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Aquarius - according to a news report I saw, crime has decreased due to the lockdown, but not dramatically. I think you're correct re HS being allowed out on the same day for buying food, then out again later for his daily exercise. Good news your garden waste collections are being restarted .. ours are still stopped so the garden waste pile on our small vegetable plot is still growing bigger each week. Margaret showed me some scrapers she bought years ago which I wasn't aware we had and they use the same shape blades as my Stanley knife - I'd previously bought some spare blades so I was able to fit a new one and use the scraper to remove the excess paint from the front door this morning. I've noticed several neighbours busy doing jobs around the house too with their unexpected leisure time. As you say, shame that some people are getting blasé and driving to exercise when they shouldn't be. I see you met some teenagers who were a pain in the arse and didn't make room for anyone else - now there's a surprise!
Margaret had been out for her walk and was back having her breakfast before I surfaced this morning. I was feeling a bit worn out after the two days clambering around painting the front door and cutting the lawns. I hopped on the treadmill for my #notpub2pub run after breakfast and managed a decent pace (9:54mm) while I was running. But I had 'heavy' legs before I started and packed in the run after only 3 miles (instead of the planned 5).
Aquarius, I'm not sure of the title of my Hendrix LP. It's in the loft with all my other LP's. I've got a box set of 3 Hendrix CD's and neither of those tracks are on them.
Our police station in the village was closed about 3 years ago, and the property has been purchased by McCarthy & Stone. It's all boarded up at present, and has been for over a year. I don't suppose any time soon work with commence in the present climate. Another retirement home for wealthy pensioners which was being being constructed for Churchill's has stopped work.
Since the station was closed, we never saw any police, except those in cars. They have now miraculously appeared from somewhere. Makes me think of Theresa Mays infamous statement "We don't have a magic money tree!" Plenty of money now, same as plenty of police. I've seen the policewoman on horseback several times on the local roads, but can't see the point.We are off the beaten track, so non essential drivers are unlikely to venture down our streets.
You are probably correct that we can exercise and also do essential shopping on the same day. I use it as an excuse to have a rest day from running. I shop twice a week, so I am able to run for 5 days, which suits me.
It's definitely good news that garden waste will be collected again. The bin men are still working and picked up the sacks on Wednesday, as usual. They have, however, stopped the monthly glass collections.
I'll do my best on Saturday to get a higher WAVA.
Sorry to hear that Steve is still struggling with pains which have put a stop to his couch to 5k programme. Unfortunately more people are starting to ignore the "only to leave home for the listed essential reasons." There are definitely more cars on the roads, and I noticed this morning that there were a lot of cars parked across the road from an entrance into the forest. It's selfish, ignorant people like that, who could force the government to stop us going out for exercise such as running, cycling, dog walking etc.
I hope you managed to get out for a run or walk this afternoon?
WtnMel, yes I think Aquarius is correct in her assumptions. I've probably used it as an excuse for not running on shopping days.
I've found most people have been very thankful when I've made a wide detour whilst running towards them. There are some though that don't show any appreciation, when I've run on the road, to avoid them walking on the pavement. I call it ignorance. If anyone moves to the side for me, I inevitably thank them, and they respond accordingly. I see that you've also noticed people and drivers ignoring the instructions. They are really selfish, and as I said previously, will probably lead to more stringent constraints.
You did well running on the treadmill after all your hard work.
I ran 6.5 miles this morning in the lovely sunshine, mainly in the forest.
Damien, well done with your mileage. Being off work is a bonus in respect of enabling you to run more often.
Another bright and sunny morning, and I have been shopping. Going twice a week, I seem to be spending a lot more than when I was able to go daily.
That sounded like a nice run yesterday in the sunshine. Good luck for tomorrow’s 5k.
