meditationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03134751859199150133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770949729617627188.post-21439579874467741722011-06-15T14:46:00.000-07:002011-06-15T14:46:04.443-07:00sweat, sweat, sweat!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">A very intense Kung Fu session that had us ALL sweating cobs and I looked particularly beetroot in the face by the end of the evening but loved every minute of it. I felt quite energised and am sure my energy levels are improving with Juneathon.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">In the morning I walked the dog on the same woodland route I ran yesterday because it was so pleasant and am projecting to explore a few new routes to run next week.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Came home to a massive bowl of muesli with added nuts and seeds and now I've blogged I can have a well needed bath.</span>Running Meditationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03134751859199150133noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770949729617627188.post-21974176024516751312011-06-14T13:44:00.000-07:002011-06-14T13:47:14.835-07:00Woodland Trail<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Drove a short distance to my destination run (I was going to cycle but took the dog) which is one of my favourite local walks through an old wooded track running alongside a stream for the beginning part of the route and then opens out into meadows and fields with more trees and one or two derelict stone buildings. It's full of atmosphere and you can almost feel the ghosts of the past walking home from their daily work but this evening it was only myself and the dog.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">We had a very energising run and startled a buzzard who lumbered slowly from his post into the air and could hear cracks and rustlings in the undergrowth as the wildlife sensed our presence. The track drops down into a small tree lined gully where it meets the stream again and passes through some old gnarled trees, smoothed by the footsteps of people who have clambered through their branches until it opens into a field rising up on the far side of the valley.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">We kept to the valley floor where the track follows the trees and finally came to a gate which read, "STRICTLY NO DOGS" which would have taken us on a circular route so we headed back the same way which wasn't at all disappointing because it's like heaven on earth. The dog took a second swim in the river and we both ran soft footed on the leafy track. Nevertheless, we caused a deep, russety fox to turn at heel as we rounded the corner. I stood at a flat spot by the stream and did a little Qi Gong before carrying on back to the car.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">It always seems a shame to have to turn back from these exquisite, dry, quiet evenings with the golden sunlight and head home.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I'm very grateful to Cathy White for organising Juneathon because I know without it I would have stayed at home doing 'houseworky' stuff and not taken the opportunity to get outside and enjoy our beautiful planet.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Luckily, there was a dish of spaghetti with fresh spinach from the garden, pesto, parmesan and a few olives with garlic waiting for me - how fortunate I am.</span>Running Meditationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03134751859199150133noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770949729617627188.post-48963375726350611302011-06-13T14:49:00.000-07:002011-06-13T14:49:09.481-07:00A brief report<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Took the dog for a brisk half hour walk in the fields this morning.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Went to Kung Fu for 2 hours training and took the dog for another vigorous walk as soon as I got home.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Beautiful glowing evening with smells of honeysuckle and blackbirds singing their evening song. I would have been happy to stay out a lot later but had to get back to get ready for tomorrow.</span>Running Meditationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03134751859199150133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770949729617627188.post-84845511563560331312011-06-12T16:19:00.000-07:002011-06-12T16:19:33.306-07:00soft, grey, wet Wales.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">The rains have come to Wales and after waiting for the heaviest downpour to pass, went for a short walk with the Springer and teen rigged out in wellies, waterproofs and umbrellas. Everything below waist line was drenched on our return.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I shan't be able to complete Juneathon until later on this afternoon so will post more later. Whilst waiting (anticipating to be more precise) I did a fair amount of domestic stuff and baked a scrumptious apple pie with last autumn's apples from the freezer. Only my second or third attempt at pastry (well I do live with an ex-chef) and it passed muster although I requested detailed instructions.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">So on with the nitty gritty as it's already gone midnight - I went for another cycle ride on the back roads and wasn't entirely sure of my route but I love exploring. One of those lovely soft and secret misty, wet evenings. The slugs were migrating across the roads in 'hundreds' and lots of fledglings were crossing in front of the bike but I expect they hadn't seen one before to know what to do. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">On the return journey I met with head on strong winds which really slowed me up - especially on the steep hills. The thought of hot dinner followed by apple pie didn't even help me to speed up against the winds. I've got a hand me down road bike now but was dreaming of my lovely Dawes tourer which has been sadly rusting for a few years now and tried to adapt against the wind by leaning down onto the handle bars but it wasn't quite the same.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">The GPS and map gave a different mileage again but I logged the GPS time of 9.5 miles although I preferred the sound of 11 plus miles from the map. It certainly felt longer with the strong winds impeding my progress.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">If I was a serious blogger I would have posted a tempting photograph of my pie aesthetically displayed on trendy plates and a picture of the misty roads with my bike - instead you will have to conjure up your own image, as with a book.</span>Running Meditationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03134751859199150133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770949729617627188.post-45176452796860120062011-06-11T15:29:00.000-07:002011-06-11T15:32:28.783-07:00Juneathon day 11<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Events would have it that I couldn't get to do a Juneathon until 7.30pm and by the time I'd got myself sorted it was 8.00 pm so I decided on a quick bike ride before dinner or would that be tea .... or maybe supper?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">The GPS said 4.4 miles which surprised me as I thought the route (which I run from time to time) was just under 4 miles.