A spike in squirrels

Any day that begins with a small herd of deer having their breakfast can only be a good one. I jogged slowly to Golders Hill park this morning where the deer live. A flashback to when the heath and associated environs were Henry VIII's hunting ground. No hunters today, thankfully. The deer were happily grazing alongside a squirrel. Squirrels are everywhere. Last year was a mast year, which may explain why there's so many of them. It's nice to be outdoors after so much time confined to barracks. I'm not getting any faster with the running and my ankle still sometimes swells like a balloon but it's not painful and getting out for a run/walk is definitely good for the soul. Stats: 3 miles.

New kit

Treated myself to a new pair of shorts and running top from Gym Shark. First time I've felt suitably attired in a long while. I ran to swim in the mixed pond on the heath. Because of this I ran with a rucksack. It was exhausting even though all I had in it was a hoodie and a pair of joggers. Glad I took them as it was freezing when I got out of the pond. I think the temperature's fluctuating by 10 degrees every time the sun goes behind a cloud. I cannot wait for a nice steady 20. Not too hot, not too cold. Stats: 2.7 miles; 2 laps of the mixed pond at 12 degrees.

What not to eat

In case you were wondering, a large vegetarian burrito does not sit well during a run. Especially when it hasn't had chance to go down. This evening I took a gentle canter round the neighbourhood right after tea. I should have waited but time was ticking by and I could feel my resolve waning. Absolutely beautiful evening so I'm glad I went out but looking forward to not feeling billious. Stats: 2-mile run; 8 lengths of parli hill lido (earlier in day).

Day after

36 hours later and I have a sore arm from the vaccine (Moderna) but - fingers crossed - that's all the side effects so far. Appreciate there are still a couple of days to go but I'm hopeful. Oh actually I have a big red face, which could be a side effect or it could just be my big red face.

Not running

But health related. I'm off to get my first covid jab. I just poked down a very large breakfast. Hoping it'll help the vaccine go down nicely too. I'm all in favour and feel the benefits of the jab far outweigh the risks. However, I'm still a little nervous and had a tumultuous night's sleep that's resulted in a cricked neck. Fingers crossed I feel well enough to make it to the freezing pond tomorrow to nuke it. Stats: 2 fried eggs; one baked potato; sundry fried tomatoes and chorizo; a cuppa.

Seventeen minutes

Change of plan! Swapped swimming for resistance band today. Managed a mighty 17 minutes. I'm sweating. It's a good workout as several of my ankle rehab exercises are accomodated in the routine. Change of plan was prompted by a social engagement - I'm heading out to meet a friend I haven't seen in over 12 months. I am beyond excited. Stats: 17-minute resistance band workout.

Two runs, one swim

Last week I managed two gentle slow runs. They were a struggle, physically and mentally. I walked much of the way and was left feeling most unsatisfied. It's like my tyres were flat. So I've decided to park running till I'm fitter. So, how do I get fit? Today I went to the Swiss Cottage leisure centre. I used to swim there regularly 15 years ago but then I opted for the cold water of the heath ponds and lido instead. It was wonderful to swim in warm water again and I managed 30 lengths. I'm going back tomorrow. Stats: 30 lengths; 30 minutes.

Not coming easy

Years ago, if I had a break from running, it would be tough for a week or so but would get easier quickly. Not any more. I just went for a little run and it was like starting from scratch. I guess the issue is years ago I was a stone lighter and more active on a daily basis. If I went for a run, it would be in addition to an average of five miles of walking a day. Not now. If I go out for a run, then that's it. I'd blame the pandemic but my life became more sedentary when I moved into a studio flat in 2016. The novelty of having my own place resulted in more time in it - mostly in the fridge. And given I can commando roll from bed to kitchen to bathroom and back (and often do) there's less movement in general. Maybe if I can pledge to leave the house at least twice a day, this may work. Today my second outing will be to the pond for a bit of cryotherapy. Hopefully I can freeze off a decade. Stats: 2 miles.

Egg

Rehab was going well when I noticed - or a friend pointed out - my ankle looked like a melon. Or a lemon, at least. It wasn't painful but it was swollen. So I paused my runs and went swimming instead. Hooray for the re-opening of the ponds and lido. Double hooray for the minor heatwave. At 8 degrees the pond was freezing so I didn't stay in for long. The next day was the same. However, today - at the lido - it was warmer. 12 degrees. I guess the reflective surface on the bottom of the pool had 'heated' it through. I stayed in for about 5 minutes. It took a flask of tea and hot pasty to reheat my core. A greedy Golden Retriever tried to steal my pasty but I leapt out of the way. I love dogs but, when I'm cold, I love hot pasties more. Stats: 2 lengths of the lido.