Heavy traffic on the Thames

[marathondan]

I'm having another little go at the mile a day challenge. Not actually running a mile every day, but aiming to average 365 miles a year. In theory it should only take an average of 10 minutes a day. I restarted a month ago, then promptly didn't run for 9 days, then very satisfyingly clawed back to 22 miles in 22 days. And then of course didn't run for another 9 days. Finished the one month period on 25, which isn't too bad.

365 miles a year is of course a pretty modest target, but it's a damn sight better than doing nothing. Being on my feet all day at school seems to be doing me good; I'm working late at home and often reaching for the sugary cereals but not putting on any weight. Not commuting by car, and spending much less time at a desk, are great.

The runs I've managed have been good, taking in some new routes around obscure parts of Bracknell and Windsor as I grab the odd half hour during kids' music lessons or gymnastics sessions. Tonight I added those last three miles with a nostalgic post-sunset plod around the old field. A month ago I was reaching for the Sweder Thesaurus of terms for under-used lungs (dried-out teabags may be my favourite). But a 9 day layoff is a lot easier to recover from, and I felt fresh and finished strongly.

I still think of winter in terms of the marathon training season. Right now I would be getting in a month's base miles before starting the ramp-up proper around Christmas. It will happen again.