tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61363370912042957172024-02-20T20:56:00.936-08:00See Ruth run!Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13189452602687568879noreply@blogger.comBlogger109125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6136337091204295717.post-24097968433849148132009-10-14T08:48:00.000-07:002009-10-14T08:52:17.866-07:00Slow progressA 4 mile run round my Dollar loop on Sunday and 4 miles at lunchtime yesterday. No hope of any more this week as I've got things on every lunch time and evening until Sunday again. Too busy.<br /><br />Apparently the midnight sun marathon I mentioned in the last post is, like, a million miles from anywhere. Doesn't look like we've got the budget to get to northernmost Norway next year, at least. Not sure what holidays are on the cards at all, with my annual leave entitlement and salary yet to be confirmed I think I'll hold off booking anything until I know whether I have both time and money!Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13189452602687568879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6136337091204295717.post-45776811908668352502009-10-07T09:02:00.000-07:002009-10-07T09:03:55.588-07:00Passing thoughtLoitering on the Runner's World forum (thinks: is there an apostrophe in the mag title?), I came across this:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.msm.no/midnight-sun-marathon.9866.en.html">http://www.msm.no/midnight-sun-marathon.9866.en.html</a><br /><br />Kind of tempting.Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13189452602687568879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6136337091204295717.post-21977150437308991442009-10-06T08:19:00.000-07:002009-10-06T08:23:35.586-07:00Leith runFour miles down the Water of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Leith</span> on Sunday. Wanted to get it done first thing, but Al suggested a walk with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Dougal</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Callum</span>, so did a hour's walk by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Cramond</span> first. Then managed to persuade Cal to come on the run on his bike and Al to do 30 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">mins</span> of it too. Lovely weather for it, and made me feel better about the cake overdose that followed in celebration of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Morag's</span> birth.<br /><br />Actually, didn't do it all along the water but turned off past some allotments and discovered a new tunnel has been opened by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Tesco's</span> leading to a delightful park. Which made a nice change.<br /><br />Yesterday planned to go surfing but instead had a sore throat and cold so cried off. Feel much better now so am annoyed with myself for not going as I haven't been surfing in AGES. But then, maybe if I had gone I would now have double <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">pneumonia</span>. You never know.Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13189452602687568879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6136337091204295717.post-21326872328320146682009-09-30T08:55:00.000-07:002009-09-30T09:01:01.227-07:00Autumn runFour miles (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ish</span> - going by timing and need to look out the magic <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">satellite</span> device to tell exactly) at lunchtime today. It's nice when I can get away from my desk, even if I do return bright red and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">shiny</span> in a way that may not inspire confidence in my pronouncements to colleagues. Went down the Devon Way to where the tarmac ends and back. Next time maybe I'll make the turn off to the stables. I was inspired by feeling particularly fat last night at dinner in my previously-favourite-now-too-tight jeans. Something Must Be Done.<br /><br />In other news, have found a lovely house to rent in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Muckhart</span>! The letting agent is an idiot who could tell us nothing useful about the heating, council tax or use of the garage and who told us the gardener was included in the rent, which turned out to be far, far from the truth. So I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">explained</span> we couldn't afford it with all the extras he piled on at the last minute. Next day he called back and offered an affordable (just) price, so warmth and dryness and millions of (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">ok</span>, five) bedrooms await. Very excited.<br /><br />Off to do the horse tonight. She's just started back in work and is allowed 15 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">mins</span> of walking twice a day. Last time she only freaked out once, which is an improvement.Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13189452602687568879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6136337091204295717.post-74315298785529888782009-09-26T10:22:00.000-07:002009-09-26T11:19:34.555-07:00So far so goodFour miles at the gym to check the trainers, which are exactly like their predecessors, hurray.