The only word I can use to describe my attempt at training this week is diabolical. Out of the 5 training sessions planned, I managed 2 and a half. Well, maybe only two.

Strictly speaking, only one.

I guessed things weren’t going to plan when I realised I hadn’t taken the right kit to work on Tuesday. Saying “the right kit” implies I had the wrong kit when it would be more accurate to say no kit. I recovered well on Wednesday and did a 5 mile (well, 4.7mile - thanks MapMyRun - but it’s so hilly that the effort requires definitely ups to at least 5 miles if not more. Thursday ended up being a write off owing to, erm, can’t remember. Not being arsed probably.

On Friday, I started doing a 6 mile run with the dog. Unfortunately, after a mile, I remembered that a field we run through was currently home to a large flock of sheep and while I could put the dog on the lead, generally I felt it was a bad idea. I hate having to improvise a run when I’ve already got my mind around the route I’m going to be doing. I ended up doing not much more than 2.5 (3 if I’m lucky) miles which were interuppted by the hound wanting to go and play with other dogs and stopping to sniff all the time. Quality of workout - poor.

Saturday was planned out because I was on hatchling duty all weekend but I hoped that on Sunday I’d get out to do my long run for the week. However, once again because of my piss poor planning, I found myself cooking supper for the family at 5pm and being so hungry that I couldn’t think of doing a long run so ate with the family instead. Which was nice. I could have gone out later but I don’t have the kit for running in the dark and one of the joys of living in the countryside is the relative lack of streetlights.

So, one week gone and only one proper workout done.

However, today made up for it. I ended up working from home today after taking the wife to the local EPAU* this morning. That meant that I wouldn’t be riding home late and could go for yesterday’s long run today. So I did. All 12 miles of it. The schedule demanded that 12 miles to be done in 2 hours. Well, okay, not so much demanded as asked politely. Indicated a preference. Suggested as an idea perhaps. It was so agreeable that I managed it in 1h 45 mins (aided and abetted by a very well planned out course that is mostly flat). I must also thank the skateboarded who I nearly came to blows with after about 7 miles because he angered motivated me enough to pick up my speed some. The run felt great - although at the start I felt heavy and achey - but managing that in training has given me confidence enough that I’m not as out of shape or incapable as I was beginning to suspect I was.

On a side note, many congratulations to Aquaasho for completing the Jungfrau Marathon which is yet another challenge I’m going to put on my list, especially after seeing some of the pictures.

*Don’t say I never tell you anything!