Yes we did go out for a walk yesterday, bouncing about from one side of the road to the other to avoid people, then just as we got near home and finished our walk via the Derwent Way we found our way blocked by two elderly couples standing on either side of the track, just about maintaining the correct distance, but without any room for us to pass. We had to hang back until they’d finished their conversation and continued on their respective ways. In the meantime some cyclists came along and a couple of dog walkers, so there was quite a queue building up.
WtnMel, What can I say, you can certainly rock B1 blue! Until I saw the photo, I had absolutely no memory of what the Tunick Hull photo shoot was about. Then, as soon as I saw the photo, I remembered. It got some press coverage over here, and I remember being really impressed by the photos. How neat that you were able to participate.
Great job on your door. We're you doing a lot of squatting, while painting the bottom portion of the door? (After the Tunick photo, I'm a little wary of asking about 'painting the bottom' without specifying 'door'). If so, maybe your legs were tired from that? Are they feeling any less tired?
Great photo of the squirrel. I really do love to watch the squirrels that run up and down the tree outside of our living room, but they drive my husband nuts. The tree lets them access the roof, and he's worried about them getting into the walls and chewing on the wiring.
HS, The other day there was an article in one of our papers explaining that our animals can get covid-19 from us, though they say that the animals can't pass it back to us. Apparently, some pet owners are being more careful of their pets, not to protect other people, but to protect the pets. While I agree with protecting our pets, something just seems a little twisted about that being the main reason to control your animal.
Great job on your warm up 5k! I'm sure that Saturday's Wava will be excellent
We are having the same problem with more people out and about around here. Because we are a coastal town, there are a number of seasonal residents that are trying to return and the coastal towns are trying to discourage them. One of the towns, about 20 minutes from us, is refusing to turn on the water for the seasonal residences.
I quite enjoyed listening to music while I was riding on the bike! I listened to some old Traffic and Doors albums and had a little nostalgia party while I pedaled. Thank you for the suggestion
Aquarius, How frustrating for Steve to be coping with pain just when he was starting to exercise again. I do hope that he isn't too down about it.
I really don't understand what people are thinking sometimes. If everyone would just bite the bullet and follow the program for a few weeks, we might have a chance of getting on top of the virus. But, those people who are messing around with the guidelines are just prolonging this nightmare. And, then, of course, there's our brilliant president who is suggesting that people inject disinfectant, because...you know...he's a massive idiot.
I think that you might be onto something about the gravel causing your knee pain. There was a path that I used to run on when we lived in Maine that had a section of loose gravel and it often left my ankles and knees sore. That was a smart observation on your part.
I agree that there are some good things to come out of the lockdown. I enjoy the slower pace of life. And, it's nice to have both Brian and myself working from home. However, I would really enjoy going out to eat
Damien Nagle, What? No picture of the flies? I hope your wife clicks a quick photo for you to share next time. That sounds like a pretty funny scene.
Great job on your running streak! My fingers are crossed that you make it to 200K!
This morning I started week 2 of training with an easy 4 mile run. Combining work with training is always a bit of a balance. At the moment, I'm a little tired, but I should be all caught up again with work in a few weeks and, then, I'll be able to get a little more rested.
Aquarius, thanks for your good luck wishes for my 5k, it went really well, details below.
Elderly people have no idea, do they, in their own little worlds. Says me aged 74!
It certainly seems like the undulating nature of the terrain is what is causing problems to your knees.
I agree that there are certain benefits from this lock down. Our running club has waived membership fees completely, just taking fees for England Athletics for those of us that are members. Unfortunately though, cars are beginning to appear on the roads again, as people are starting to ignore the instructions that only essential journeys are allowed. Strangely there doesn't seem to be any increase in wild life in the forest, except for the ponies and dreaded white cows with horns. Karen narrowly avoided being chased by some yesterday.
WtnMel, my Hendrix LP is in the loft with the others, but it didn't have the naked ladies cover, as I would have remembered that. I've got the Queen "Fat Bottom Girls" LP with the girls sat on cycles which is also in the loft!
That's a good idea of your club's to have "a move and post week."
Hope you have a good run on Sunday. I have porridge every other day throughout the year. I have cereal on the in between days.
