January challenges draw to a close

Well that's it, it's ruled my life for the last 31 days. Janathon. Poppyfields January challenge, and Jantastic. Jantastic started on the 7th an is running till Sunday, the other two are over. I have jogged, logged and blogged daily, I've read other people's blogs and commented on them, I have read liked and commented on Facebook statuses and had the same done back. The support has been amazing. I have also walked,biked and swum some days as well as running. I turned my ankle last week, that only slowed me down, I dont give up easily.
So, here are the stats.
Time spent exercising in January 66.5 hours
Different activities 69
Running 209.98 miles
Biking 71.92 miles
Walking 44.95 mile
Swim 7.39 miles
Total of 334.2 miles
More running in one month than I have ever done before.
So, what next, well, 2013 is the magic number. On Daily mile I am going to see how soon I can reach 2013 miles through doing all my activities, so I'm 334.2 miles closer to that.
With Moonjoggers I am logging runs and walks, so I am 254.93 closer to that target.
My own challenges that I have taken on to raise money for The British Lung Foundation are to run (virtually) from here in Ripon to Moscow (2013 miles) so I am 209.98 miles into that journey (on the M11 heading for London). I also am attempting to run a marathon a month, I did one in training in January and attempt another on Saturday.
I've just signed up for the extended Poppyfields 2013 challenge to exercise everyday. This will help me train for Outlaw long distance triathlon, a few days after my sliver wedding anniversary in July, hubby is doing that too.
So that's it for now, I will try and blog regularly and keep you up to date with my fight to remain invincible whilst I raise money in my Dad's name.
Cheers

Day 30, penultimate January run

The weather is awful here today, gale force winds, rain and hail. When 3pm came round and it was time for school running club, I was impressed that 2 tough students turned up, the rain and hail had eased but the wind hadn't. I was the only adult so I couldn't take them off site so we ran around the field. The ground was waterlogged and absorbed every step and the wind on the way back down the field was like hitting a wall, the kids did great, fighting the wind, but we decided to cut the session short.
Run 1.84

Day 29, whoo who! buzz buzz BUZZING!

Double century, at last I have managed to run 200 miles within one month. Thanks to my fellow challengers for your encouragement, and thanks to Ripon runners for helping, when I said I needed 7.5 miles, 5.8 miles together, then thanks to Vicky, Andy and Annette for helping me get the last 2 miles.
Earlier this afternoon I ran with the juniors and together we accomplished 2.69 miles. It was really busy and all the lights were against us, so we had long waits at crossings.
Walk to work and back in the rain gives my walking total an extra couple of miles too.
Thanks also to Hubby for a gorgeous meal on my return of steak, rice and stuffed mushrooms, now I'm stuffed.
Run 10.52 miles
Walk 2 miles
Total 12.52 miles

Day 28, a month almost gone

I didn't sleep well so got up early and took Jed for a Dogjog, we managed 5.5 miles, then it was time for work.
After tea tonight I went on the turbo for the first time in months, the weather is atrocious. Torrential rain with gale force winds meant there was no way I was going out in that. 15 mins was enough for me today, my cadence was ok, about 75 not bad to start with. Need to turbo more though. I allowed myself 5 miles for that.
Then hubby and I went for a swim, We were wetter before we got to the pool than We were in it. After 1300 yes of mixed drills, it was still pouring down, the roads were like rivers. Just as we got to our street, the rain stopped. Only temporarily though.
Also hubby and I entered the ballot for the Royal Parks Half Marathon tonight, fingers crossed.
Run 5.5 miles
Bike 5 miles
Swim 1300 yd
Total 11.3 miles

Updated fundraising page

So far I have run 185 miles this year in my virtual run to Moscow http://www.justgiving.com/Lena-Conlin-Dad