<br /><br />Then a 6 mile walk yesterday with F&A and dogs, followed by a 4 mile run round Dollar today. Dougal is very happy with all this activity. Will try and get another run in tomorrow before heading to Edinburgh for Barry's birthday brucnh, which will probably weight me down for the rest fo the week.Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13189452602687568879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6136337091204295717.post-12643183785259399512009-09-22T05:28:00.000-07:002009-09-22T05:51:28.577-07:00New shoesJust bee up to Bridge of Allan to pick up my shiney new trainers. Asics GT 2140s to be priecise - lovely violet colour this year, much nicer than last year's black.<br /><br />So, now I have to actually go running to make use of them and justify their exoribtant cost.<br /><br />I've done bits off and on but nothing really concrete. What with riding and working it's hard to fit in. But not impossible - there's a fair bit of laziness coming into play here too. Al and I have pretty much decided not to do a 2010 marathon but perhaps to aim for a good time in one in 2011. But I need to do something so will look up a few spring half marathons to aim for.Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13189452602687568879noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6136337091204295717.post-75044928400058087342008-11-19T11:38:00.000-08:002008-11-19T12:02:59.230-08:00Out of excusesYep, my orthotics were here but my will power wasn't. I've driven round with my gym kit in the boot for a week and a half and the most exercise I've done is two 40 minute walks. Ah well. I don't normally start training till December anyway. But secretly I'm scared that without a marathon hanging over me I'll Never Run Again.<br /><br />Must set myself a difficult time goal for the Alloa half to inspire me, and record it here so I can't wuss out...Let's see. How about [checks past blogs for previous half marathon times] ... 1 hour 40? That's what I would hope for just before running a (mythical) 3 hour 45 minute marathon. We'll see.<br /><br />Very busy at work at the moment. Looking forward to next week's holiday - even if there's no surf I'm just going to sleep and read and be warm and not work.Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13189452602687568879noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6136337091204295717.post-60174479731755274552008-11-10T12:56:00.000-08:002008-11-10T13:00:24.588-08:00Orthotic dependencyLeft my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">orthotics</span> in Edinburgh last week which meant no exercise for me, as I've long since discarded the normal inner sole of my multiple pairs of trainers. Luckily Al brought them back for me this weekend and I was fully intending to go to the gym after work today. But then I ended up working till 6 and hurried home to my beloved instead. Except he wasn't there because he had to stay in Edinburgh and fix a server. Boo.<br /><br />Gym tomorrow lunchtime it is then, though that may not leave me any time to buy food for the week as I have to hurry home for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Dougal's</span> obedience class...Took the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Dougal</span> Dog to agility yesterday and got out of breath hopping over a tiny jump with him. Pathetic. He loved it, but it's a big time commitment when we don't really have a routine. We'll see how it goes.Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13189452602687568879noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6136337091204295717.post-15867771432834516272008-10-27T15:49:00.001-07:002008-10-27T15:52:34.077-07:00Monday gymGym after work (even though it was dark and I wanted to go home and hibernate):<br /><ul><li>0.5 miles cross trainer</li><li>1.5 miles treadmill, incline 2%, 6.1 mph</li><li>1 rep of 10 for each of three grips on seated back, weights set at 5</li><li>3 reps of 10 shoulder press, weights set at 2 (pathetic)</li><li>3 reps of 10 tripcep kickback, weights set at 5</li><li>2 reps of 10 for each of two grips lateral pull down, weights set at 7 (not pathetic)</li><li>1 mile treadmill, as before</li></ul><p>Not going to bother with the lunch time class again tomorrow. Will try and find proper pilates or yoga instead.</p>Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13189452602687568879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6136337091204295717.post-91766714408621428842008-10-26T11:54:00.000-07:002008-10-26T12:17:00.089-07:00101 postsDidn't realise until today but that last post was my 100<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span>. A milestone and, hopefully, impetus to get me to carry on blogging.