Icy lakes and frosty trees, a really cold bum and dodgy knees......

[vixiej]

Not sure if I can add anything to that title! I had a fabulous run on Thursday afternoon. I decided to drive to Virginia Water and run around the lake, which is about 4.25 miles around. After about 7 minutes warm up walk in the 2C air, I started to run. I thought, from all the walks I did there with 'baby group' when my daughter was small, that the walk was all on the flat. Ugh ugh, not a chance, there were a few hills/slopes, although of course none were really very big. I have finally overcome my fear of slopes though

I really enjoyed the run, the lake was frozen around the edges and the trees were stunning. Everything looked as though it had been kissed with icy breath. 3.5 miles of running in 35 minutes (stopped to take a call from school, otherwise I might have run a little further). I will definitely go running there again. My knees are a little achy, but I will confess that has nothing to do with the running and everything to do with me partying in a bar on Tower Bridge last night and dancing in ridiculously (5") high heels before tottering back to Waterloo for the last train home.

Needless to say I did not run today, although that was more to do with the 2 hour hair appointment and the need to do some housework so that I could put up the xmas decorations! Look forward to getting out for another good run tomorrow, fingers crossed.

Hope everyone is well and enjoying their running too xx

[sfb350 Graduate]

It's funny how running makes you discover hills that weren't there when you were just walking

I'm a bit on awe of you dancing in 5" heels. I've bought some 3" heel boots to wear to the work Christmas meal and I'm thinking I need to practice walking in them........

[vixiej Graduate in reply to sfb350]

cheated with the heels, they are a good inch platform at the front too I don't really wear heels that much these days, so it was a bit dodgy and I didn't think it through, as I had to totter to the tube station and home in them, alone and after a couple of glasses of wine. I'm normally a bit more safety conscious

[SBG356 Graduate]

Hey Vix, partying in 5" heels is worthy of some sort of award in itself.....respect!!

Virginia water is so lovely; you are lucky to have that near enough to have as a running course. Looking forward to my run tomorrow morning too and it looks like decent weather in London....no ice just for a change.

Sue x

[vixiej Graduate]

Thanks Sue! Yes, I am really lucky, although that's the first time I ran there. I am thinking of trying Chobham Common too, I think that would be nice (bit more hilly though) and I've now printed out my pass for the parkrun, planning to do Bushy park soon!

Are you in a part of London where there are nice parks to run in? Talking of parks, I'm planning to go to the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland - it would be nice to meet some C25Kers up there for some mulled wine, what do you think?

Vix

[SBG356 Graduate in reply to vixiej]

There are parks around but all require a drive to get to them so haven't really done that as yet and my local park isn't huge so I get bored running round and round that...... I signed up for park runs not long into this program but haven't been brave enough to go yet; that is one of my goals for the new year.

Each year I say I will go to the winter wonerland and never make it....I think it's because I commute into London every day so when I am off it is a real effort, even for a treat!! Sx

[vixiej Graduate in reply to SBG356]

I also get bored in my local park. Funny how it used to take me nearly 3 minutes to get around one section of it, now I'm doing it in about 80 seconds

Totally understand you not wanting to go back into London on your day off, I was the same when commuting. You should pop in after work one evening, it is worth a look around and you can miss the squash (or traffic jams) on the way home!

[Vivwestie Graduate]

That sounds like a lovely run Vix. And a great night out, much respect for even being able to WALK in 5" heels!!

I haven't run for a week and a half (sob). Have had an evil chest cold that's had me doubled over with coughing fits at times. Haven't had anything like this in years - that's what getting fit does for you! Still, am hoping to be recovered enough by next week. I want to run on my birthday and Christmas day - just because I can!

[vixiej Graduate in reply to Vivwestie]

awwwwww no But you should be rid of it for christmas and New Year - I usually have a bad cough/cold for one or the other, am keeping everything crossed for no illness this year!

I hope you are feeling better soon. Take it easy - your muscles will be raring to go when your lungs and head are feeling better. Just make sure your cough is really on the mend though, as this cold air plays havoc with your tubes

[psarapsych Graduate in reply to Vivwestie]

Ooh Viv - poor you :-(. When's your birthday? Mine is in January so I'm an old goat!

Look after yourself, those coughing fits are awful; they hurt so much. Hope you get better enough to enjoy birthday and chrimbo, Sara xox

[Vivwestie Graduate in reply to psarapsych]

My birthday's tomorrow! And I still don't feel well enough to run. Bugger. Ah well. I might go for a gentle jog tomorrow night. Nothing else arranged so I think that would be a great birthday treat.

Thanks for the good wishes, Sara.

[psarapsych Graduate in reply to Vivwestie]

Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Vi-iv, happy birthday to you :-). Birthday hugs (((Viv))), Sara xox

[DeliaItaly Graduate]

Respect for the 5" heels Vixiej! And for the tottering to Waterloo Station. Well done!

[vixiej Graduate in reply to DeliaItaly]

thanks! There are times I think I'm just too old for all that!