Day 27. The thaw

Today my gluteus were tender from yesterday's deep snow run. I decided to get the hills done at the start, I only needed 5 miles today.
The snow has mainly melted overnight so I wore road trainers, seems so long since I last wore them. There were sloppy patches where the compacted snow had yet to melt, but the rain on top made it treacherous. I was just warming up and considering what to do with my hat and jacket, when I turned a corner and hit a headwind, then came the rain and before I knew it my tights were soaked from the rain running off my waterproof jacket.
As I crossed the River Ure I noted that it was rising. But as I reached the ford at Fisher Green, I was shocked how high the River Skell was, the ford was impassable as the water roared under the footbridge. I stopped for pics then set off along side the river, but the river had already burst it's banks and was flowing along the path so I turned round and went the road way around to the Alma for more pics.
Then I returned home to get cleaned up to go through to Harrogate.
The fields either side of the A61 were flooded with all the snow melt and it was pouring down, I think it's nearly time to build an ark.
Well that's another week over. My mileage was good considering Wednesday's accident.
Today I have run 7.2 miles and that's all.
Weekly totals are;
Run 42.62 miles
Walk 15.19 miles
Swim 2.36 miles

Total mileage 60.17 miles

Day 26 Oops moments happen

It fair snowed last night, so after a lie in, 7 am, and brekkie, whilst hubby walked Jed, hubby and I set out for Studley. It was tough going, the snow was deep and powdery. Hubby was well ahead quite quickly, but I could not get any speed up because of my ankle. It was lovely and peaceful and it was clear that there were not many people out and about, by the lack of footprints. The cattle grids leading into the park were full of snow and the roads covered in compact snow. On the way up the long drive to the church we met a friend who had the right idea, he was on skis. We ran down the grass to the lake, it was quieter than last week, bet that didn't last though. As we ran around the lake, the sun was shining through the trees, I stopped to take a picture before carrying on, it was deserted crossing the bridges, the only tracks were few tracks and absolutely deserted.
I struggled up to Sam's Seat, and took a couple of pics before heading back to Studley village. The path through the fields was now much easier as lots of people had passed since we ran up them an hour previously. We returned by Hell Wath which was busy with dog walkers.
When I got home and checked my pics, the pic of the sun through the trees a
Has an anomaly there is a red patch on it with what looks like two glowing figures in the wood. Weird.
This afternoon I walked through the slush (the snow is melting quickly) A taxi pulled up and the passenger opened the door, the lady driver told me that my skirt was tucked in my knickers. OMG I had walked through town and was now on the busiest road in Ripon and the static in my tights had caused my dress to ride up. I thanked her and carried on to the nursing home, constantly checking my skirt. Mum was very amused. On the way home I walked home holding my skirt down, a lorry pulled up to ask directions, my first thought was to check my skirt, haha. I can't believe I find this funny and am sharing this with you, not so long ago I would have been totally mortified by an incident like this.
Anyway here are some pics from today, not the skirt incident (by the way, if anyone has pics of that. PLEASE PLEASE delete them .
Run 8 miles
Walk 2.34 miles
Total 10.34 miles

Day 25

An early run this morning saw me walking stretches of icy pavements, my ankle is still holding up, supported by a compression sock. It's not pain free 100% of the time, the camber on roads and pavements give me discomfort.
I walked to work and back, got changed and walked back to the school opposite where I work to go to swim training, it was a timed mile to start with. I didn't have time to warm up, just got in as we started, 86 lengths of the 20 yd pool we were told, was a mile, I set my pool mate and off I went, slowly to warm up and not knowing how my ankle would react. Ankle was ok and I gradually picked up my pace, playing shark and creeping up behind the others, you could call it drafting but I find it frustrating, being stuck behind with no chance to pass until the person in front lets you past, sometimes 6 or 8 lengths have passed before they do. I lost count and figured that hubby is a good counter, and he had lapped me once, so when he finished I had 2 lengths (I closed that to 1 length) to go. It got to the point when I thought we should have finished but he was still swimming, I checked my pool ate, 88 lengths. I stopped and stopped hubby when he got back, he'd done 90 lengths. We then did sprints and different strokes.
After walking home, I checked my distances. 1 mile is 1760 yd and that is 88 lengths of the pool.
Run 5 miles
Walk 4 miles
Swim 2120 yd