<br /><br />Just a quick update today. Did I say I'd taken the decision to run the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Alloa</span> half marathon in March? So <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">training</span> for that starts now. Went to the gym last week, first for a lunch time class that was supposed to be <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">pilates</span> and toning. But when I got there they'd changed it to aerobics. Which was fine, but I really wanted some core strength conditioning to complement my running. I didn't particularly need a workout. Shame, because that means there are no <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">pilates</span> classes at all either at lunch time or after work. Maybe I can find an after work one at another gym or hall.<br /><br />Went back on Thursday for a gym session, doing five minutes on the cross trainer followed by two 1 mile runs at 2% incline and 6mph. In between the miles I went and played with all the weight machines to try and remember how they worked and what level of weights was feasible. I decided to try and do regular work on the back machine, lateral pull down, triceps and shoulder press. All good for the surfing. A week in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Fueteventura</span> is now booked so I need all the practice I can get.<br /><br />Spent yesterday and today helping <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Fi</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Ailsa</span> move, so I can add some heavy lifting to the list. Their new place is gorgeous already, and I can't wait to see it when decorating is finished.<br /><br />In other news, some plants I ordered online ages ago finally arrived and I've planted up two big tubs: one with heathers and an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">acer</span> and one with lavender and rosemary. Round the back, in the bed my mum dug over when she came to stay, I've put hollyhocks, delphiniums and dwarf lupins. Round the front I cleared as much gravel as I could from the bed by the door and topped it up with compost to make a mini raised bed and put in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">scabiosa</span> perfecta, delphiniums and a couple of left over lavender. I've planted a few smaller pots with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">daffs</span> and tulip bulbs but still have loads left so will stalk the garden tomorrow night looking for appropriate places to bury them.<br /><br />I've recorded all this here in case I forget what I put where. Plus, if my running goes to pot (no pun intended) I can always record the progress of my plants.Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13189452602687568879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6136337091204295717.post-54129190879028772882008-10-13T14:05:00.000-07:002008-10-13T14:35:11.423-07:00Doggy runWell, not <span style="font-style: italic;">quite</span> as long a break as last time. Went for a run after work in the glorious autumnal evening air, and took the Diggler along. He was very good, coming back when called and pausing only briefly to play with a jack russell. He was knackered afterwards as Al had walked him already during the day and yesterday we went up the hill for a 'short' walk that turned into two hours (lovely though) during which Dougal ran non-stop. Afterwards he fell fast asleep on the sofa and refused to play with me, even though he'd woken me up that very morning when I wanted to lie in and refused to let me get back to sleep. He is very selfish.<br /><br />Ailsa is right: running does banish bad moods and even my pathetic half hour tonight helped to lessen my frustration at a bunch of councillors who don't really understand what branding is or what they want from it. After spending months defending this county from accusations of provincialism, I really felt it was small minded and unprofessional for politicians to look at the research I'd done and say 'Well maybe everyone else thinks that, but I think we should just do what I want, even though there's no evidence to back it up whatsoever.' Very provincial.<br /><br />I'm getting annoyed again so I will move on.<br /><br />Here's a list of books I stole from <a href="http://lifeofawastrel.blogspot.com/">Fi's blog</a>. She can tell you all about it, but I've changed it so the ones I've read are in bold. Like her, I've changed the last two.<br /><br />1. <strong>Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen</strong><br />2. <span style="font-weight: bold;">The Lord of the Rings - JRR Tolkien</span><br />3.<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte</span><br />4. <strong style="font-weight: normal;">Harry Potter series - JK Rowling</strong> - have read less than half of the series so that doesn't count<br />5. <strong>To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee</strong><br />6. <strong style="font-weight: normal;">The Bible</strong> - only a few bits. The Book of Ruth. Stuff like that.<br />7. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Wuthering Heights - Emily Bronte</span><br />8<span style="font-weight: bold;">. Nineteen Eighty Four - George Orwell</span><br />9. <span style="font-weight: bold;">His Dark Materials - Philip Pullman </span>(much better than Harry Potter)<br />10. <strong style="font-weight: bold;">Great Expectations - Charles Dickens</strong><br />11. <strong>Little Women</strong> <span style="font-weight: bold;">- Louisa May Alcott</span><br />12. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Tess of the D’Urbervilles - Thomas Hardy</span><br />13. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Catch 22 - Joseph Heller</span><br />14. <strong style="font-weight: normal;">Complete work of Shakespere</strong> - again, less than half<br />15. Rebecca - Daphne Du Maurier<br />16. <span style="font-weight: bold;">The Hobbit - JRR Tolkien</span><br />17. Birdsong - Sebastian Faulks<br />18. <strong>Catcher in the Rye - JD Salinger</strong><br />19. <strong>The Time Traveller’s Wife - Audrey Niffenegger</strong> (loved it, even though I put off reading it for ages because I was afraid it wouldn't live up to the hype).<br />20. Middlemarch - George Eliot<br />21. Gone With The Wind - Margaret Mitchell<br />22. <strong style="font-weight: normal;">The Great Gatsby - F Scott Fitzgerald</strong> - hmm, must put that on my reading list<br />23. Bleak House - Charles Dickens<br />24.<span style="font-weight: bold;"> War and Peace - Leo Tolstoy</span> - but it took me two years and by the time I got to the end I'd forgotten what happened at the beginning<br />25. <span style="font-weight: bold;">The Hitch Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams</span><br />26. Brideshead Revisited - Evelyn Waugh<br />27. Crime and Punishment - Fyodor Dostoyevsky<br />28. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Grapes of Wrath - John Steinbeck</span><br />29. <strong style="font-weight: bold;">Alice in Wonderland - Lewis Carroll</strong><br />30. <span style="font-weight: bold;">The Wind in the Willows - Kenneth Grahame</span><br />31. <strong style="font-weight: normal;">Anna Karenina - Leo Tolstoy</strong><br />32. David Copperfield - Charles Dickens<br />33. <strong>Chronicles of Narnia - CS Lewis</strong><br />34. Emma - Jane Austen<br />35. Persuasion - Jane Austen<br />36. <strong style="font-weight: normal;">The Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini</strong> - but I read the next one he wrote<br />37. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Captain Corelli’s Mandolin - Louis De Bernieres</span><br />38. <strong style="font-weight: normal;">Memoirs of a Geisha - Arthur Golden</strong><br />39. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Winnie the Pooh - AA Milne</span><br />40. <strong>Animal Farm - George Orwell</strong><br />41. <strong style="font-weight: normal;">The Da Vinci Code - Dan Brown</strong><br />42. <strong style="font-weight: bold;">One Hundred Years of Solitude - Gabriel Garcia Marquez</strong><br />43. <strong>A Prayer for Owen Meaney - John Irving</strong><br />44. The Woman in White - Wilkie Collins - I've never heard of this. Is it famous?<br />45. <strong style="font-weight: normal;">Anne of Green Gables - LM Montgomery</strong><br />46. Far From The Madding Crowd - Thomas Hardy.<br />47. <span style="font-weight: bold;">The Handmaid’s Tale - Margaret Atwood</span><br />48. <strong>Lord of the Flies - William Golding</strong><br />49. Atonement - Ian McEwan<br />50. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Life of Pi - Yann Martel</span><br />51. Dune - Frank Herbert<br />52. Cold Comfort Farm - Stella Gibbons - saw the tv series though<br />53. Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austen<br />54. <span style="font-weight: bold;">A Suitable Boy - Vikram Seth</span> - pretty sure I did read this ages ago<br />55. The Shadow of the Wind - Carlos Ruiz Zafon<br />56. A Tale Of Two Cities - Charles Dickens<br />57. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Brave New World - Aldous Huxley</span><br />58.<span style="font-weight: bold;"> The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time - Mark Haddon</span><br />59. Love In The Time Of Cholera - Gabriel Garcia Marquez<br />60. <strong style="font-weight: bold;">Of Mice and Men - John Steinbeck</strong><br />61. Lolita - Vladimir Nabokov<br />62. The Secret History - Donna Tartt<br />63. <strong style="font-weight: normal;">The Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold</strong><br />64. Count of Monte Cristo - Alexandre Dumas<br />65. <span style="font-weight: bold;">On The Road - Jack Kerouac</span><br />66. Jude the Obscure - Thomas Hardy<br />67. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Bridget Jones's Diary - Helen Fielding</span><br />68.<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Midnight’s Children - Salman Rushdi</span><br />69. <strong style="font-weight: normal;">Moby Dick - Herman Melville</strong><br />70. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Oliver Twist - Charles Dickens</span><br />71. Dracula - Bram Stoker<br />72. <strong>The Secret Garden - Frances Hodgson Burnett</strong><br />73. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Notes From A Small Island - Bill Bryson</span><br />74. Ulysses - James Joyce - started it, never finished<br />75. The Bell Jar - Sylvia Plath<br />76. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Swallows and Amazons - Arthur Ransome</span><br />77. Germinal - Emile Zola<br />78. Vanity Fair - William Makepeace Thackeray<br />79. Possession - AS Byatt<br />80. <span style="font-weight: bold;">A Christmas Carol - Charles Dickens</span><br />81. Cloud Atlas - David Mitchell<br />82. <strong style="font-weight: bold;">The Color Purple - Alice Walker</strong><br />83. The Remains of the Day - Kazuo Ishiguro<br />84. <strong style="font-weight: normal;">Madame Bovary - Gustave Flaubert</strong><br />85. A Fine Balance - Rohinton Mistry<br />86. <strong>Charlotte’s Web - EB White</strong><br />87. <strong style="font-weight: normal;">The Five People You Meet In Heaven - Mitch Albom</strong><br />88. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Adventures of Sherlock Holmes - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle</span><br />89. <span style="font-weight: bold;">The Faraway Tree Collection - Enid Blyton</span> - did actually borrow this from a friend at school, even though my mum banned Enid Blyton from house.<br />90. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Heart of Darkness - Joseph Conrad</span><br />91. <span style="font-weight: bold;">The Little Prince - Antoine De Saint-Exupery</span><br />92. <span style="font-weight: bold;">The Wasp Factory - Iain Banks</span><br />93. <strong>Watership Down - Richard Adams</strong><br />94. A Confederacy of Dunces - John Kennedy Toole<br />95. A Town Like Alice - Nevil Shute<br />96. The Three Musketeers - Alexandre Dumas<br />97. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Charlie and the Chocolate Factory</span> - Roald Dahl<br />98. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Les Miserables - Victor Hugo</span><br />99. <span style="font-weight: bold;">The Kraken Wakes - John Wyndham </span>- there's a shocking derth of sci-fi on this list, unless you count Orwell and Huxley<br />100. <strong></strong> The Koran - I bought a copy of this and have read bits of it. But I got bored because it was so similar to the Bible.<br /><br />I make that 51% and a few good ideas for when I finish my current bedtime reading (Grazia magazine). No more Hardy though. Or The Da Vinci Code.Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13189452602687568879noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6136337091204295717.post-45218346234330756162008-09-23T08:24:00.000-07:002008-09-23T08:38:31.751-07:00SorryYes, sorry it's been nearly a month since my last blog. It's been a busy few weeks. I should really detail everything here, there's plenty of material, but I haven't really been in the mood for blogging recently. I don't know why.<br /><br />In short, I went to Maastricht with Al for a long weekend, which was pleasant. Then we held our much-delayed housewarming party, which was fun. Plenty of people (and dogs) came along and we sheltered in the barn from showers, finishing with an excellent bonfire that didn't quite set the barn on fire.<br /><br />Unfortunately while I was clearing up the next day I got stung by something (a bee I think). Didn't think much of it at the time but my hand swelled up overnight so on Monday I looked as though I was wearing an inflated washing up glove. This took a trip to the doctor, some antihystamine and nearly a week to go down again. At one point I had my hand up in a sling to help the swelling go down, which garnered a lot of sympathy until people realised I hadn't actually broken my arm. It also curtailed typing somewhat, which is another excuse for not blogging.<br /><br />I had to leave cleaning the house post-party until it had gone down, which drove me crazy. I can't stand living in a dirty house and this was really filthy - everyone had been in and out in muddy boots so I was dying to get the mop out. (Not that I minded for party purposes: I expected a certain level of mess. I just hoped I'd be able to clean it up quickly afterwards.) However, I did buy a carpet washer, which was a stroke of genius, as the stupid design of the cottage means everyone walks through all the carpeted rooms and there's a distrincly stained path wearing in. The carpet washer made a real difference.<br /><br />But I have to say I'm getting fed up of the cottage. Yes, I love the location and the space and being able to walk out of the door and up the hill. But I'm not convinced this makes up for it being so cold, dark, damp and hard to keep clean. I'm sitting here writing this wearing my down jacket indoors to stay warm. And this is only September.<br /><br />Not sure what to do about this, as it took us ages to find the place, nearly caused me a nervous breakdown getting moved in and Al adores it. Emailing the landlord about the growing damp patch and looking into getting a cleaner are my first thoughts. It would be a shame not to last much longer than the housewarming!Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13189452602687568879noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6136337091204295717.post-7420903574657632622008-08-30T04:58:00.000-07:002008-08-30T05:24:56.002-07:00What adverts reveal about societyResults are up for Coll and I was 33rd overall, or 6<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span> female. About half way through the field, in other words, which is around my usual placing. Quite happy with that.