The Glorious Rest Day

Ah, the unexpected rest day—the sort that creeps in not because I planned it, but because my four-legged friend, Merlin, had other ideas. Poor Merlin had a bit of a tummy upset overnight, which meant I spent more time being on nighttime nurse duty than I’d intended. So, when morning rolled around, working from home sounded like the best plan. And let’s be real, it also meant a precious, slightly longer lie-in to reclaim some of that lost sleep.

The evening was all about pure relaxation—a well-earned, calming soak in the bath with Epsom salts. There’s just something about easing tired muscles, letting the warmth work its way through, that makes every bit of training worthwhile. And I wasn’t rushing. Tonight was all about slowing down, recharging, and allowing myself that early night I’d been meaning to take all week.

Sometimes, the best preparation for the next challenge is found not in pushing harder, but in pausing, letting everything settle, and getting a good night’s sleep.

Running in Circles: A Remembrance Day Adventure

 Round and Round We Go: A Remembrance Day with a Twist

Today was Remembrance Day, and while it always carries a certain weight, this year I decided to shift my perspective a bit. Instead of focusing on the somber side, I went for a celebration of life…which, it turns out, meant a lot of circles. Spoiler alert: I spent most of the day going round and round. Literally.

Circling My Way Through Grade 3 Figure Skating

The day kicked off with my Grade 3 figure skating exam, and naturally, the theme was circles. Lots of them. Was yesterday’s roundabout escapade preparing me for this? Possibly. We practiced everything from half lemons and stars to tightropes—front and back—all in circles. I laughed a lot, which probably helped my balance, and tackled some slaloms, feeling a little like a graceful hamster on a very fancy wheel. But hey, I passed, and I managed to finish just in time to make it to the Remembrance service in Uttoxeter.

Running Off Reflection…in Even More Circles

After the service, I had some time to reflect and get into running mode. Once home, I decided that there’s nothing more life-affirming than hitting the open road—or, in this case, the well-traveled lane. Off I went for a “nice and easy” 5-mile run, heading up and down the lane before making my way to Pointons, where I—brace yourself—ran laps. Again. At this point, it felt like my weekend was sponsored by Circles R Us.

The Great Gym Recovery and My Love-Hate Relationship with the Cold Plunge

With my roundabout running done, it was time for a well-deserved treat: the gym. First stop, the hydrotherapy pool, which worked wonders on my post-circle muscles. Then, the pièce de résistance: 10 glorious minutes in the cold plunge pool. I won’t lie—those 10 minutes were mostly just me questioning all my life choices. But once I’d thawed out in the sauna and steam room, I was back in bliss mode. There’s nothing quite like a hot-cold-hot reset for both body and mind.

Soup, Prep, and the Circle of Life

Feeling thoroughly refreshed, I rounded off (ha!) my day by making some soup and doing a bit of food prep for the week ahead. Somehow, ending the day in my own cozy kitchen, chopping and stirring, felt like the perfect way to close the loop on a very “circular” day.

So, to recap: figure eights, laps, and roundabouts—it’s been a Remembrance Day full of life, laughter, and a few too many circles.

A Tale of Loops, Laughter, and the Quest for Hot Chocolate

Pelsall: Where Porta-Loos Meet Suburbia

Ah, Pelsall Common—where else would you find a cross-country course in the middle of a housing estate, complete with a row of porta-loos across the road from someone’s living room window? Yes, it was a touch out of place, but hey, that’s part of the cross-country charm, right? Who needs mountains and wilderness when you’ve got the thrill of dodging parked cars and front gardens?

Setting Up Camp (aka the Mini Orange Tent)

We arrived early, feeling like seasoned adventurers ready to set up base camp. The mini orange tent went up with a flourish—no fuss, just pure, compact orange glory. It was just us ladies today: Captain Debs, Deb, Jo, Rose, and Jen. With our base secure, we headed out to do our recce (which, let’s be honest, means we walked the route with an air of seriousness that lasted about five minutes).