Day 24 Landrover Hill club training

My ankle was a bit uncomfortable overnight and when I awoke it was quite stiff. Hubby walked Jed so that was a rest and It loosened off as I walked to work, I wore extra socks for support.
I got a lift home. So by the time I went to club for training I had had plenty of rest since yesterday mornings disastrous run.
I ran at the back of the group and was feeling ok, the hill training was short sprints, again running up and running down was ok, but turning round the turn points was not good, so I walked the turns, so adding acceleration to my training. We got back to club at 5 miles, so after stretching and a chat I ran home a longer route.
Walk 1 mile
Run 7 miles
Total 8 miles

Day 23, I thought it was all over :-(

Yesterday I did less mileage than planned, so I set my alarm, extra early, 5:00, and yes I do mean in the morning. I got up, had breakfast and set off at 5:50 with Jed for a dogjog. I planned to go up to Studley as its a bit lighter when the snow is on the ground.
The paths were quite slippery but the roads were quiet enough to run on, and I had my Yaktrax in my pocket should I need them. We ran along side the park to give Jed time to do his thing, then I crossed the road, and then it happened. I know that the road has corroded beside the path at the junction to Trinity Lane, but it was wet and dark and suddenly there was a shooting pain up my leg, a crack and I leant suddenly to the left. I looked down and could see the sole of my trainer. I had turned my ankle. I felt sick, I couldn't put my weight on it. I sat on a nearby wall and composed myself. I thought it was all over, no Janathon, no Jantastic, I'd pay my fine to Sid's January Poppyfields challenge. It would be difficult to complete the 3 2013 challenges and Outlaw was definitely in jeopardy. I tried again to walk, I could, it was a little tender but weight bearing. I decided to walk Jed and go home, but soon, my foot and ankle felt fine so I tried a little jog, and I could, so I decided to continue out into the county side and walk if needed, I had plenty of time. It was lovely out in the country, I could see for miles, but I felt unnerved, I ran up to Studley but didn't go in the park, I turned back and ran in town. I had to stop to put my Yaktrax on for 1 street.
I got home on the 5 mile mark, I dreaded removing my sock and trainer, but there was no visible damage, no bruise or swelling. After my bath a small bruise appeared at the base of my little toe.
I could still walk, run, hop, balance.
I am very lucky. I have rubbed Deep Relief gel into it and kept it elevated at work. It is not pain less but feels a bit like when you clatter your ankle bone of the furniture. I have just had my sports massage with Libby. She has poked, pushed, pulled and manipulated my ankle and its tender but if pain was I-10 it would be 2. A nuisance .
I am now heading out to the youth drama group for a couple of hours. Lie in tomorrow (6oclock alarm)
Run 5 miles (very happy under the circumstances)

Day 22 less than expected

More snow fell overnight and the temperature had dropped. Lie in for me, a 6 o'clock alarm as I run in the evening on Tuesdays, and as long as I run Monday morning I get a rest day, approx 35 hrs between runs. The pavements were quite slippery on the way to work today, way worse on the roads too, but schools were open.
By the time it was time to walk home, there wasn't much improvement on the paths though the roads were clearer. Once home It was mad rush, get changed, out again with the dog, dry him, feed him, grab my bag and get to the cricket club for junior runners. It being sloppy, the head coach decided to run the session on the cricket field.
After the kids left it was adult club, lots of people turned up, and many were heading off road, our group chose a nice little loop on quiet roads, we were a small group and it was a nice run. It's amazing the difference not running with the juniors made.
The distances were not massive today,
Run 5.26 miles
Walk 3 miles
Total 8.26 miles

Day 21 snow day

I got up this morning and went for a run, hubby walked Jed so I could just go and enjoy the snow, I set off at 6:30, slowly and wearing my Yaktrax. I was impressed to see that North Street was clear and there was plenty of traffic. I ran round to Lickley Street along well trodden footpaths. The roads were snowy but case were travelling along them ok, and even though Lickley street is a hill, it was obvious that a few cars had already made it up the hill. The bridge at Fishergreen was a bit skippy, but Yaktrax helped me stay upright. It was turning into a nice run, the weirdest bit was West Lane, the snow was deeper there. I got to Glovers Bridge and checked my watch, it was 7:20 time to go home and get ready for work, shame, I could have run much further.
When I got out of the bath I had a text from a colleague, apparently school was closed. I never got a text so I went in, it was a great opportunity to do some admin tasks without interruption.
Left work at 2:30 and after a lovely cup of coffee, went to walk Jed with Hubby. Jed loves the snow, even when it's almost up to his belly.
So that's today, I have not decided whether I will swim at 8 tonight or not yet.

