What will 2015 bring running wise? What will be this year's surprise race like 2014's 'The Beast'? What PBs will I achieve? All of them? None? Will I run 5km sub 20 mins and then 10km sub 40 mins? Most importantly, will I complete my 365 running challenge?
Well the signs are good because for the first time in a very long time indeed I feel alright. My cold finally seems to be lifting, and although I can still feel my ankle, I am not limping on it so a big improvement there. I ran a 5km route today that I have ran a lot in the last month and it felt so much easier. I could breathe! Hallelujah I could breathe! The pace was an average of 4:40 per km so alright for a jog without being sensational, and it was easy. I could breathe (did I mention that already) and I had it within me to up the pace any time I wanted. I have been running through injury and illness and it's paid off as I am coming out the other side with my fitness seemingly in tact. Just need to drop those few pounds I have no doubt gained of Christmas and I'll be back in business for the beginning of the road race season in the Spring. IN the mean time I still have to run a few more XC races as part of the Borders series.
A note on a run in Hungary. Not sure exactly what day it was but it was between Christmas and New Year (29th December or something like that), I was running at about 09:30 and it was utterly FREEZING. I had to stop to cover some exposed skin between the bottom of my jacket and the tops of my gloves because it was stinging like a frozen wasp wrapped in nettles. Also Jellyfish. Jellyfish sting. Anyway it was painful and bright red. I have never experienced anything like that before and ideally I wouldn't like to again. Back in Edinburgh the cold feels mild but I am sure that will wear off and soon enough I'll be moaning about how cold and windy Edinburgh is again.
Another note on wrapping up warm for running in the cold. Buffs don't make good running scarfs to cover your face with. Fine when walking and breathing normally, but as soon as you are running hard and breathing starts to get deep and heavy, you end up with a mouth full of scarf!
