Monday, March 31, 2008

Quadrophenia

Didn't make the 10 mile weekend run, in my defense my quads were killing me... I can't understand it; I thought I had stretched enough after the 4 mile run on Friday morning. Oh well, next on the list is a 3 mile lunchtime run tomorrow from the office.

Thursday, March 27, 2008

...yawn...

After a lengthy absence I'm back on track. An early start this morning, up at 6am and out by 6.30. Managed a little over 7 miles in 1.09, a respectable pace. Short 4 mile run tomorrow morning and a long 10 mile run planned for the weekend.

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

goo goo g'joob...

I'm Just back from another trip to the US and I'm sorry to say that I managed only 1 run during my week over there, consequently I'm feeling very unfit...

The flight over was pretty uneventful, there were plenty of empty seats and critically the one next to me was empty giving me that all important inch of extra leg room. I started reading "Jupiter’s Travels" and the flight (forgive the pun) flew by, it's a great read if you're interested in motorcycles or travel or both.

On my first day I woke very early, just after 4am, but my hotel gym didn't open until 6am. I tried to sleep a little longer but once I'm awake it's virtually impossible to get back to sleep so I checked out early morning TV, checked my mail and did a little work. Finally 6am arrived and I was first through the gym door. I use the word "gym" in its broadest possible context; it was tiny room with a treadmill and bench.

My second day mirrored day one; wide awake at 4am. This time I was beaten to the "gym" but a large man in obvious need of exercise; if you can imagine a walrus struggling to keep up with the treadmill you've got the image that greeted me. Since there was only one treadmill I was out of luck that morning.

On my third day the walrus was back... but I was off to start my vacation; I picked up a car from the airport and headed north towards Pennsylvania and eventually Harrisburg. From there I headed east to Philadelphia and then back to DC for the last 2 days.

The flight home was again uneventful but it could have been different... I was one the last passengers to board and when I arrived at my seat there was a very, very large man sitting next to me. Well, he was half the height of a normal man but three times the width, not ideal dimensions for flight neighbour. He reminded me my nemesis; the treadmill hogging walrus! Not the kindest description but the one that sprang to mind. Lucky for me the flight was not full and there were plenty of empty seats. My neighbour suggested that he move to an empty row before the plane takes off, a suggestion I fully endorsed and actively encouraged, and we're back with that all important inch of extra leg room.

Thursday, March 06, 2008

Cock-A-Doodle-OH MY GOD, what and I Doing!!

I just couldn't stay awake last night and finally gave in at 9pm. Had a great sleep and woke up at 4am this morning and decided to get up and get out for a run. I had planned on a 5 mile run (as per schedule) but felt good at 2.5 miles so I kept going to the 3 mile mark before turning around.

I have to say it's a great time to be out running, especially if you're running in a town or city; there are no cars or pedestrians to worry about. I'm going to turn this jetlag into a good thing and try to make getting up REALLY early a routine.