Legs Ache

Gym tonight - ran 5K, 10 mins on x trainer, 3 weights machines - and then undid any good work with fish & chips for tea followed by figs in brandy with ice cream.

I'm feeling a little bit domestic goddess atm - figs were preserved last summer from the back garden when even my capacity to consume figs was outdone by the tree's production! And I have a compote in the fridge which I'm quite proud of - blackcurrants, gooseberries, redcurrants & raspberries - all home/allotment grown.

Also feeling quite achey. I noticed at skating last night that my thighs were still aware of having been worked at the weekend and I don't think that running tonight helped. Husband commented on me limping a little as we walked across the carpark afterwards.

However, running again is definitely improving my mood, following weeks of feeling stressed and generally down in the dumps.

Eastleigh Allotments

Sad day today - Eastleigh Allotmenteers lost the battle to retain their plots in the High Court today. I'm very relieved that it's not our site - but I can sympathise - you spend years working up the soil to a good level, understanding the micro climate and ecology of your plot - and then lose it because yet more houses are being built.
And the contested site will result in even more traffic going through Easteligh - already an Air Quality Management Area. And the plot holders will have to travel to new plots - probably increasing their drive time. And it all demonstrates that we don't take seriously food miles, sourcing food responsibly, understanding the connection between food and the environment and our health..... rant over!

Ice skating was good tonight though!

Running Again!

For the first time since my ankle objected to Body Combat, I've run 5K! Treadmill at the gym earlier - did just over 5k in my allotted 30 mins and no after effects - ankle was just aching gently. I also did 10 mins on the x trainer to warm up & 3 weights machines (rower, lat pulldown & shoulder incline press).

I'm feeling a little more confident about Southampton Race 4 Life now - it's on the 15th July.

However, if it's anything like Winchester Race 4 Life, completing it in 30 mins shouldn't be an issue. Now I do realise that it's not an event that focuses on personal achievement - but to have a race that's supposed to be 5K only being 4.08K is a bit naff. A few metres out - fine - but over 900m?! Especailly naff for my colleague L who was hoping to achieve a pb. It actually feels a little patronising - not sure why!

So I have sent email to Winchester City Council who helped to organise the event - and have offered my GPS services - see what happens....

Mud and rain

Heavy rain yesterday made the 25K planned route from the house this morning much heavier going that we expected.

Also not expected - S & X came with us despite the early (half 9) start! And they were on time! The start time was due to C & M attempting to fit a ride in today as well as going off to Kent for the weekend.


It was very hard going - even Husband resorted to walking in places. 2 punctures - M before we started & C at the top of Watley lane. There were highlights though - cycling up Monarchs Way, looking at 2 buzzards cruising over the chalk hills, pretty wild flowers.


Unexpected theme carried on - despite there being no raindrops on the weather forecast, the heavens opened towards the end of the ride and we got thoroughly drenched. S was smugly wrapped up in his waterproof [I think this was me getting my just desserts for a similar thing happening in Tuscany when I was the only person to have a waterproof to hand!].

Playing catch up

I've been a very negligent blogger of late - so here's a summary of my exploits over the last month:

• Skating - twice - not exactly progressing but I may pass grade 5 in this lifetime!


• Ankle problems are still hampering my running. I did Race for Life on Sunday in Winchester and walked all bar the last 50 yards when I ran - which was OK - so I had a go on the treadmill yesterday - 10 mins no problem. Ankle is only playing up when I go down slopes or steps.


• Cycling - 3 very enjoyable evening rides locally, taking advantage of long midsummer evenings. Did 15K this evening with Husband, C & M - very muddy after this week's heavy rain. We did see wallabies en route!


• Cycling - 30k-ish ride in Italy, close to San Gimignano in Tuscany and a very gentle pootle around the city walls of Lucca


• 6 mile walk in Italy - gorgeous countryside and wildflowers. Lots of walking around towns, museums & churches too - I'm all Madonna & Child-ed out!


• Towers climbed in Lucca, San Gimignano, Siena and the Leaning Tower of Pisa


• Lots of gardening & loft clearing

So Italy was reasonably active - but I negated any benefits through eating huge amounts of yummy food (highlights included A's lasagna, banana cake from a village shop, gelato and some wonderful pasta) and drinking quite a bit. Big D is very much required!