2013 challenges, week 3 update

Most of my training this week was taking into account the Brass Monkey half marathon at York, this race should have been today, but was cancelled yesterday due to the weather conditions on the course. This was a good decision in my mind. Fast athletes would not have been able to get the times that the were after. There would have been risk to injury, slower runners would have got cold and the poor marshals would have been stood out there in that bitter wind for 3 hours.
What it meant for me though was that I needed a long run. I went out with my husband, he had been out with the dog and said it was bitterly cold, so I wrapped up well, too well, within 4 miles I was struggling with over heating. I stopped and put my coat headband and gloves in my backpack. And carried on, a mile or so later we stopped to chat to another runner and then carried on but now we were off road it was even tougher. It was beautiful though, we ran through Hell Wath, Studley and Clotherholme farm. The toughest bit was the "cow field" the ruts were frozen and hidden by snow, making it tricky underfoot. So t was not the quickest of runs but it was enjoyable.
This afternoon we walked the dog through the fields for a four mile jaunt, again there were tough areas, Jed didn't care, he loved it and was running around like a loony when he slipped on a frozen puddle, he got up looking around, almost in embarrassment, it was so funny.
Anyway here are today's totals
Run 13.16 miles
Walk 4 miles.
As for the challenges;
Janathon, I have jogged logged and blogged everyday for the last 20 days giving me a run total of 144 miles.
Jantastic, I have completed more than my predicted 7 runs a week, total since start on 07/01/13,
17 runs.
Sid's January Poppyfields Challenge, I have done physical exercise every day in January so far and posted it on the Facebook page.
Moonjoggers, since 01/01/13 I have run and walked 161 miles, leaving 1852 miles until I complete my pledged 2013 miles.
2013milesin2013 (daily mile) 2013 human powered miles, swim bike run walk 236 miles done.
My own virtual run to Moscow to raise money for the British Lung Foundation in My Dad's Name.
I have run 144 miles, this places me on the A1(M) near the Alconburys, heading for the A14

19January Snowy Saturday

The snow settled in Ripon overnight, about 3 inches, I couldn't wait to get out onto the dark silent streets. I really wanted to get out into the countryside but a half marathon tomorrow made that not the best Idea. So I went the route I used to train on when I was working up to my first 5km. I was not the first out, there were plenty of footprints for 7am on a Saturday. But the snow was good to run on, not slippery at all. I took my time enjoying the feel and sound of the crisp snow under my Brooks ASR trainers. I really did enjoy my run, it was very invigorating.
After a breakfast of homemade pancakes, streaky bacon and maple syrup, I wrapped up warm and took the mountain bike and set off to Studley Deer Park. I am so lucky to have Studley, practically on my doorstep. The roads were now slushy as the snow started to melt, but the side road that led to Studley Rodger was compact snow which was a bit sloppy to ride on. I entered the park and was surprised to see a couple of cars already leaving. I cycled all the way up to the gate, the church was stunning in the snow, a great view to focus on as I cycled the mile up to the gate, to my left could here shrieking and giggling, I knew the kids were enjoying the snowy hills, but I would investigate that later, right now, I wanted to see the deer, so I headed in the opposite direction and soon found the deer, they were very brave, they let me ride very close and stop for pics. To be honest though, they must be used to fluorescent clad 2 legged and 2 wheeled beasts, as Studley is a favourite training area for many.
After finding the deer I headed for the car park and as I approached I was amazed at how many people were around, there was a constant stream of cars heading for the car park and the hills were covered in people sledging and playing in the snow. I love Studley for its peace and quiet. There was none of that today as the kids enjoyed the snow, they were having great fun. I was starting to get cold, so headed home.
This afternoon I walked to visit mum and back.
Brass Monkey half marathon tomorrow - cancelled. Shame that, but the right decision. Imagine the poor marshals out for 3 hours in this weather. Plus if this freezes overnight it will be lethal to run on.
Run 3.6 miles
Bike 7 miles
Walk 2.34 miles
Total 12.94 miles