Day 128 - 01 March 2011

Tuesday. 
Intervals. 3 miles running. 2 miles walking 

It was slightly warmer than I had anticipated - it was 2 Degrees C with an 8 mph NNE wind. I was glad I had grabbed my scarf before walking out of the door. I found it especially hard to leave my bed this morning. I had to tell myself out aloud, "Don't look at the pillows. Don't look at the pillows." If I had looked back, I would have got straight back into bed.

With "The News Quiz" podcast in my ears, I headed out east. The sea was very quiet and I was straining to make out the array of lights that arrived last night, smack bang in the middle of the bay. At first I thought it was a large fishing vessel, but I think there's a temporary drilling rig out there. I hope to be able to see more when its daylight. 

As I headed west, I saw Mr Early. I was determined to get a better photo of him, but didn't want to appear as though I was his stalker...I had thought of hiding behind one of the trees, but in my bright pink fleece top, that would have looked silly. I then wondered if I could hide in someone's front garden - but could have been arrested. 

So for the moment - you've got a photo of him just cycling past me...(crikey, if only he knew...)

I've also taken a photo of Nemesis Hill. Frustratingly, it looks pathetic in the photograph - it's far steeper in real life.

As I headed eastwards towards home, with the sea on my right, once again I was greeted with dawn breaking. There's slightly more cloud cover this morning so no stars and only a glimpse of a dark orange crescent moon - what a shame...that would have looked beautiful had the sky been clear. 

Another lovely way to welcome in Tuesday - and to welcome in March! Thank goodness I didn't look at those pillows....

SEA STATE
Swell - 1ft @ 5secs
Wind - 17mph

Temperature
Sea 8°c Air 2°c

First Light: 6:18am - Sunrise: 6:49am
Sunset: 5:50pm - Last Light 6:21pm

Day 127 - Monday 28 February 2011

Monday. 
5 miles: 3 miles running and 2 miles walking.

After yesterday's 15 miles, I wasn't sure whether I should be running this morning or not, but the weather of 1 degree C and a wind of just 2mph encouraged me to do so. 

It was cold to begin with, but after a few minutes' running, I was more than warm enough. This morning's route took me east along the sea, then north, then west which included my Nemesis Hill before heading home eastwards again. 

I saw a glimpse of Mr Early, who appeared to be a little bit late this morning ***SHOCK*** and.........(drum roll)........Mr Rude Navy. Who was still quite, quite rude. I deliberately gave out a cheery good morning to him, but he totally ignored me. If I see him tomorrow morning, I shall laugh at his navy wooly hat. 

The sky was partially clear - mostly out to sea. But a wonderful sight on my way out of the crescent moon, low in the south east sky, with its partner, Venus to the moon's west. Glorious. 

However, it was on the last eastbound leg that I was really rewarded this morning. Dawn. Last week, every day was thick cloud or mist. But this morning's conditions were perfect and I had a wonderful view of the dark velvet night looking over to the west over Christchurch bay, which became a beautiful turquoise blue over to the east where I could see Hengistbury Head and further in the background, the Isle of Wight. 

Wonderful stuff. Just a shame that it's Monday!

SEA STATE: 

Swell - 1ft @ 11secs
Wind - 18mph

Temperature
Sea 8°c Air 1°c

First Light: 6:20am - Sunrise: 6:51am
Sunset: 5:48pm - Last Light 6:19pm

Day 126 - 27 February 2011

Sunday.  Plan: 20 Miles.  Achieved: 15 Miles  


It was 10.30am and the sun was out.  I was considering taking my sunglasses, but they were in the car and I couldn't easily find my keys.  So I went without...knowing I would be squinting for the whole journey. 


My route would take in Christchurch Castle and the River Avon, then Mudeford and its harbour, followed by Avon Beach, then heading east towards Highcliffe and its famous golf club.  I would then turn round and come back towards Somerford and walk towards Burton and Winkton, before heading home towards Southbourne. 

I didn't need my sunglasses, as it happened.  As I walked across the bridge of the River Avon - about 40 minutes' into my journey...it started to rain.  *sigh*  I headed on, regretting the fact that my fleece and my running tights were not going to offer me any waterproofing.  Hey ho.  Perhaps it's just a shower. 


I reached my further point, Highcliffe Golfcourse before turning around and heading for Winkton and Burton.  As I stopped to take a photo of the lane I was walking in, I spotted the huge black clouds gathering over to the east.  

