Kilomathon: Done

Well, that was deeply unpleasant... I really, really hate running...

Day went as follows:

Woke up at 06:30 to the pitch black of pre-dawn and the sound of wind driving the rain into the windows. Quite inspiring really (yes, that is sarcasm). Bounced out of bed, filled with enthusiasm for the day ahead (and, yes, that's more sarcasm).

Left for the walk to Ocean Terminal and the start line. Rain has stopped, sun is coming out, I'm not late, things are looking up! At the start line realise that this is not the busiest of running events - but that just means less hanging around. Which is good as it was not all that warm (had to surrender my trusty ski jacket to the baggage truck by 08:15. Or else!). Run starts at 08:30 hours.

At 08:35 hours the sky clouds over again. And the wind picks up. And then it starts raining. Ugh.

Spend FOREVER running along the cycle track between Leith and Roseburn (well, that's what it felt like) through the driving rain (OK, rain was not that heavy, but still - unpleasant!).

Arrive at Murrayfield (yay!) only to discover that the last part of the run involves running past Murrayfield. Then beside Murrayfield. Then around Murrayfield and back again. Torture! Finally cross the finish line, squishing slightly, but gratified that it's all over. And it's only 10:00 (or so)!

Of course, the minute I entered the stadium the skies cleared. Turned all sunny and warm (for the time of year) as soon as I'd finished changing post-race (couldn't sit on the bus dripping water everywhere - they frown on that type of thing...). So the weather forecast wasn't completely wrong - it did say showers in the morning followed by clouds and sunshine... It just got the important bit wrong (i.e. when the showers would happen!). Although, I probably wouldn't have done anything differently (running with an umbrella wouldn't really work), and so I guess I'll just have to let that go... *sigh*

Well, I'm looking forward to never doing that again.... And using my new-found knowledge of the cycle paths when I actually take my bike out - not that that'll be anytime soon - too windy!

I'll say one thing for the Kilomathon, though - cool medal.

;oD


Running time/distance: 1 hour 30 mins 21 secs /13.1 km (8.14 miles)

10K: Starts here...

In the on-going attempts to torture myself into something resembling fitness and good health, I've also signed up for Edinburgh 10K at the start of October (see: http://www.greatrun.org/events/event.aspx?id=3).

According to the marathon time splits, I actually went through 10k in just over 1 hour and 6 minutes. Which I find very, very hard to believe - that's the sort of time I normally take to run 5 miles, let alone just over 6...

But we shall see - I don't think that I'm as fit as I was back in May, and I certainly have not been doing nearly as much running... And the 10k route takes in all of Edinburgh's "cultural attractions" (which just translates into running up and down hills a lot - watch out for that particular phrase)...

But this will at least give me a benchmark time for me to use next year when I take 10k running on the road... Yes, indeedy, there is a vague plan to have a "Traveling 10k" challenge going on next year to try to inject some fun into this running lark (it might be running, but it's in a new place which would at least be interesting - at least that's the thinking...). Also, if I can consistently run 10k in an hour or less then I will be happy.

Or at least not completely miserable...

;o)

Running time/distance: 37 mins /3.28 miles

Kilomathon: The madness continues

I felt bad after not turning up for the Glasgow Half. In a way... After I'd spent several hours in bed enjoying the fact that I wasn't pounding my way around the streets of Glasgow (buses were invented for a reason!).

Therefore I decided that I should sign up for some other runs - preferably for distances much less than 13.1 miles.

First up - the Kilomathon Scotland 2012. 13.1 km (see what they did there?). 30th September 2012. Read all about it here: https://www.kilomathon.com/?scotland.

In order to try to avoid the non-attendance achieved at the last run, I have decided that this should again be a "for Charity" event... Anyone with spare change can therefore donate to a terribly worthy cause (SSAFA) and also inspire me to get out of bed in the morning - simples! - here: www.virginmoneygiving.com/SamanthaRamsay.

I would like to take this opportunity to point out that the run has an 08:30am start time. I'm just saying...

(@_@)

Running time/distance: 0 mins /0 miles

5x50: Civic obedience

At the start of every flight, the flight attendants stand up and give a safety brief. Preceded by the plea that even if you are a frequent flyer you should still pay attention (and stop talking).

As I sat watching tonight's safety brief (I even read the little card which shows you the entire brief in pictures - EVERY TIME), it occurred to me... It's just me, isn't it?

I mean, the passengers on either side of me didn't even look up from their magazines when the safety brief started (let alone reach for the card). Some people didn't stop talking. And we won't even get started again on the inability of certain people to leave their mobile 'phones turned off long enough for the flight attendants to tell them to leave them turned off...

It's just me that follows the instructions to the letter as presented, then. It's just me that could recite the safety briefings for each different airline word for word (noting the variations between the airlines). It's just me that actually looks behind me when they tell you to in order to check the location of the nearest emergency exit.

Isn't it???!!!!

No man may be an island, but I appear to be a little travelling cloud of solitude, at the very least...

*sigh*

:o}

Running time/distance: 40 mins /3.22 miles (Tuesday)

5x50: Day 8

So, after a rocky start (one brief contest with Darth Treadmill = 2 days doing nothing), I have managed to catch up with at least my weekly total.

Week 1 = 36km achieved! The majority of which were cycling or walking, it has to be said... But running will have to make a triumphant return soon, as I'm short of opportunities (and time) this week...

Other than that I've been reading too much (still) and thinking on where to go for my summer holiday... In November... As you do...

:o)

Running time/distance: 0 mins /0 km (0 miles) 

5x50: Day 1

So I signed up to the 5x50 Challenge - run/walk/jog/cycle 5km every day for 50 days, starting 9th September.

Day 1 dawned, and I managed to drag myself to the gym for another round of combat with Darth Treadmill. Which was pretty much as fun as I remembered...

Still, actually did 5km on day 1, and so shouldn't complain. Leg hurts now, though... Hmmm...

One day I will actually be good at this "running" lark and/or will enjoy it... But that day has yet to have a morning!

:o)

Running time/distance: 41 mins /5 km (3.1 miles) 

Half: Oops!

So, woke up bright and early on 2nd September, ready for the Glasgow Half...

Or not, as it turns out. Was tired and grumpy and decided that I would much rather return to bed. So that's what I did...

Hey, ho. There will doubtless be many other opportunities for me to torture myself in the future...

Since it amused my entire family, I shall share with you my wisdom from this event: "fun" and "run" are words which should never appear in the same sentence...

:o)