Ice is nice, but preferably in my drink ta very much!

[lexi6]

The Antarctic winds just seem relentless, its very cold here with snow in the South Island, floods and slips here in Wellington and Spring let alone Summer still feels an eternity away. This is going to be the longest attempt at achieving B210k in history! I went for a 5k run on Sunday morning and since then it hasn’t stopped raining. The wind is 55kms and “near gale” according to my phone.

Then I had a plan, a cunning plan even, our local parkrun is in a gully, surrounded by trees and is only 4 1/2 kms away and very sheltered. Hmmmmmm 🤔 The top left hand picture was taken through my kitchen window and the next two photos are at the parkrun, completely different weather! Thermals, buff, fleecy leggings, gloves and cap and jacket all on, with the canopy of trees keeping the rain off me. Decided to run just half an hour, which was probably around the 4 km I needed.

I’m used to being at the back at parkrun, but it was strange not having anyone in front to watch disappear up the track in front of me, although it did make me more aware of the gradient, glad it was all downhill back to the car. I saw a post on HU but couldn’t find it again, about Alex Goodier who completed the Blenheim Triathalon in 2015 I’ve never heard of her, but googled her and found her blog. What an amazing, courageous woman, especially with all her health issues. Thats commitment! and I’m moaning about a bit of cold, wet wind.

I’ve been half watching Michael Moseley on getting fit while typing this and his conclusion is that running is good for us. We know and I will never take it for granted how lucky I am that I can.

PS the rose photo is my “Windermere” I put it there to cheer me up, smells beautiful and reminds me that it won’t be long before I can sit outside with a chilled glass of Pinot Gris or two (not night before a run of course) which reminds me its 11.20pm, gotta go. Happy running everyone. 😎 🥂

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate10]

Great Post from you 'lexi6' The first week in New Zealand is the first week in Spring, whereas where I am in Scotland its the first week in Autumn. The first week of Spring in Scotland in March saw the worst extreme weather we have ever had but two months later in June we had record sunshine and a high temperature of 33c. I am sure you can look forward to a lovely summer come December, excellent weather for running.

[lexi6 Graduate10 in reply to AlMorr]

Thanks AlMorr, am really looking forward to a summer like the UK has just had, but don’t think we’ll get anything as remarkable, not in Wellington at least. On one of my trips to the UK, I hired a car and drove in Scotland, only got as far as Inverness, but just a lovely place. Hope your C25k revisit is going well and the hip is behaving itself.

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate10 in reply to lexi6]

Thanks for your reply Lexi6, my hip is completely better and I have already started running again. By the way I am a subscriber to a radio station in New Zealand called RNZ Concert as I sometimes listen to that station online and get to know some of the cultural events taking place in New Zealand.

[lexi6 Graduate10 in reply to AlMorr]

Thats when technology is wonderful, 12,000 miles away and the radio station could be next door.

[mountaindreamer Graduate10]

Glad you found somewhere with a bit better weather to run in, Lexi. Well done getting out! 😊🏃‍♀️❤️

Hopefully things will defrost there for you soon and your B210k journey can then continue in more comfort. (I’m guessing your beautiful Windermere rose is either in a greenhouse or a photo from a previous year? If not then I’m impressed by its tenacity!🌹🌹🌹)

[lexi6 Graduate10 in reply to mountaindreamer]

Thanks MD, yes its a photo from last year. I’m amazed at how tough it is, when I pruned my roses mid August Windermere was one of two roses still in flower. I scattered some of my parents ashes in the Lake District (White Moss Walks) so anything to do with the Lakes is special.

Its more of the same weather this morning here alas. I have to weigh up whether its parkrun or 8k attempt tomorrow, again its 🤔 time. X

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

Yes I remember Windy Wellington when I toured your part of the world. It just shows how localised weather can be. Glad you enjoyed your 5k run Lexi and hope you get out again soon .🏃‍♀️ 🇳🇿 💨

[lexi6 Graduate10 in reply to Dexy5]

Thanks Dexy, why couldn’t my parents have emigrated to a better climate?(most inconsiderate) its a challenge living in Wellington for sure, where umbrellas just serve as ornaments, or live unloved and unused in the boot of the car with a optimistic “ you never know it may come in handy one day”

You are doing well on your own B210 journey. 👍

[Dexy5 Graduate10 in reply to lexi6]

Thanks Lexi, so far , so good. Parkrun on Saturday will be W3 R1 - I’m glad that Parkrun is doing so well down there.

[lexi6 Graduate10 in reply to Dexy5]

We have one in Lower Hutt too, but that is run on the stopbank next to the Hutt River, so you either get blown over on the way there or the way back. I’ve only done 5 parkruns so far, but what a fab idea

[Hidden]

Ah, you see, you’ve inherited the beast from the east from us. Hopefully we won’t have a winter as bad as last was.

I’s that the trust me I’m a doctor bloke. Was it the episode where he tested walking and running on pressure plates and concluded walking out more stearin on joints - and talking of joints, said that running releases cannibonoids in the brain so it’s like being stoned, and that running rebuilds cartilage in knees. I saw that one. X

[lexi6 Graduate10]

Bang on the money Flick! It was very interesting programme and I’m pleased I can get a free “rush” and don’t have to lurk in dark doorways to buy one he he! X