I like the photo of the squirrel. Shame it wasn't a red one though. We have plenty of greys round my way, but unfortunately, no reds.
Molly, I had the impression that the dog owners were more concerned about the welfare of their pets, than people that their dogs may be attacking.
Todays WAVA was excellent, details below.
I'm interested in your choice of music. Traffic featured Stevie Winwood, if I remember rightly, and I am a great fan of the Doors. I was wondering if you also like The Byrds. I saw them once when they came to England at the Roundhouse in Chalk Farm. I was with a friend who was a keen photographer, and we got in making out that we were members of the press. Unfortunately, I seem to have lost the black and white photos that he took.
Your President is unbelievable, and probably unstable. It's frightening really to think that he is the most powerful man in the world. Our PM is apparently starting work again on Monday, so it will be interesting to see whether he will release any details of of the plans, if any , to gradually ease the lock down.
A good idea starting week 2 of your training programme with an easy 4 mile run. I hope you are able to fit your training in with your work schedule.
This mornings solo 5k challenge went really well and better than expected. I ran it in 27.12 which is an average pace of 8.46 minute miling, and a WAVA of 68.51% I need to improve by about 34 seconds to up it to 70%
Planning to run in the morning ..
Runningfox: I see from your blog that your local hospital have got their eye appointments well organised. It must have been very reassuring for you, although the experience itself sounds painful and very unpleasant, but at least it's over again for a while. Lovely photos along your running route, as always. I was very pleased to read your upbeat last sentence "How can I ever stop running?" I hope you never do. Happy 88th birthday for next week, I don't know the exact date so I'll raise a glass to you midweek, and hope that'll be near enough!
WtnMel, I like 8 miles high by the Byrds, I think that it is one of their most commercial songs.
When I lived in Surbiton, there were red squirrels in the bird sanctuary. That was very many years ago, so I'm sure that there won't be any there now. The bird sanctuary probably isn't there now either.
You must have a lot of patience to do that much shredding. I find that I have to keep reversing mine as the paper keeps clogging the blades.
The Byrds were the last act on that show.
Well done for this mornings treadmill session. I do hope that your treadmill pace transfers to road and off road running.
Damien, looks like you must have outrun the flies this morning, as I can only see two. There aren't so many insects around these days. I can remember in years gone by, returning home after a run with flies round my eyes like a pair of glasses. Also, cars windscreens used to be plastered with flies,but don't seem to get any now.
Aquarius, thanks, I was very pleased with my 5k run. 70% is County, or regional standard, and 80% is National standard. 90% is world class level, and 100% world record level. Jane is now regularly running 80%+ in her solo 5k runs, so is the fastest runner, age related in our club.
I noticed like you did that there were more cars on the roads today, and definitely a lot more dog walkers in the forest. More than pre pandemic , so I'm sure that most of them were drivers that shouldn't have been there. The forest car parks are closed, so most were parked illegally, either on the grass verges, or blocking the locked gates, despite the warning signs that parking in front of them was illegal. I hope the police acted and issued fines. These cars are spoiling the forest.
I agree that all sporting activities should be cancelled for the rest of the year. The London Marathon has been postponed until October, but I can't see how it could possibly be viable. Thousands of runners, plus all the marshalls, drinks stations, travellers on train, tubes and buses etc.
Well done for your hill reps. and I'm not surprised your legs were tired after yesterdays circuits and 4 mile walk. Hope the level of pollen drops so that you don't suffer as much.
I ran 7 miles this morning, on legs that were feeling heavy after yesterdays 5k. As I said previously, there were more dog walkers in the forest than usual, but they all had control of their dogs, and were appreciative when I ran very wide of them.
Sarah H, called round just now with a pile of runners world magazines from 2016 and 2017, and a whole load of CD's. She will take back those that I don't want. I had a nice chat with her in the front garden and me indoors, talking through the window.
Damien Nagle, Lousy break on getting called back to work before you could reach your 200K.
