My Sister-in-Law was running ten minutes late this morning so, despite being up and changed into my running gear, I snuck back into bed to savour a brief snooze as I listened to the wind try its best to defy physics and come in through the closed window.
I didn't dare open the curtains as I got dressed- looking at the weather would have been enough to dampen my spirits. But my snooze interlude was enough to make me forget the forcast for the day and as I crept out of the bedroom, onto the landing, the lack of natural light made me wonder if, in fact, I was up an hour earlier than I should have been.
However, I felt quite refreshed; that extra ten, unexpected, minutes of rest had a rejuvinating effect and I thought, 'Hey, what's the worst that can happen?'
'You will get wet'
'I have towels, I can dry.'
'You will be cold.'
'Then I will change into dry clothes and whack the heating fans on in the car to thaw out on the drive to work.'
'If you say so'
'Don't worry, I will make a large caffetiere of coffee to make up for it when we get home from the run.'
'I thought you were cutting down on the coffee'
'Shh, don't tell anyone; it can be our reward for completing week three'
'Okay, lets go.'
So off I went to meet Sister at the local park, about 10 minutes leisurely walk from my house. I had adorned my windbreaker in the vain hope that by being prepared with waterproofing I would not need it- otherwise known as 'Sod's Law'.
As we came to the end of our warm-up walk the interminable drizzle began. 'Sod's Law' cannot be depended upon. It was just in time for our first 90seconds of jogging... on the incline. 'Oh joy(!)', I thought, but before I could start to complain to myself, the 90 seconds was over. I was a little let down by this, I was ready to carry on. Or maybe that was the wind propelling me forwards.
So on we continued. I have quite a fast pace and a long stride compared to Sister so this morning I shortened my gait and concentrated on straightening my feet. Oh yes, did I mention? I walk like a duck. Maybe the reason I walk so quickly is so nobody notices that I waddle like a duck, I am also bottom heavy- which just adds to the simile.
Before I knew it our time was up. Week three completed! We stretched out a little- I was definitely feeling it in my calves this morning. Perhaps, on reflection, it was not wise to wear three-quarter length bottoms when it is cold and damp.
Sister and I went our separate ways and as I picked up my pace to get home quicker I thought, 'Why not run through the grave-yard'. 'Yes, okay then, lets run to the gate.' The gate came and went and I carried on running.
I considered stopping and then I heard a car coming behind me, (out of consideration for the car, of course) I carried on running so as not to slow them down before we reached a section where they could pass. The car passed and I thought 'What the hey, I'm nearly home, I'll run to the corner.'
Running around the corner and up the hill I had suddenly reached my door. As I fished my key from my pocket, jogging on the spot, I gave the door a 'high five'.
I skipped down the ginnel (yes, I am partial to a little skip when feeling happy) to my kitchen door the radio greeted me as I popped on the kettle. Eating breakfast and drinking my coffee (still with soggy feet) I felt very happy with myself. It was another target reached. And while week four does seem quite a leap from week three I'm hoping that my skips and leaps of joy (and a little self-satisfactory smugness for good measure) will see me through the next instalment... An extra cup of coffee might help as well.
(Oh yes, and my feet have just about thawed.)