I knew that I needed to step up my pace or be drenched.  So I did both.  My pace was now a tad under 6mph and the clouds decided to open.  Not only that, but the wind got up too.  I could feel the tops of my legs beginning to go numb.  Time to change course from what I had hoped would be a 20 mile journey today.  I was wet through and didn't see the point of continuing on towards Bournemouth. 


So I headed back up Belle Vue Hill and into Southbourne.  All I could think of by now was a hot shower.  

Day 125 - 26 February 2011

Saturday.  4 miles


After two days of resting my knees and hips, I was raring to walk again.  I planned just a short journey today as I knew I had my long route planned for tomorrow - a 20 miler. 


I brought along my husband, Ian and our West Highland Terrier called Foggy and we followed the coastal road and back.  Foggy's 11 years old now and can't do the long distances he used to enjoy, so we went and bought some eggs, bacon and fresh orange juice and headed back home. 

Saturday mornings - my favourite time of the week.  What better way to celebrate such a day than by having an hour's leisurely walk with the family and home to bacon and eggs? 


The sea looked wonderful this morning. Almost good enough to swim in!

Day 124 - 23 February 2011

Wednesday. Intervals. 3 miles running. 2 miles walking. 
Raining. 8 Degrees, 13mph winds with occasional gusts of 21mph

Alarm is now going off at 4.45am. Somehow, this feels easier than it going off at 5am, although I'm not entirely sure why. Ugh...rain. I'm not wearing my bodywarmer any more as it's mild now, but this means I have no protection against the rain - my fleece preferring to 'collect' the water and hold it as close to my body as it can. 

I could spot a few fishing boats out to sea this morning. Their lights slowing flashing way out on the horizon. I wondered what they were catching as I headed along the cliff tops and over to my long road. One thing I've noticed is how the street lights play tricks on you at that time of the morning. They give you two shadows. They do! You try it for yourself! If you're not aware of this, it can give you the impression of someone about to POUNCE on you. It's not a pleasant feeling at stupid o'clock....perhaps that's where the term 'frightened of your own shadow' comes from. 

We have a new kid on the block. This morning was the third morning in a row for Mr Speedy. On Monday, I mistakenly called out and waved a 'Good Morning!' to him, as I thought it was Mr Early. He was riding a bike and wearing a yellow Hi Viz. But going SO much faster. He gave me that odd look (you know the one..."silly woman in a bright pink fleece waving to a complete stranger" kind of look). But he was out again this morning. Crikey. Just how many cyclists are there going to be? 

my long road..heading North

The 'real' Mr Early cycled past bidding me a cheery 'Good Morning!' - he's the real mccoy. And still no sign of Mr Rude Navy. Definitely a lightweight. 

I didn't see the fox this morning, which was a shame - I had my camera ready all morning, wearing my iPhone body strap on the outside for quick access....and found I didn't need it. Bah. Hopefully tomorrow then. 

The buds on all the bushes and trees are really trying to burst out and there's a promise of spring everywhere.  I've noticed with great joy that an evergreen bush with tiny little white flowers is giving off the most amazing smell - could it be a winter jasmine? The bush itself is enormous..but glorious to walk or run past. 

Well here we are on a Wednesday morning. Half the week almost done. I didn't get the chance to eat dinner last night, having spent most of the evening ferrying my daughter to and from home, so I'm really hungry this morning and looking forward to my porridge and banana after my shower. 

Have a great Wednesday. 

SEA STATE: 
Swell - 1.5ft @ 11secs
Wind - 19mph

Temperature
Sea 8°c Air 8°c

First Light: 6:30am - Sunrise: 7:01am
Sunset: 5:39pm - Last Light 6:11pm

Day 123 - 22 February 2011

Tuesday. Intervals: Running 3 miles. Walking 2 miles.

The weather was a little bit on the damp side, but perfect in terms of wind and temperature. We had a SSW wind at just 1mph and 6 degrees. Really warm when you're running. 

I headed over towards the sea first of all to check out the surf. With hardly any wind, it was very quiet and with a gentle swell coming in. Perfect for a swim had it been summer....

I was earlier than usual this morning, as I have a breakfast networking meeting to go to. This meant that there were even fewer vehicles than normal and as I headed up on the long road leading away from the sea, I spotted a single fox. I slowed down and made noises that you would to a kitten...it stopped. In fact, it stopped in the middle of the road and just looked at me. I kept making the kitten noises (you know, when you do a loud smoochy kiss?) whilst I hurriedly got my iPhone out, turned off my earphones searched for the camera app. Amazingly, it was still there. So I took a photo. It's dark - but you can *just* make it out in the picture. 