Great picture! It reminds me of a song I once heard with the refrain 'sometimes your the windshield, sometimes your the bug'. You are clearly the windshield
HS, Yes, Traffic was formed by Steve Winwood. When I was growing up my father listened to a lot of the late 60' to early 70's music, and I inherited a lot of his music collection. I still have the albums and the record player
Excellent job on your solo 5K! How exciting to hit such excellent splits
WtnMel, Okay, I need to find The Byrds 8 mile high. It rings absolutely no bells for me.
Our Moron-In-Chief was absolutely not being sarcastic when he made those comments. My husband and I saw the clip from briefing. It was really unnerving.
At this point, my Brian and I are assuming that all fall events are going to be cancelled, including my marathon. We talked about it this morning and I am still going to go ahead with the training and run the route by myself if I have to, with Brian driving a support car. It seems like a lot of things are going to be changing. Brian's company is considering making working from home the status quo. This is a pretty big decision, as it is a global company with offices in many countries. Of course, it's a tech company so their work lends itself to being online. And, the galleries that I work with have closed their doors for the foreseeable future and are holding their shows online. A format that I am not thrilled about, and I can't see how it is going to work.
You are a treadmill demon! Well Done! I'm glad that your legs are over their heaviness.
Aquarius, It does seem as though trying to get a musculoskeletal diagnosis online is anything but ideal. Is their something other than yoga that you can do for cross training/stretching that might be easier on your knee? You've been running so well, it would be really frustrating to be sidelined.
I expect that my work schedule will ease up in a couple weeks. I have some samples of my work to finish that are due on the first of May. However, the samples are going to be a week or 2 late, which turns out to be fine. Apparently, a lot of samples are coming in so late that mine will be comparatively early. However, the samples are in addition to another project, so I've been working on two projects at once, which is what is causing the time issue. Once the samples are done, I'll be down to one project, and life and training will feel much more manageable. Also, I'll be able to sleep past 5 am and maybe go back to doing my daily crosswords
We're starting to get tree pollen here, as well. I noticed yesterday that one of the porch windows was turning yellow. Allergies definitely do not increase the quality of life.
Good for you for getting out for your hill repeats. The fact that you were able to maintain the same pace after the circuits and walk, seems to me to be a very good sign. You are getting strong!
My nails are a lovely deep blue today from dyeing some fibers in indigo. I look very trendy
Yesterday was planned as a bike/cross training day, but after a couple of hours of yard work, I decided I didn't really need the bike. Today was a 30 minute progression run, which went okay. I'm just tired, and a little unmotivated right now. But, I know that if I don't stick with the training schedule, now, I'll regret it down the road.
Good news - I managed a 3.14ml 'rolling hills' run on my treadmill earlier this morning (between 2-6% incline and at 5.5mph) in 34m 40s
Bad news - the treadmill has developed a fault and I don't think it's useable any more at the moment.
I was planning to run for 45 mins but I had to cut the run short when the treadmill started making a strange 'knocking' noise. After I had stopped I inspected it and the rubber running belt had a piece that had broken away and was knocking against the motor cover. It is around 10 years old so I figure the rubber running belt is disintegrating due to its age and I'll have to see if I can get a replacement and if so, how much. Having done a very quick search (will need to do a more detailed one), it doesn't look too complicated a job to replace. So it will basically boil down to how much a replacement belt will cost.
In the meantime, I may have to set an alarm and get out running early before there are too many people around so I don't spend the whole time dodging other pedestrians and runners.
Molly, I'm surprised that you are not familiar with The Byrds, as they were "as big" as the Doors. Perhaps they weren't one of your fathers favourite bands?
I was very pleased with Saturday's 5k, which was quicker than expected.
Your President certainly does seem to be unhinged, as he can't see why he is being criticised. He is one of those people "that are always right."
It's good that you intend carrying on with your marathon training, and that you will still run it if it is cancelled, with your husband following in the car.
