Now the Sun comes out!

Yesterday was our long run with the club. I woke up to a miserable looking day, no rain but it was threatening. We have joined the Wimbledon Winmilers who are a very friendly and welcoming club. Three groups leave at 10am, a 3 mile, 5 mile & 7 mile. For longer runs a group leaves at 9:30am. Sarah normally runs the earlier time so I decided to join them. Some very fit guys and ladies in this early group. We set off with most people doing between 11 - 15 miles.

I ended up running with an Irish student as we were both going at about the same pace. Had a good chat along the way about her Masters in Drawing she was doing. Felt good all the way round, the rain started coming down towards the end but at least it was fairly warm. Ended up doing about 11 miles.

Today is a rest day although on my cycle into work some guy on a very flash bike came tearing past me at a traffic light. I could not let this injustice take place so broke a few land speed records and got onto his tail and slip-streamed for a while which he did not seem to enjoy. So legs got a brief workout.

Happy with the weekly mileage I did - 32 miles. Just need to keep it up this week.

Get up, don't roll over

Friday morning and Sarah had just left for work, my body needed more sleep. But my mind wanted more running miles. Instead of rolling over I got up and cycled into work. Changed into my running shoes and did the 12km run along the Thames again.

Had some rubbing on the arches of my feet on Thursday's run and by the end of this run I knew I had acquired some blisters. Sure enough a big blister on each foot. Sunday is my long run day so I got some Compeed blister patches and now hoping they do the trick.

I have new running shoes which strangely I got from Harrods. Now before you start thinking I have inherited money or won the lottery, they ran a great promotion recently where you got a free pair of shoes with every pair you bought. So Sarah and I both got two new pairs each. I have always ran in Asics and up till now stuck with the 1100. But I upgraded to the 2120's. They feel a lot more structured and I am enjoying them so far. The blisters came from running in very cheap office socks. Not going to make that mistake again!

Today is a rest day, I am studying while Sarah gets pampered at a Spa for the afternoon. Looking forward to doing a longer run tomorrow, rain predicted.

Kick Start

Kicked off my training for the Paris Marathon this week. Only got into running about 16 months ago. Had done the odd 10km run once a year. Met Sarah who is an excellent runner and my girlfriend. She caused me to catch the running bug. Have done a few 10km, 10mile and 15mile runs and have now taken the plunge to do a Marathon. Paris in May. We are doing a half marathon in March in case your wondering.

We are doing the run ourselves but thought we would try and raise some money for charity anyway. So have setup a website to do so, raising money for Starfish, who look after orphaned children affected by Aids. http://www.justgiving.com/jasonsarah

I'll be updating our progress on our training in the build up to Paris through the winter months. We have joined a running club which should help keep us motivated.

Did a 12km run this morning along the Thames, very fresh and I was thankful I had some thermal wear on. Although it looks like I may need to get out the running tights.

I cycle to work and back so hoping that is helping the fitness as well.