The chafing mole

I'm having a few problems with my running rucksacks. One (the Berghaus Adventure light) is a little bulky. The other (the Osprey Raptor) is neater, but has a propensity to rub.

As I discovered today.

It was early when I ran over to the heath for a swim. Rucksack on back, I was pleased that while most people were in bed, I was already enjoying the autumnal sunshine. Unfortunately, the smugness of my reverie was matched only by the discomfort of my rucksack. So when I got to the pond, I knew it had rubbed a little. But I was shocked to discover I'd been flayed alive!

I had more welts than an extra in Spartacus. And worse, a badly positioned mole had taken the brunt of the assault and was bleeding. I decided a swim in the pond would stem the flow. Which it did. By cutting off my blood supply. It was absolutely bloody freezing. And if I'm to continue this outdoor nonsense into the winter months, then I need to move on from a bikini. Must pack a more substantial costume next time.

And there will be a next time. All the chafing and bleeding and Baltic-temperatures aside, swimming in the pond was a lovely start to the day. And when a chatter of parakeets (yes, I looked it up) swooped over my cryogenically-suspended body, the moment had an almost filmic quality.

(Stats: Forgot my stopwatch, but ran an awkward 3 miles in about 35 minutes; swam 2 laps of the pond, which is about 400 metres; water temperature: 16 degrees - only 0.3 less than Sunday, yet I could feel every absent point.)

(Pic: Temperature dropping.)

The day I didn't meet Mo Farah

So, Mo was doing a 5k run around Regent's Park this morning at 7 am. I'd mentally signed up for this unique opportunity, not only to run with an elite athlete, but also to earn a free breakfast. The first 250 finishers would get a free feed courtesy of the Holiday Inn. What's not to love? Dragging myself out of bed before 6.30 would be a challenge, but worth it.

Worth it, had I not spent the night awake counting down the hours, minutes and seconds until I had to get up for work. It may be unjust, but I'm currently laying the blame at the door of a Vietnamese coffee I had yesterday afternoon. It was absolutely lovely, but it left me wired for hours. I did a run, had a bath, tidied my room, did some washing... the effect showed no signs of abating. Finally, around 4 am, I drifted off. Suffice to say, getting up for breakfast with Mo was the last thing on my mind.

Probably just as well. I was so sleepy I inadvertently spent half the day with my top on inside-out. A colleague pointed it out at lunchtime. I disturbed him further by saying I was too tired to correct it. He gave me a wide berth after that.

Anyway, here's a review from someone who did make the run.

Winded

This evening's run was distinctly average. It was born of guilt and procrastination. I'd planned to go to track training, but my friend (and fellow track trainee) couldn't make it. Rather than crack on alone, I leapt at the opportunity not to go. Some days you feel it. Some days (today) you really don't.

Instead I headed out on my usual jaunt to Hampstead. It was a very beautiful evening, if not a little gusty. I think we've got the tail-end of Hurricane Katia. (Just to clarify, she is no longer a hurricane, but a low-pressure system according to the BBC.) Either way, she was still very strong. Great when behind me. Less great when sand-blasting grit into my retinas.

As a result, I ended up walking the last mile. I just didn't have the energy or will to fight. A bit feeble, but better to be feeble and out on my feet than feeble and at home on my arse, I think. I hope.

(Stats:4.4 miles; 44.25 minutes; 10.05 minute/mile. (Partly wind-assisted/partly wind-hindered (windered?))

(Pic: Kite-flying on the heath. Good to see someone enjoying the breeze. (By the way, the kite's on the far right of the image. And this was the best shot of 5. Poxy slow iPhone camera.))

Cold comfort pond

Today I did my first duathlon. Well, maybe that's a minor exaggeration. I ran to Hampstead Heath, then went for a quick dip in the ladies' pond. It's part of my quest to become north London's answer to Wim Hof - the 'Ice Man' - who endures Arctic temperatures in just his Speedos.

There are two reasons I fancy this: firstly, I find swimming outdoors very therapeutic and I'd like to carry on doing it through the winter, ideally, without a wetsuit. That's because I've been told (by my physio neighbour) that freezing cold water is excellent for 'toning and tightening'. So that's the second reason I'm doing it. What a wonderful motivator is vanity.

Let's see how long this lasts (or, more importantly, how low the temperature goes) before self-preservation kicks in (or something drops off!)

(Stats: 2.84 miles; 30 minutes; 10.33 minute/mile. Pond temp: 16.3 degrees.)

Forgive me, Father...

It's been some time since my last confession, sorry, post, but that's not a reflection on the running. I've been averaging two outings a week. Four miles alone and just over six every Wednesday at running club. I'm supposed to be trying out track training again tonight, but two things are putting me off:

1) It's raining and I fear slipping over in full view of the stadium crowd. (I know, it's not Daegu, but you do get a few other runners watching. I prefer to make a tit of myself in private. Or not at all. Though that's rarely an option.)

2) My big toe hurts. I was a little overenthusiastic on the self-pedicure front and now it's throbbing in my sock. Who knew a little personal grooming would lead to yet another career-threatening injury.

That aside, I feel it's time for a challenge. I can't find any half-marathons at the end of November. However, my brother has mooted the idea of the HellRunner. Hmmmm... I can't say the name is filling me with joy, but I do need a goal. I shall spend today pondering the wisdom (or otherwise) of signing up for '10-12 miles of challenging off-road running'. Because the cross-country last year went so very well...

(Pic: Back to nature. If you find yourself in the Vendee region of France, I highly recommend a run around the beautiful Lac du Jaunay. I also highly recommend a waterproof tent.)