The Course Recce: Loops, Loops, and More Loops

Pelsall’s course layout was…creative. It was relatively flat, but as cross-country courses go, it had a twist: two inner loops and two outer loops, complete with a detour around a children’s playground. Yes, we ran around the swings and slides, resisting the urge to hop on a swing mid-race. While it might sound odd, it added a bit of pizzazz to the race, giving us a chance to feel like big kids on a running adventure.

Warm-Up and Strides (Or, How We Looked Like Professionals)

Back at base, we did our warm-up, added in some strides, and pretended we were pros on the start line. Cross-country is serious business, after all. We stood there, focusing, channeling our inner Mo Farah, or at least trying not to laugh.

Race Time: Flying the Trentham Flag

Once the race started, it was game on! Every single one of us gave it our all. There’s something truly special about running in Trentham colors, knowing you’ve got teammates around the course all pushing together. And yes, each of us found an extra gear as we tackled those quirky loops and showed Pelsall how it’s done.

The Roundabout Roundabout – Giving It the Full Cross Country Treatment

With the race done and dusted, and after a solid warm-down, we packed up our trusty orange tent and got ready for the journey home. But a simple drive home? Oh, no—that’s not how we roll. On the way to Costa, we stumbled upon a set of roundabouts that caught our cross-country eyes. They were there, practically begging to be looped, and we simply couldn’t resist.

So, naturally, we decided to give these roundabouts the full Trentham treatment. It started with one lap—a gentle warm-up of sorts. Then another, and another, until we found ourselves lost in an endless whirl of roundabout loops. We might have looked like we were trapped in a peculiar post-race trance, going around and around as if completing some unspoken cross-country ritual. At one point, we might’ve even thrown in some imaginary hurdles, because why not? If anyone was watching, they’d have thought we’d taken the scenic route a little too literally.

Eventually, though, we tore ourselves away from our new favorite roundabout and navigated our way out of the vortex, with just enough dignity intact to finally reach Costa.

Costa: The Reward at the End of the Race

Finally, we made it to Costa, where hot chocolates and coffees were waiting like victory medals. Each sip tasted like pure triumph (or at least like pure chocolate). We might not have won any trophies, but that post-race Costa was as good as gold.

Friday Rest Day: Ahhhh, the Day of Self-Care Bliss!

Starting the Day Right

Finally, it’s Friday, and not just any Friday—Rest Day Friday! To top it off, I was on annual leave, so naturally, I woke up at my usual time (because once you’re on a runner’s schedule, there’s no real “sleeping in,” is there?). I kicked off the day with a 30-minute stretch session, loosening up everything that had tightened up over the week. Then it was time for a trip to the hydrotherapy pool, which was a treat in itself!

Hydrotherapy Heaven

The water jets worked their magic on my tired muscles, easing out every little knot, while the warm water felt like a hug from a very considerate cloud. And then… the cold plunge. It’s been a gradual journey to make it to 10 minutes in there, but wow, it’s worth every second of shivering! As freezing as it sounds, it’s oddly relaxing, and my muscles thank me afterward (even if I’m cold to my bones). After ten minutes, I could officially call myself an ice cube, so it was straight to the sauna to thaw, followed by a rejuvenating steam room session.

A Hair-raising (in the Best Way) Afternoon

Fresh from the gym, it was time for a bit of pampering at the hairdressers. I got my hair coloured and curled, and let’s be honest—there’s something about having fresh, bouncy hair that makes you feel like you could conquer the world (or at least look great while pretending to). After that, I finally got to put my feet up and watched the new Joker film, which was a mix of intensity and intrigue—perfect for a chill afternoon.

Preparing for the Weekend Ahead

In the evening, I took my dog to the vet for a little check-up and did some food prep to keep me fuelled for the weekend. With Cross Country lined up for tomorrow, I’m ready and set! 