I then ran up Nemesis Hill (ouch) and as I passed the newsagents, I realised just how early I was. Dave the 74 year old paperboy was nowhere to be seen. 

I then spotted Mr Early. I've been asked by several readers to take a photo of him. I didn't think I would frighten him by stopping to fiddle with my camera in FRONT of him (I didn't really have time as he's on a bike), but I managed to catch his tail lights.....I promise you a better picture when it's lighter. He bid me a cheery "Good Morning!" any way. 

See the red tail light in the distance?!!

As I was heading back home again, I just spotted Mr Alsatian coming out of his house. His Alsatian was running towards me. With no lead. I stopped breathing for a few seconds before he called him over. Phew. No dog mauling today then. 

Heading home (under a street lamp)

Have a great Tuesday everyone.

SEA STATE
Swell - 2ft @ 13secs
Wind - 1mph

Temperature
Sea 8°c Air 6°c

First Light: 6:32am - Sunrise: 7:03am
Sunset: 5:38pm - Last Light 6:09pm

Day 122 - 20 February 2011

Sunday.  Long Distance Day.  Hengistbury to Sandbanks and back - 18 miles.


I had planned on getting up at 6am and getting started so that I would have the whole day left, but having had such a busy day yesterday, I just about managed to get up at 8am.


It didn't start well....my HRM went on strike.  It refused to work, so I kept it on to use it for the time and set off.  


It's certainly odd walking in daylight - and so many people about this morning, as we have a mild day with sunshine.  

  


The cafes were all busy and families were everywhere.  Dogs were splashing about in the water and getting covered in sand.  They were having great fun.  So too were the children, dressed up in thick coats and jackets and digging sandcastles as if there was no tomorrow.  


Lots of surfers out today too, they all drive down and park on the promenade just past Boscombe Pier so that have direct access to the water without too much fuss.  The waves were perfect today..

Swell 2ft @ 16secs
Wind 8mph
Temperature Sea 8°c    Air 6°c

You can see the surfers in the water here...

The weather was improving all morning and on my return leg, it was getting quite warm out there. There were a lot of beach hut owners opening up their huts and frying bacon and making huge mugs of steaming coffee and hot chocolate for the children.  I was very envious.  One day I WILL have a beach hut.  


Training for the 26.2 mile Moonwalk, I was aware that I need to wear thicker socks, or risk getting some pressure blisters on the soles of my feet.  I must look into that.  Much of the promenade has thick sand across it, feeling as though I was walking on the beach itself.  This was due to the recent gales blowing the sand off the beach and through the green netting that the council put up along the whole stretch.  It doesn't really work though.  Look at this - you can just make out the green netting underneath the huge pile of sand!

I faced the wind coming back - only 6mph, but it was a direct East wind, which was chilly and blowing a bit of sand up.  My face feels like its had a chemical peel - and probably looks like it too. 

A good training session.  I'm missing my usual walking chums though - I wonder what Mr Early and Mr Alsatian are doing today? 

Day 121 - 18 February 2011

Friday. Hurray. 
It was 4 deg C with a 6mph wind blowing ESE. I'm getting quite good at guessing the wind direction and temperature according to how cold my face gets and how quickly my eyes run. 

I'm also getting quick at getting my walking clothes on in the morning. Once I've dragged my face off the warm pillow (the oh......SO warm pillow), I run my HRM strap under the cold tap and that works very well at waking me up enough to move over to my clothes which have all been laid out the night before. My knee strap goes on next, then a singlet for extra warmth (which soon won't be necessary as it's getting milder), my long length running tights, a long sleeve top, then the fleece and finally the body warmer if the outside temperature is lower than 6 degrees. I also wear a body pocket which is strapped on to hold my door keys, some loose change and most importantly, my iPhone. Then on goes my baseball cap (the visor helps me to focus on the road ahead, as it acts like blinkers) and my earphones. Finally my trainers of course. It all takes about 8 minutes from start to finish. I'm looking forward to summer, where it should only take 2 minutes. 

It's quite misty out there this morning. The sea is quieter than recently to the point that I have to turn off my earphones to hear it. I was listening to The Guide to Philosophy by Gervais, Merchant and Pilkington. They were discussing "I think, therefore I am." Pilkington had a unique view to philosophy. It kept me giggling all the way. 

