Day 209: Treadmill is a right pain in the... leg

RUN: 2.3 miles (3.81km)

The icy/slushy pavements have forced me back into the gym today. I thought I'd better not risk it, because I'd be running nowhere with a broken neck!
Anyway, I got a really uncomfy feeling in my leg after about 20 minutes. The niggle from the other day has returned. Not sure what's going on, but I stretched it out then it turned into a real pain. I ended up literally limping along, so I gave it up as a bad job at almost half an hour. Ah well. Hopefully it will sort itself out with a little care and attention, and fingers crossed the pavements will clear soon and I won't have to come to the gym many more times.

No route link today... just a treadmill photo

Day 208: One mile in the fresh snow

RUN: 1.1 miles

The snow has really been coming down this afternoon/evening, so the pavements are thick with new snow.
As you'll probably know, fresh snow isn't really slippy or anything, so it's not too bad to run on. It is, however, pretty chilly running in a blizzard, so just the one mile tonight. I didn't see any other runners out... and that's very unusual around here, so that's when you know you must be mad. I did get a few funny looks from drivers struggling to get home in the snow. Here's my little snowy mile

Day 207: Late mile in the snow - and unsuitable clothing

RUN: 1.2 miles

Tonight I went for tea at my friend Carla's house in Wilsden. I had planned to squeeze in a run between work and tea, but ended up behind schedule and went straight to Carla's. It was quite late and quite snowy by the time I got home. So in a moment of madness I headed straight up the road - in my boots, dress, leggings and wool coat. I think this running business is sending me a bit loopy.

Luckily there was hardly anyone around to witness my one mile of bonkersness, so I took a video of the peaceful snowy scene (mainly to prove to boyfriend Andy that I really had just been running).

Day 206: Run to work in icy conditions

RUN: 7.6 miles

There is quite a bit of ice and slush around up in the hills, but down in the valley towards Bradford the pavements are pretty clear, so I was determined to do my second Wednesday run to work despite the conditions not being ideal. So I headed off (in -4C) towards Bradford, dodging all the patches of snow and ice. Another good run.  

Day 205: Safety first - into the gym from the cold

RUN: 2.2 miles (3.51km)

After last night's run, I was taking no risks this evening and decided to go back to the treadmill in the gym.

As you can see from the photo below, I watched a bit of The Polar Bear Family And Me as I ran along - just to remind me of the wintry conditions outside.

Day 204: Running on thin ice

RUN: 1.7 miles

I headed out on a three-mile route this evening, since the pavements seemed fine and safe when I looked out of the window. But I was wrong.
I not considered the possibility of black ice... and the pavements were like a skating rink.
Having braved it for a mile, I decided to cut the route short and head back.
Here's a little video I took to show the conditions. (Sorry if it makes you feel a bit sick - it's hard to hold the camera steady while running!)

Here's today's run

Day 203: Cyclo-cross inspiration and a dusting of slippery snow

RUN: 1.6 miles

This morning I went to Peel Park in Bradford to watch the national cyclo-cross championships as my cousin Annie Simpson was competing. It was absolutely freezing and so muddy in the park. The track was so churned up and boggy and there were huge hills to climb and obstacles to tackle. Watching the girls in the women's race powering through was really inspirational and showed just what can be acheived through hard work and dedication.

Here's Annie about to jump back on her bike after a huge hill

Having said that, there was quite a bit of snow on the ground by the time I got home, so I ended up tip-toeing around for just 1.6 miles. Apparently there is more snow on the way, so I might find myself back in the gym before long.

Here's today's run