Rose’s Rate Steady Pace

 Morning Gym Session: Arms, Chest, and Core Work

Thursday kicked off with a trip to the gym, where arms and chest took centre stage. There’s something empowering about arm day, leaving you with that “I can lift anything” confidence (yes, even the elusive multi-bag grocery haul!). Set after set, I felt the strength building and the energy flowing, knowing each rep was adding a little more power to the arsenal.

After finishing up with the weights, I couldn’t resist squeezing in some bodyweight work for the glutes and abs – no muscle group left behind! And to complete the session, I treated myself to a long, luxurious 30-minute stretch. It was one of those satisfying stretches where you can feel all the tension melt away, leaving you refreshed and ready to take on the day.

Evening Club Run: Mixed Abilities, Pacing Success, and Rose’s Inspiring Steady Run

In the evening, it was time to lace up for the club run, and this session was all about mixed abilities. The workout? Four rounds of five-minute runs with three-minute rests, all bookended by a pleasant warm-up and cool-down jog. My legs were already feeling the morning’s workout, but I was determined to give it my best shot.

What made the evening even more memorable was running alongside Rose. Now, Rose is a bit of a legend in our club – she never takes it steady. She’s usually the one blasting past us all, giving every run her absolute all. But tonight was different. With a race on Saturday, Rose was taking it slow, and it was such a rare sight! Even with her pacing toned down, she was still every bit her amazing self, cheering everyone on and lifting the team’s spirits. There’s something special about the way Rose encourages – a mix of energy, kindness, and total commitment.

Despite my tired legs, I felt good and managed to hit my pacing targets consistently. Each round, I found myself reaching the same spot and making it back within the allotted time, feeling a bit triumphant. Having Rose alongside me, steady or not, added an extra boost – like having my own personal cheerleader with just the right amount of pep talk to keep me focused.

Reflecting on Small Wins and Big Inspirations

Thursday wrapped up with that perfect mix of strength and community. It was a day of little victories, from lifting in the morning to hitting the pacing sweet spot in the evening, all with the encouragement of incredible people like Rose. Tired legs or not, it’s these sessions that remind me why I keep going – not just for the strength but for the inspiration that comes from running with friends who make every mile meaningful.

Wednesday Wins: Early Starts, Strong Shoulders, and a Surprise Run

 Pre-Dawn Motivation: Back and Shoulders at the Gym

Wednesday kicked off at the crack of dawn – or rather, well before it! My alarm chirped at 5:15, and I was up and out the door, feeling like one of those ultra-committed morning people (if only the bags under my eyes could talk). I parked at work and set off on my brisk morning walk to the gym, the perfect warm-up for a weight session dedicated to back and shoulders. There’s something oddly satisfying about training those areas – it’s like a secret confidence boost that makes carrying bags (or pretending I can) feel like a breeze.

After weights, I treated myself to a 30-minute deep stretch, which felt more luxurious than any lie-in I could’ve had. By the time I was done, I felt awake, refreshed, and pleasantly strong – ready to face whatever the day had in store!

Midday Canal Run: A Zone 2 Surprise

Come dinnertime, I laced up for one of my favourite weekly highlights: the mid-week, midday canal run. There’s nothing quite like a bit of fresh air along the water, dodging ducks and feeling a little bit like I’m in my own scenic film montage. This run was meant to be a 45-minute, Zone 2 affair – low effort, controlled pace, nothing too fancy. So, imagine my surprise when I hit my usual target point with a whole four minutes left on the clock!

Naturally, I carried on, stretching the run out to Westport Lake. I was absolutely chuffed – I’d clocked a faster pace than expected and still kept it within Zone 2! I could practically hear Anne from the club in my head, reminding me about controlled breathing. “If you can control your breathing, you can control your heart rate.” And it worked! I felt like I’d cracked some kind of running code. It’s safe to say I floated back to work after that – a midday win in the bag, all thanks to those calm, steady breaths.

Lessons Learned: Breathing, Pace, and the Joy of Small Wins

Sometimes, it’s the quiet victories – like shaving minutes off a Zone 2 run – that really make a difference. So, here’s to early starts, surprising paces, and channelling my inner Anne. It’s all coming together one breath at a time!

