The most difficult of runs, the most unexpected source of inspiration...

[CouchtoKiltLegs]

After waking up early following a spree of nightmares culminating in one which could have made a spectacular horror film, I was approaching today with insufficient rest and a grumpy demeanour.

The weather turned against me today and I was forced to abandon the Mighty Yellow Running Top of Endurance for the Thicker Sweatshirt of Slight Itchiness. Quick slather of ibuprofen gel and off we (myself and 2 legs, 1 grumpy, 1 not too fussed) went apprehensively, 25 minutes on the cards today.

5 minutes running and I heard it, in the distance, Greensleeves. It was way behind me and tinkling.

At 10 minutes the ice cream van drove up to just behind me before stopping and nearly deafening me with its tinkle/fog horn. So long as I couldn't see it I would be fine!

At 15 minutes I wondered how long it has actually been since I had an ice cream. With a flake, and some sauce. What did my dad used to say it was? Dracula blood I think. Oh I need one.

At 20 minutes it pulls ahead of me. 100m away it stops and the window opens. £5 of emergency taxi money (in the event of a calf twang) is burning a hole in my back pocket. The kids rushing towards it have no chance of beating me to that window. Must. Have. Tasty. Ice-cream.

From some hidden well of strength a part of my mind shouts "No!" and my legs carry me on passed the van. Skipping to avoid exuberant children and leaping out of the way of ambling adults, I reach clear pavement and kick away from temptation.

At 25 minutes Laura is telling me to stop when dreaded Greensleeves kicks in again. In panic I round the corner and just keep going, trying to outrun the temptation.

Suddenly Laura is saying that she will see me in the next session. Eh? Where did the time go?

Stumbling to a walk I check my app and it says I have run for 31 minutes, a minute longer than previously. Very unexpected and impressed what a bit of inspiration can do! Sadly I only managed 4.64km in 31 minutes compared to the pre injury 4.88km in 30 minutes but that is only to be expected. I have never been so tempted to stop so am amazed I didn't. Just how fast can I go if I buy a Magnum and have it waiting for me in the freezer?

[Hidden]

Well done for resisting, but all through reading your blog I was hoping that you had one

[lizfish in reply to Hidden]

Yeah me too. You must deserve one!

[CouchtoKiltLegs Graduate]

I may chase one down tomorrow!

[greenlegs Graduate]

You definitely deserve one now! Amazing fortitude!

[Anniemurph Graduate]

Funny! Do you think the ice-cream-van driver was stalking you? The rotter! Well done for the run and thanks for the great blog!

[Souki Graduate]

I so wished as I read that, that you turned back to treat yourself or it passed you again you know your going to dream about ice cream tonight now don't you

[lola465 Graduate]

Enjoyed reading this, thanks.

[Beads Graduate]

The question is can you run and eat an ice cream at the same time? A Feast would probably be doable but a 99 might be a bit messy!

[CouchtoKiltLegs Graduate]

I have purchased a box of chocolate and mint cones and am looking forward to seeing what that does to Sunday's run.