<br /><br />So, I was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">watching</span> Top Gear last night. I think I've blogged before about Top Gear and how great it is, despite the fact that I know and care little about cars. In fact, the whole of Dave channel's output appeals to me and most of my pals. Which, considering it claims men aged 20-40 as their target demographic, says something about how they've misconceived what appeals to women aged 20-40. Or maybe something about me and my female friends. Who knows.<br /><br />Anyway, I love Top Gear. It's great. But it's sponsored by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Halfords</span>, who have these little spots before and after the ads. And these spots <em>enrage</em> me. They really do. At first they just irritated me, but by last night I was about ready to stop watching Top Gear (which is, as we have established, great) just because of these enraging spots.<br /><br />The problem is, they're just <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">blatantly</span> sexist and lazy in their <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">stereotyping</span>. I mean, I know these are just little sponsor bites and not full blown ads, but you think they would have put in some measure of creative thought. Even allowing for the target demographic.<br /><br />Individually, they're just enough to mildly piss me off, but en <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">masse</span> they just add to the depressing drip drip drip of tiny assumptions made every day based on sex that all then add up together to contribute to nasty big assumptions that ruin women's lives. Possibly without them even noticing (which is even more depressing). In a typical spot, for example, a woman goes to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Halfords</span> to get her baby's car seat fitted. Not too bad. Then another women gets her <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">ipod</span> fitted up to the car stereo and indulges in a little flirty banter with the bloke over her taste in music. Slightly nausea-inducing. Then a bloke gets a new roof box fitted and shares an 'all blokes together' moment with the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Halfords</span> man relating to how much stuff his wife takes on holiday. That's enough! I'm enraged!<br /><br />I think what really really annoys me about this last one is that it is too true to life - I've heard exactly that sort of conversation take place so many times.<br /><br />Did I ever tell you about the time I took my shoes to be <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">reheeled</span> and was just in time to hear the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Timpson's</span> guy finish a conversation with his wife on his mobile? The guy hung up, turned to me, and said "All women should have their tongues cut out at birth."<br /><br />Since I'm fond of my tongue, I asked to be served by someone else. <br /><br />On the plus side (slightly) I also saw an ad last night that really made me sit up and think. It was for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Huggies</span> - the nappies. Nappies adverts are in the same category as those for oven cleaner and tampons and washing powder in that they are without <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">exception</span> boring, formulaic and almost impossible to tell the difference between. I mean, it's impossible to tell the difference between two ads for different oven cleaners. You can tell the difference between a tampon ad and an <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">oven</span> cleaner ad (just). They are also all products aimed largely at women. <br /><br />So I was astounded by this <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Huggies</span> ad, which featured a bloke <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">carrying</span> a baby into a hotel room. A rather retro hotel room at that - none of the unbelievably white <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">shiny</span> surroundings usually associated with these ads. Then the bloke goes to change the kid's nappy, laying him on a nappy mat on the bed - yes! A nappy mat! Not a basket full of feathers or a lawn covered in puppies or some other equally unbelievable surface. This ad was going for reality, big time.<br /><br />And - this is the good bit - as soon as the guy pulls the nappy off a little bit, the baby sends pee shooting everywhere - all over the hotel room, up to the ceiling. It's exaggerated, of course, with the point being that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Huggies</span> are great at stopping leaks. But it's not <em>that</em> exaggerated. Babies do pee all over the place. So here was an advert that:<br /><br />a) acknowledged that men sometimes change nappies;<br />b) acknowledged that sometimes nappy changing takes place outside of pristine home surroundings;<br />c) acknowledged that nappies are messy and babies pee everywhere.<br /><br />Wow. I couldn't decide if I should be excited that society had taken the great leap forward into commissioning such a revolutionary advert or depressed (again) that it should come as such a surprise, in 2008, to come come across a product that <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">acknowledges</span> reality.