Evening Spa Reward: Hydrotherapy and a Cold Plunge Finale

After a day packed with early starts, weight training, and an unexpectedly speedy canal run, I decided it was time for a little reward – so back to the gym I went! But this time, not for weights or treadmills. Oh no, this was all about the spa.

I started with a blissful hydrotherapy treatment that worked magic on my muscles, easing out all the little aches and tensions from the day. Then came the cold plunge – an experience that’s equal parts bravery and madness. That icy jolt might be a shock, but it’s surprisingly refreshing and left me feeling totally alive (and very awake!). Finally, I indulged in the sauna, letting the warmth soak in while I mentally recapped the day’s wins and challenges.

By the end, I felt like a well-oiled machine – refreshed, revitalized, and more than ready for a well-earned rest.

Triumphant Knee Pads

 Morning Workout: Legs, Abs, and a Good Stretch

The day kicked off with some classic leg and ab work in the weight room. There’s something satisfying about hitting those big muscle groups – the kind of workout where you leave feeling like you’re striding, not just walking. From there, I went into bodyweight exercises targeting my glutes and abs, giving them some extra attention just in case they felt left out! To wrap up, I treated myself to a deep 30-minute stretch, leaving my muscles relaxed and ready for the evening's challenge.

Evening Intervals: The Microwave Minute Effect

With the morning session under my belt, it was time for intervals with the club in the evening. We started with a “mile and a bit” warm-up – just the right amount to get moving and keep everyone guessing about exactly how far a “bit” is! Then, the main event: 10 rounds of 60-second sprints with a 90-second rest in between. Sprinting for 60 seconds? That’s what I call a microwave minute – somehow it just stretches on forever! And those 90-second rests? Gone in a flash, like they’ve been accidentally set on fast-forward.

The Gift of Knee Pads: My Reputation Precedes Me

The night wasn’t just about intervals, though! Our coach arrived with a gift from his partner – knee pads, just for me. I couldn’t stop laughing! Let’s just say that I’m known for my slightly “adventurous” style of running, where collecting scrapes and bruises is par for the course. So, knee pads? Perfectly fitting! Next week, I might show up in full protective gear.

Victory on Allerton Hill

Despite all the laughs and sprints, my legs were still ready to put in the work. On the way back, I managed to snag a new PB on the Allerton Hill segment! So, a successful day all around – new records, a good laugh, and my knees are now fully prepared for whatever the trails throw at them.

Monday Reset: Stretching, Steaming, and Strolling My Way to Week 5

 Is it just me, or does Monday always arrive with all the subtlety of a cannon blast? After a blissful recharge week, I knew it was time to ease back into the swing of things—so naturally, I kicked off the week with what I like to call “The Recovery Deluxe.”

Morning Rituals: Stretch, Soak, Sweat, Repeat

The day began with a deep stretching session. Limbs stretched and hamstrings sufficiently persuaded to cooperate, I headed for a morning of hydrotherapy bliss. Jets of water kneaded my legs, the cold plunge gave my circulation a wake-up call, and the sauna and steam room wrapped things up in a warm, foggy hug. My body felt renewed, my mind was clear, and honestly, I felt like I’d just experienced a luxury retreat—all before lunch.

A Stroll Through Festival Heights

By dinnertime, I was ready to stretch my legs in a different way, so I set off on a lovely 2-mile walk up through Festival Heights. The weather was mild, with just enough warmth to keep things comfortable but not enough to melt me into a puddle. There’s something therapeutic about walking in your break at work, watching the world unwind around you. I soaked it all in, one step at a time, enjoying the moving meditation.

Chocolate Confessions and a Week of Nutrition Focus

Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room—or rather, the chocolate in my cupboard. I’ll admit, last week’s recharge phase came with a few ahem chocolate indulgences. It’s not that I regret it (who could ever regret chocolate?), but this week, I’m setting a goal to dial in my nutrition. After all, they say abs are made in the kitchen, and while I have no illusions of a six-pack appearing by Friday, a few more leafy greens and a few less chocolate bars might just help me feel lighter on my feet.