Friday is always a quieter day for people and cars. And as a lot of the schools have finished for half term, there was even less traffic. The birds are singing more loudly and I've noticed that it's not just the blackbirds, but all the birds singing now. Lighter mornings are really just around the corner.

I got my cheery good morning from Mr Early, who was showing off a new Hi Viz top this morning. Very smart! Mr Rude Navy was nowhere to be seen. I'm wondering whether he's got bored with running. Lightweight. 

I think even our Big Belly Bin Compactor bins knew it was Friday. I'm sure their green lights were blinking faster, as if they were happy. 

I'm out this evening to see if I can see the Northern Lights.....let's hope there's no clouds.

Have a great Friday everyone. 

SEA STATE:

Swell - 1ft @ 13secs
Wind - 10mph

Temperature
Sea 8°c Air 4°c

First Light: 6:39am - Sunrise: 7:11am
Sunset: 5:31pm - Last Light 6:03pm

Day 120 - 17 February 2011

Thursday. 
I was greeted by another perfect morning as I stepped outside. 3 degrees with a 7mph wind ENE. Listening this morning to Gervais' Guide to Medicine - an audio book that I've heard many, many times - but still manage to laugh out loud in places. Thursday already? The weeks are flying by and I'm not so sure I like it. Perhaps if we all focus really hard, we can slow the weekends down!

And as the wind has changed direction from the south, the sea has become quieter. However, the waves were breaking perfectly - perfect surfing conditions. 

Dave the paperboy was collecting the papers from the delivery van when I walked past almost at the same time as Mr Rude Navy, who I haven't seen for a while (lightweight). I summoned up the courage to give him a cheery greeting. And he IGNORED me! Just ran straight past! I'm giving him one more chance....he may not have heard me if he was wearing earphones (although I couldn't see them underneath the navy hat). Hmmmmm....

I did get a lovely cheery "Good Morning!!" from Mr Early though...it won't be long before it's light enough to get a picture of him for the Blog. I hope he's not camera-shy. 

As I turned the corner, I looked out for the setting moon again. And there it was in all its glory - looking bigger than yesterday. I really HAVE to buy a decent camera that can take night shots. The stars were peeking out behind the clouds too and it looks as though we're in for a nice day down here in the south. 

I headed back towards the sea and home, keeping an eye on the stars and watching Mr Alsatian, who was taking his lovely dog for a run on the beach. I was quite jealous.

This morning I was celebrating the birth of my beautiful great-niece last night. I'm so proud of my clever niece and I can't wait to get to London to see them both. 

Have a great Thursday.

SEA STATE:
Swell - 2.5ft @ 17secs
Wind - 17mph

Temperature
Sea 8°c Air 3°c

First Light: 6:41am - Sunrise: 7:13am
Sunset: 5:29pm - Last Light 6:01pm

Day 119 - 16 February 2011

Wednesday
I woke up a little earlier than usual, so it was out of bed and on with Ricky Gervais' Guide to The Arts in my ear. 

Outside was perfect. It was 5 degrees C with a 6mph wind. Last week, I had made the conscious decision to run/walk as walking alone wasn't touching my HRM and somehow, I find this easier than the really fast power walking that I am able to do more easily in the evenings (the speed that Debs and I achieve, which is blimmin' fast). For some strange reason in my head, power walking doesn't feel quite 'right' at stupid o'clock...

So, I'm walking for 2 minutes and running for 5 minutes throughout the whole route which keeps my HRM happy.

Everywhere was empty of cars and people. The first thing I saw as I headed inland on the outward journey were two foxes, who kept stopping to look at me before running off into a garden. 

As I approached the longest road on the journey, I was aware that in the western sky, there seemed to be floodlights on. I knew there weren't any courts or football fields around and I couldn't work out what this could be. I imagined workmen on a site working in floodlights, but I knew this couldn't be right either. I ran faster to get nearer to the source of the light, but I didn't see what was causing it until I had got to the end of the road and crossed over. 

It was the setting moon in all its glory. Almost full (86% so my Star Walk app tells me) and setting deep into the north western sky. It was a shame that I couldn't get a proper look, as the north west view has houses, so I could only see it between each house. But it was beautiful. 

