Disappointing dreich week (Week 7 - 24 to go)

Oh I'm beginning to love Saturdays – no training – however lots of housework to do, so no rest for the wicked as they say.  And still playing catch up with the chores on Sunday I only managed a 50 minute bike ride and it was getting quite late, good job I had my lights

Evening bike ride

Monday I had planned on sneaking in a short run, but after being outside in the rain all day, I just couldn't face getting wet again and successfully talked myself out of it.  However I really think I would have been better just getting on with it as I spent all evening feeling guilty about it.  I wouldn't mind but it was an extra run to the plan.

Tuesday and the regular coaching session, which is on the road now the evenings are so dark, I think we are becoming a regular feature on Lamlash prom, pounding up and down with our timed reps.

No training on Wednesday albeit a busy day work wise, finally finishing just after 9pm and then getting my kit ready to take with me in the morning for the planned Thursday afternoon long run.

Goatfell summit
 Watson shelters behind a rock for his treat, blowing a hoolie
 and the 'mist' is lashing rain!

Thursday’s long run this week was another jaunt up Goatfell.  The rain was lashing and it was quite windy at the bottom, so I knew it would be gale force at the top – not the best of starts.  But off I set.  My uphill running is still excruciatingly slow and I suffer with my calves seizing up, having to walk after a short time.  But I persevered battling the elements and I am sure someone added an extra bit in the middle, it seemed to take forever to gain the height this week, finally reaching the top I only hung around long enough to put on an extra layer (an take a quick pic) for the colder downhill run.  At least I knew I would be a lot faster on this bit. Wind and rain continued to batter us and I have to say I was glad to get down but totally disappointed with my time.  It’s 4 weeks since I last went up and the time was the same – no improvement. Oh well, at least I did it.

Friday teatime run on a dark trail

Friday despite the bloody awful weather (more wind & rain) I did stick to the plan and manage a short recovery run, so I might treat myself to a beer tonight.

Next week I hope to step it up a bit and add in another training session – really must get out on my bike a bit more and I need to keep the runs up, so the only solution is to do more. Now I just have to find the time.

Weeks activity 21^st – 27th  November:

Saturday – No training

Sunday – MTB 50 minutes hilly.

Monday – No training

Tuesday – Coaching session 5.5km

Wednesday – No training

Thursday – Goatfell (not race route) 11.3 km Height gain 842m

Friday – Recovery run 4km / Height gain134m

(Goatfell Race 15.5km / 870m)