So here’s to a fresh start this week, with plenty of stretching, a bit of chocolate restraint, and maybe another evening stroll or two. Week 5, I’m ready for you!

From Ice Rinks to Epsom Salts

We’ve reached the end of Week 4 of my 10K training plan. Officially, today was an “active rest day.” Translation: You’re supposed to take it easy but still find a way to be productive because, heaven forbid, we actually sit still. And let me tell you, I took that “active” part very seriously!

Morning on Ice: Figure Skating and Finding My Inner Glide

The day began with a figure skating class, and dare I say—I’m getting the hang of it! We spent the session working in circles, which might sound simple, but trust me, there's an art to making it look effortless. There I was, gliding (okay, maybe attempting to glide) my way around the rink, feeling pretty pleased with my progress.

We also started looking at the early movements that lead to spins. Picture this: a graceful, poised lead-up to a spin… minus the spin. So really, it was me prepping for greatness without quite reaching it—like winding up a toy car and forgetting to let it go. But hey, the foundation is there! With a bit more practice (and maybe a splash more flexibility), I’ll be setting myself up for some impressive moves soon.

And who knows? Maybe next week, I'll actually get my feet to do the spinning!

Meal Prep Marathon: Because Training Doesn’t Run on Crisps and Bananas (Apparently)

With a busy training week looming, I launched into full-on kitchen mode. Chopping, stirring, baking—it was like a cooking show without the glamour and with way more Tupperware. I whipped up enough healthy, homemade meals to last the week, all set for the post-run hunger strikes that are as predictable as rain in March.

A Well-Earned Treat: Bananas, Custard, and Ultimate Comfort

After all that meal prep, I treated myself to the ultimate comfort dessert—bananas and custard. Simple? Yes. Glorious? Absolutely. There's something so pure about a bowl of warm custard and perfectly sliced bananas. If I were to design a training fuel plan, I think this would feature prominently!

The Ultimate Recovery: Epsom Salts, Katniss Everdeen, and a Turmeric Latte

Usually, an active rest day would end at the gym spa for some hydrotherapy, but today, I opted for something a bit more “home spa” chic. Fresh sheets were already on the bed, so I drew a bath with Epsom salts, settled in with my favorite film companion—The Hunger Games: Catching Fire—and a warm turmeric latte on the side. Let me tell you, nothing says “recovery” quite like watching Katniss battle her way through the arena while you’re soaking in warm water and sipping something golden and soothing.

As I let the salts do their magic, I imagined my muscles whispering their thanks while my mind got lost in the thrill of Panem. 

Looking Ahead to Week 5: Bring on the Intensity

Today’s “rest” was just the calm before the storm—next week, it’s back to the grind with full-on training. Am I ready? Maybe. But after a recharge week like this, I feel armed with the relaxation, carbs, and just enough Katniss-inspired courage to face it head-on.

So here’s to Week 5—more mileage, more stretching, and maybe, just maybe, a spin on the ice!

Park Run Glory

There’s something magical about Trentham Gardens on a Saturday morning. The early start, the chill in the air, and the eager vibe of runners gearing up to chase their goals. Today, I was one of them, waking up feeling good and ready to take on my personal best challenge of 30 minutes flat. Could I do it? I was fired up and determined to find out!

Pre-Race Social Hour (aka, My Favourite Part of Park Run)

One of the joys of Park Run is the people, and today I got to catch up with some wonderful club friends! A bit of a chinwag with the team, some laughs, and that classic “are we actually doing this?” grin exchanged all around—it’s the ultimate boost. And knowing Mandy would be cheering from her spot on the Ford gave me that extra nudge of encouragement I needed to go for it.

