Listen to the whispers

I went to a 'Meet the experts' day at UCL yesterday. It was for those of us who are doing the London marathon for charity. The speakers were a mix of fundraisers, sports people and the marathon organisers.

As you can imagine, it was stirring stuff. However, when a lady came on to talk about 'listening to your body whisper before it screams' to stay injury free, my legs began to hurt. I think it's called the 'nocebo' effect - psychologically bringing pain upon yourself. The only course of action was to head home for a cream tea.

Today was supposed to be the 'long run' so I pootled off feeling optimistic about circling the heath, Primrose Hill and Regent's Park. However, at mile 5 my body whispered that I would be much better off on the tube and I could only agree.

I'm just not feeling it today and see no point in beating myself up. This time next week I have the Exeter half marathon. I shall save myself for then.

Stats: 5.3 miles; 54.38; 10.09 minute/mile.

Pic: Carriage for the last two miles.

A healthy chiding

I was all ready to sack off tonight's run when a colleague chivvied me into action. I'm glad he did. It was a little slow but good nonetheless. Now I just need to do parkrun and a long run at the weekend and I'll have achieved my minimum training for the week. Hoorah! Good to aim high.

Stats: 4.4 miles; 47.17 minutes; 10.44 minute/mile.

Meanwhile, somewhere on Dartmoor...

I need never visit a hammam again because my orifices are full of mud.

Last night's Wild Night Run was brilliant. The weather was kind and temperature, perfect. Though weeks of rain had left the moor resembling slush puppy. As another runner said, it was a lot like bog snorkelling.

I didn't mind. It was a good excuse to walk (or wade) these bits. Mindful of avoiding incident, I walked when the terrain turned tricky - on the steep downhills, steep uphills and uneven flat bits. I basically went for a walk on Dartmoor.

Which is probably why I enjoyed it so much. There were a couple of times I felt rough (around mile 3 - nausea; around mile 8 - legs like lead). I think the sickness might have been a result of the large fried breakfast I'd had that morning. Possibly not the best option. And lead legs a sign I need to get stronger. Back to the gym.

Not sure of time yet. I was surprised and delighted to cross the finish line and hear: 1 30. A full thirty minutes quicker than last year! But to be fair, I did run the last mile last year with a broken ankle. The surprise and delight lasted until my nephew highlighted I was actually about ten minutes slower than last year (when I had a broken ankle). I then realised my race number was 130. Ah...

So, great race, lovely atmosphere, highly recommended. Time tbc...

Fighting fit feet

Delighted to report that my feet are now back to normal. Lesson learned: don't wear off-road trainers on roads!

All ready for - and very excited about - Saturday's Wild Night Run

Just need to buy a new headtorch, replacement batteries and a space blanket in case I come a cropper on Dartmoor. One doesn't like to be paranoid but history would suggest I best err on the side of caution.