I ran up "Nemesis" hill and headed towards the sea, which is still incredibly loud at the moment with big waves and because I'm running, I am obviously getting back to my starting point that much earlier. This gives me chance to start running in a different direction now and allows me time to spot more things in the sky. I saw Venus rising up in the east and whilst running towards this direction, I became suddenly aware of the dark, dark blue of the night sky gently changing into a deep turquoise. It was dawn breaking. Not first light..but a definite change in the colour of the night sky.

How lucky did I feel this morning? Feeling great, running, seeing the moon setting, venus rising and dawn breaking. I could have stayed out there forever. 

SEA STATE:
Swell - 3ft @ 17secs
Wind - 18mph

Temperature
Sea 8°c Air 5°c

First Light: 6:43am - Sunrise: 7:15am
Sunset: 5:27pm - Last Light 5:59pm

Day 118 - 15 February 2011

Tuesday.
It's raining hard. It feels cold (6 deg C). There's a fierce SSE 18 mph wind with 30mph gusts. And I am hungover from last night's Valentine's dinner. 

It's not a good combination. I was *that* near to saying 'sod it' and placing my head back on my warm pillow. But I knew I would feel better for having walked.

Mr S was concerned about how bad my head is this morning, so came along with me and Foggy joined in too. 

We made a bad decision in heading north west on our way out. Without the rain, walking in this direction was almost pleasant. We chose the high street route, so that the shops would protect us from the worst of the gusts. 

But as we got to the further point, we turned into the wind onto the coastal path to head back. Now we were walking directly into the gusts and the rain. 

Amazingly, Mr Early was out there - it's so hard cycling in this wind. Fair credit to him. But apart from him, we saw no one. And just one car. I think everyone must be taking a lie in this morning. We turned the last corner towards home, where there is the best view of the sea out towards Hengistbury. It was breathtaking (or was that the wind?!). The waves were huge and breaking way out to sea. I'm looking forward to seeing it in the daylight on the way to work - it will be amazing.

I'm back in the warm again now, but my hangover hasn't blown away. It doesn't bode well for the rest of the day at work. 

SEA STATE:

Swell - 5.5ft @ 5secs
Wind - 34mph

Temperature
Sea 8°c Air 6°c

First Light: 6:45am - Sunrise: 7:17am
Sunset: 5:25pm - Last Light 5:58pm

Have a good Tuesday.

Day 117 - 14 February 2011

Monday. Happy Valentine's Day  

Not my favourite day of the week I admit. It was so warm whilst getting dressed into my walking gear that I thought it must be really warm outside. Well, either that, or I was having one of those menopausal hot flushes. 

But it was decidedly colder at first - a really chilly wind with a light drizzle. Darn it. I had left my body warmer and scarf at home. So it meant I would have to go that bit faster to keep warm. 

This morning, I chose "How to cope with Mitchell & Webb" and I almost bumped into Dave the Paper Boy (and our next door neighbour) before I had even shut the front door.

I took the coastal route this morning, which is a long cliff top road that leads to Boscombe Pier. It meant that I could hear the really loud crashing of waves throughout my whole journey. The sea is incredibly loud at the moment and the waves appear to be breaking far further out than usual. Surely the tide can't be out all the time? 

I waved a cheery "Good Morning!" to Mr Early, who I think has new cycle light batteries - they were much brighter this morning! 

Turned around at Minute 30 and began my walk/run back home. This direction was so much better - the wind was behind me, which enabled me to look up and stare at all the stars, poking their wonderful light through the whispy clouds. 

Let's hope the day at the office is as wonderful as this hour. I'm not certain it will be!

SEA STATE:

Swell - 4.5ft @ 5secs
Wind - 16mph

Temperature
Sea 8°c Air 4°c

First Light: 6:46am - Sunrise: 7:19am
Sunset: 5:24pm - Last Light 5:56pm

Day 116 - 13 February 2011

Sunday


Normally a day of rest...but I need to keep any stiffening muscles from setting firm, so I had two short walks today, which has helped to loosen me up a little.


I am aiming to do a 15 mile walk next Saturday, all going well.  

Day 115 - 12 February 2011

Saturday - Medium Length Training Walk:


I have the Edinburgh Moonwalk (26.2 miles) to do in June 2011, so at the weekends, I am doing long walks to get my legs and knees ready for the event.


Today, I completed 12 miles of which the last 3 miles were completed at a running pace. 


I will be building up to 18 miles, then 20 miles and finally, a few 25 mile walks before June to ensure I'm able to cope with walking for 6-7 hours' duration.  I also need to take in some pretty hefty hillwork too.  It's far too flat here compared to the hilly terrain of Edinburgh!