The Fast Start and the Rescue Mission

Fuelled by excitement, I set off like I’d been fired from a cannon. I had dreams of gliding to my PB in record time… and promptly discovered that I might be a bit too enthusiastic for my own good. Just as I felt the warning bells of “too fast, too soon,” Anne, my club hero, came to the rescue. She got me to ease back, with the sage advice to tuck in behind her and let her pace guide me.

Anne talked me through it, reminding me to breathe—always useful advice when you’re running like an asthmatic camel carrying rusty spanners! My breathing found a rhythm (of sorts), and with Anne’s steady encouragement, I began to settle into a pace that was less sprint-and-gasp and more sustainable trot.

Conquering the Hills and the Final Push

I tackled the hills with all the energy I could muster. “Bounce up!” I told myself, though it was probably more like a heavy trudge. On the downhills, I reined it in, conserving energy for what I hoped would be a glorious finish.

And when that finish line came into sight, I dug deep for a final sprint. I was exhausted, exhilarated, and maybe a bit delirious, but when I crossed that line and saw my time… 28:23! I could’ve cried right there. I’d smashed my PB by a full 1 minute and 37 seconds!

Over the Moon

There’s something unbelievably satisfying about hitting a goal you’ve worked hard for. Running may be a solo journey sometimes, but the support of friends like Anne and the camaraderie of Park Run make each success feel like a shared victory.

Until next time, Trentham Gardens. Today, we made magic.

The Art of Doing (Almost) Nothing: An Active Rest Day Spa Adventure

 Ah, the infamous “active rest day”—the one day in a runner’s week where the words “rest” and “activity” collide in a mysterious, magical way that leaves us wondering, “So… am I supposed to lie down or not?”

This week’s active rest day, though, was a masterpiece of recovery science. It involved no running, no stretching, and definitely no checking my half-marathon splits. Instead, I immersed myself (literally) in the luxurious trifecta of hydrotherapy massage, cold plunging, sauna, and steam room. Let’s break it down:

Step 1: Hydrotherapy Massage - A Jacuzzi Hug for Muscles

There’s nothing like a hydrotherapy massage to remind you just how good water pressure can feel on those legs. I sank into the bubbly bliss, a warm cocoon of jets blasting away at my sore calves and quads. It’s like my muscles had a chance to vent all their frustrations, yelling, “That’s for the sprint you made us do!”

I had one rule: no falling asleep. I did NOT want to be the person drooling in the spa. One near slip-up aside, I held it together.

Step 2: Cold Plunge - AKA the “Am I Actually Doing This?” Challenge

Here’s the thing about cold plunges: They’re supposed to be great for recovery, but nothing can mentally prepare you for the bracing experience of actually stepping in. I’d love to say I gracefully dipped in with zen-like poise, but really, it was more like a three-second shuffle and an immediate, involuntary internal squeal before settling in for 10 minutes.

But they say it boosts circulation, reduces inflammation, and lowers the risk of thinking you’re superhuman. So, I stayed there long enough to let my body believe I was somewhere in the Arctic—minus the penguins, unfortunately.

Step 3: Sauna - Where Sweat Becomes an Achievement

The sauna is every runner’s dream: sweating without actually moving. The heat was a warm embrace, slowly coaxing the soreness out of my muscles and maybe, just maybe, evaporating some of my life stress as well. For twenty glorious minutes, I felt like a loaf of rising bread—warm, content, and ready for whatever was next.

Step 4: Steam Room - When You’re Basically Breathing a Warm Cloud

I topped off this spa marathon with a steam room session. There, with the mist swirling around, I took deep, foggy breaths, feeling as though I was both very fancy and slightly lost in an indoor rainforest. My skin, thoroughly dewy, thanked me. My lungs were thrilled. And I? I was starting to think maybe I should train for a spa day half-marathon instead.

The Takeaway

When you’re training for a big race, it’s tempting to think that “rest” is for the weak. But an active rest day can be exactly what the body needs. Recovery isn’t always glamorous, but let me tell you—when you throw in some spa time, it’s pretty close!

Until next time, stay warm, stay cool, stay… hydrated, I guess?