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">To be honest, I couldn't give a monkeys how long or short it is but am only being diligent and logging for the sake of Juneathon statistics although in reality I exercise according to need and try to listen to my body, as it is myself I am exercising for and not someone else. Targets can be good though and the added incentive of doing Juneathon with everyone else is encouraging me to do things where I suspect I otherwise wouldn't bother. The cycle took 30 minutes and it was a glorious evening.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">This morning I took the dog for a 30 minute walk in the fields and did some Qi Gong but haven't logged this on 'running free' as I didn't record distances etc.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">My hamstrings are slowly easing up and I'm a little closer towards being able to touch my toes again (this is a normally very flexible person speaking).</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">A boring blog, I think because it's a bit late in the day and I just want to get to bed!</span>Running Meditationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03134751859199150133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770949729617627188.post-30890830401446433752011-06-10T13:49:00.000-07:002011-06-10T13:49:47.158-07:00"All's Well that ends well." (apologies William)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Challenging, painful, exhilarating. Three words that describe my day.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I was presented with lots of challenges today which, amongst other things, also meant I had to turn my plans on a sixpence. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">My Friday plans to do 2 hours of Lau Gar had to be aborted which meant I had to re-plan my Juneathon schedule but hey, I was getting used to this by 6.30 pm. I'd got through all the other challenges I'd been offered so I could do this one. Bike ride it was.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Finished off the day with an exhilarating bike ride on the sunny back roads in the sunshine listening to some music and really stepping on the pace (it was for me at any rate).</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Reflecting on the course of events, I believe that cycling was possibly the only activity which I could have managed anyway as I can't even touch my toes owing to completely ceased up hamstrings and a knee which is sending me warning signals. Another hot bath tonight in preparation for day eleven.</span>Running Meditationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03134751859199150133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770949729617627188.post-69054104052244040662011-06-09T12:50:00.000-07:002011-06-09T12:50:59.547-07:00A massage would go down very well.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I don't feel like doing a long blog tonight. Went for a run on a new route which ended up being 6 miles. My ham-strings were still aching and felt very stiff plus my ankles which I had injured previously seemed to be lacking elasticity - in fact all my body was. It's something I notice after a 6 miler so maybe that's my max. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Just as well I was doing a Qi Gong/Tai Chi class. All I need now is a long bath in radox.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I'm glad tomorrow is a non-running day.</span>Running Meditationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03134751859199150133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770949729617627188.post-64835188224640656292011-06-08T15:35:00.000-07:002011-06-08T15:35:03.871-07:00"Quite!"Had a false start to the day, a 5.30 am start to be precise. Noticed the battery had gone on the alarm as I went to bed so we changed it and I reset the time.<br />
<br />
Woke up REALLY tired, I mean really. We all fumbled about downstairs, with cups of tea and so on and while we checked lap tops for mail my other half said, "What time do you make it?" "Funny you should ask that because I was just wondering if there has been a power cut or something - my lap top says 5.25!"<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, teenager is getting more reluctant to get ready for school.<br />
<br />
"I must have given you the wrong time when I came back to bed", he says. (Stupid, unfocussed person I think in my head and now we all have to suffer. The day will be ruined .....)<br />
<br />
I trundle back upstairs for something and realise what a horrible blaming female I am - still. (I was trying to change that.) It was ME. I am the guilty party because I accidentally moved the alarm hand. Dohhh! So I'VE made everyone tired for the rest of the day.<br />
<br />
Well, teen stayed at home, partner shuffled off bleary eyed to cheerily talk to people about his photographs and I watched a film and caught up on several hundred wash worths of ironing (except for the things that are happy just to be folded.)<br />
<br />
Exercise today was 2 hours kung Fu. Quite hard, quite sweaty but I feel a bit 'middle of the road' about it. Put effort in but didn't have much spirit, which is what makes all the difference between a quite good workout and fantastic work out.<br />
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Still, fulfilled day 8 so I'm, pleased about that.Running Meditationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03134751859199150133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770949729617627188.post-7190238134589820072011-06-07T12:43:00.000-07:002011-06-07T13:15:10.050-07:00Ham Strings and Cappuccino.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Although it can be good to have targets and aims, I set off today without a specific time schedule or distance, listening to the steady beat of Sacred Drumming with its trance like rhythm and focussing on my breath and the fall of my feet.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">It was very windy and gusty on the coast path, blowing first behind and then in front and sometimes to the side whipping me up like the froth on a cappuccino so that my style of running changed with a low centre of gravity and steady, short steps. Ahead of me, miles of sand stretched out and were virtually empty save for a couple of land yachts. I scrambled down the cliff, over the rocks and onto the sands before returning along the coast path and up a few very steep hills. With the wind buffeting me it seemed to take a lot of effort and my hamstrings were aching - possibly (definitely) after yesterday's workout. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Arriving back home I wolfed down a bag of crisps which is probably a sign of dehydration and lack of salt as I rarely eat crisps. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Strange it was only 3.6 miles because more effort was required this evening than a longer run on the same route two days ago. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">It could be because I've also been charging up and down stairs carrying framed images to help set up an exhibition for:</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.christancock.com/menu/Welcome.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">http://www.christancock.com/menu/Welcome.html</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">who is also currently cooking us a very nice dinner ..... can't wait.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Add on - I almost forgot, this morning was 1 hour and 20 minutes of Tai Chi and Qi Gong.</span>Running Meditationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03134751859199150133noreply@blogger.com0