It seems that more and more people are now working from home, and I really do think that when the pandemic is finally over, this will continue. I can't see the necessity for workers to travel miles to meetings etc. when they can be conducted on line, as they are now. I'm thinking that our Government may start to think whether it makes sense spending billions of pounds on the proposed high speed rail link, which won't seem to be so essential in the changed circumstances.
We all lose our motivation from tine to time, so you are not the only one.
WtnMel, I believe The Shadows were the first band to introduce sync dancing, and others copied. Cliff Richard (Harry Web) was an embarrassment with his moves, and seemed to have odd legs.
I've scanned through quite a few of the magazines so far which I have read before. Sarah will take them back, so that I won't have to dispose of them. I haven't looked at them all though, so I may keep some. There were two carrier bags of CD's and I have sorted them into those I want, and those I don't. It worked our more or less 50/50, so she will take one carrier bag of CD's back. I'm not sure where I will keep them, as my racks are already full.
I see you have been busy in the garden again, and always seem to have some project or other on the go.
I took a lot of LP's to Oxfam that I no longer wanted, and noticed that one or two were for sale at £30 or more. Perhaps rarities and therefore very collectable.
On the subject of Accounts, I could never see how the previous running club Treasurer balanced the books, despite me being an Auditor for a couple of years.The new club Treasurer is a qualified accountant so I'm sure the accounts will be easier to understand.
Had a good shopping experience this morning, no queue, so was able to enter the store right away. I got everything I needed, filling 3 shopping bags. I went to my local supermarket, and not during the OAP hourly slot, so was surprised how quiet it was. I always walk there as it is only about 1/3 mile away, and good exercise. Walking back with 3 heavy bags was torture, two in one hand and one in the other. I had to stop now and again to rest my arms. It reminded me of The Worlds Strongest Man competition, where they walk carrying heavy weights in each hand. I just got home in time before the heavy rain started.
HS: Good point about HS2, I hadn't thought of that, but with luck there will be neither the money nor the will to continue with that project.
Before this pandemic we used to go to the local supermarket on foot most days and I remember having to keep swapping bags of shopping from one hand to another to try to ease the load. We haven't been out to the shops since mid March.
An overcast day here, and quite chilly. I think rain is forecast later this afternoon. No running for me today, but we’re planning to go for a walk if the rain holds off.
Steve has just finished making some more bird seed cakes to hang in the garden and I’m finally getting started on that Latin course I mentioned. I’ve been meaning to start before now, but it’s a strange thing every time I think I’ve caught up on tasks and have a quiet day ahead I find I’m still managing to fill my day pottering about with something or other. So today I’ve made the effort to set aside an hour this morning to get started with my Cambridge Latin Course. It’s written for use in schools, so I’ll see how far I can get before it defeats me 😄
WtnMel, Great job on your treadmill run! But, OH NO! Your poor treadmill. If you figure out how to fix it yourself, I would be very interested in how you managed it, as mine is fairly old.
My husband will absolutely not be allowed a bullhorn! Especially if his buddy, who enjoys teasing me, decides to come along for the ride. I have no doubt that the temptation of the bullhorn would prove too much for him, and would likely end with a DNF on my part and possible police intervention.
Sadly, even in the early morning hours, our sidewalks are too narrow to accommodate both runners and the volume of people out walking, unless the runners or the walkers are willing to be constantly dashing into peoples yards and waiting the other to pass. My neighbor is still going out in the early morning for her runs, but she has had several incidents of having to choose between jumping into the road or slowing to a walk until the next side street. However, I may still give a super early morning run a try this weekend just for my sanity.
One of our decorative grass patches had to be partially dug up and cut back last year. It was quite a job digging it up. My husband did most of the brute work, and I was very grateful for it. That patch of grass was slowly annexing a large section of the garden plot.
HS, Once I started looking at the The Byrds' song list, I remembered the songs. But, I don't think my father was a fan of theirs. Or, at least he didn't have any of their albums.
Were your arms sore after your trek back from the store? I used to be much better about keep up my arm strength than I have been over the last few years. And, as I am now doing a lot of the lifting around the house, I am finding that a few more pushups might have come in handy.
Have you seen anymore of the wild animals pigs/horses/cows during your forest runs?
Aquarius, how exciting to be taking a Latin course. Good for you! I Hope you keep us updated on how you go on
Excellent job on your intervals! What a rude runner to go barreling past you like that. It's really hard to understand how people's minds work sometimes.
How has knee been feeling? Is there another path that you can run on that doesn't have the gravel?
My nails are still blue, but they are beginning to fade. My guess is that they will be back to normal just about when I dye my next batch of fibers.
Your suggestion of running the marathon route a day early, or a day later than the actual date, is a good one. The marathon generally pulls upwards of 5000 participants, so I'm sure that I'm not the only one planning on running it alone.
I love my crosswords! That little bit of satisfaction that comes every time a section gets filled in is a wonderful feeling
Damien Nagle, I think I remember reading that a UK teen mowed a penis into a grass field as a form of protest against Trump when he visited. Is the new grass penis a protest? Or just a form of organic graffiti?
I'm glad that the temperatures cooled down for you. I'd happily give you our cold temperatures in exchange for a little warmth.
I'm losing track, so many posts, some over the page, so apologies for anything I I have missed.
Aquarius, I remember Buffalo Springfield, but not any songs.
Yes, Jane is really super fast and it is a pity that there are no races in the near future that she can really push herself.
Well done for your interval training, and good luck with your Latin Course.
I did watch the 1981 London Marathon on Sunday, and it didn't look anywhere near as professional as nowadays. I applied by ballot for that one and the following 2 years, without success, so I never bothered again. In those days, we had to post off our applications as soon as entries were open, and places were given to the first ones they opened.
Molly, I have the same problem with road running. I seem to be on the roads more than the pavements, stepping aside for walkers in both directions. There are certainly more walkers on the pavements than there were, and not all dog walkers either.
Glad you remembered some of the Byrds songs, but a shame that you don't have any of their albums/cd's.
My arms were aching from carrying those 3 bags , but thankfully that didn't last for very long. I have been doing press ups again lately and this probably helped. I try to do an extra one on each non running day. My last time I managed 17, so my target is 18 on Friday.
I didn't see any pigs at all this year, they must have been in different parts of the forest, because I know they were released earlier. I do see ponies and those horrible white cows with horns. I always give them a wide berth.
I note that you and Aquarius are keen crossword solvers. Do you do the cryptic or the concise? When I was a teenager and living in Surbiton, I worked in London, in New Oxford Street and I attempted the Daily Telegraph crossword each morning on the train. I never got it all out though. Once, and once only, I completed the Sunday Observer cryptic crossword. Nowadays, I do the i concise crossword and quite often complete it.
WtnMel, you are probably correct about the Government proceeding with the HS2, although it makes no sense. Where is the money going to come from?
I burned most of my CD's onto my laptop on i Tunes and then onto my ipod shuffle. Now that I no longer have the shuffle, they are not much use on my laptop. Luckily, I still have the CD's, so can play them on my boom box and in the car. I think you might find buyers for your LP's on ebay, especially if you auction them.
I will try to avoid carrying such heavy shopping again, but as I wasn't running, I classed it as cross training.
Good luck with getting spare parts for your treadmill, and hopefully they won't be too expensive.
Reference your dusting and hoovering, it put me in mind of that Queen Video.
Sorry to hear that you didn't get much quality sleep last night, and hope that you have a better night tonight.
I did a steady 5 miles this morning, dodging on and off the pavement as I mentioned above.
Sarah has just been round to collect the CD's that I didn't want, and the RW magazines that I had already read. Luckily, I had last months magazine which she had been unable to buy, so she was very pleased that I was able to give it to her. The latest one is out now, so I will get it on Friday if Tesco have it in.