<br /><br />Who knows?Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13189452602687568879noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6136337091204295717.post-11823699807848565332008-08-25T12:33:00.000-07:002008-08-25T13:08:05.910-07:00Coll half marathonGot back from Coll last night after a great trip. We drove to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Oban</span> on Friday night, stayed in the van and got the 7am ferry. Colin and Helen accompanied us and were of good cheer. I was knackered after the night in the van and the previous night having been spent <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">getting</span> up to let <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Dougal</span> out as he was whinging for a poo and then cleaning up after him as he ate a frog and spat foam everywhere. But we were cheered by the sight of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Seonaid</span> and the boys and hurried to the Community Hall to sign in.<br /><br />The race began at 3pm - a great atmosphere and very friendly. There were about 70 people doing the half, and they set off at a hell of a pace. We quickly became strung out along the route and I settled behind a woman pushing a pushchair (yes, really - she was speedy!) and a woman in a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">turquoise</span> top. Al stuck with me for three miles, annoying me by constantly asking about our pace. I think if you want to know your pace when you run you should make your own measurement arrangements! Luckily after mile 3 he dropped back. I was starting to enjoy myself on the undulating hills - just up and down enough to maintain interest. The head wind was a bit off putting but at least it was cool and I consoled myself with the thought that Alex had said it was all downhill and with the wind behind you for the second half.<br /><br />The miles were also <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">speeding</span> by, and I suspected (rightly as it turned out) that they were measured short - there was no way I was doing sub-eight minute miles. At half way there was a mile off road on a compacted path through sand dunes, and as I emerged from this I realised that Alex had been lying and there was a good deal more undulation to go. With tired legs it seemed less interesting, and it also started to rain. Just past <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Seonaid's</span> water stop the rain set in proper and the wind came round again to be head on. The last three miles were a real slog, with mile 12 being all uphill and into the wind. Al had disappeared from behind me but a woman in a pink top crept up! I was damned if I was going to let a place slip, so put on a spurt and distanced <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">my</span>self from her, managing to overtake Turquoise Woman in the process. But Turquoise deservedly regained her place on the last hill, where it was all I could do not to walk.<br /><br />Finally the line appeared and I clocked under 1 hour 57: better than I expected at the start, though not as good as I might have hoped at around mile 6! <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Averages</span> a fraction under nine minute miles, so that's not bad considering the lack of training. The best thing was the friendly atmosphere, encouraging water stops and great scenery. Al and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Ailsa</span> appeared within a few minutes and we headed back to the house for much needed warm showers and food. Helen had finished her 10k in under and hour, while Colin had achieved an annoyingly speedy 5th (I think) place.<br /><br />Great ceilidh in the hall that night, though we weren't really up for much dancing. I did, however, allow Archie to take me on a turn around the floor. (Archie was loving having Helen around and she spent much of the weekend in Archie World. Al too, at one point, acknowledged that the van may indeed be a spaceship, Dougal's tether a dinosaur snare and Dougal's collar his magic dinosaur-shape-shifting-device.)<br /><br />Al is much taken with Coll, especially given it is less touristy and a closer community than <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Tiree</span>, where he's been before. He is already planning return trips and asking me when I can get a job there. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Dougal</span>, too, had a good time with beach walks and, in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">labradoodle</span> Tally, he finally found a dog willing to play with him. They spent a good hour on Saturday chasing after each other.<br /><br />Sunday was spent pottering around the island: we'd hoped for a surf but made do with driving Norman off road. No results for the race posted yet, but I hope to have made it in the top ten women. If not, then there's always next year!Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13189452602687568879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6136337091204295717.post-40681647093656389142008-08-20T12:03:00.000-07:002008-08-20T12:15:25.766-07:00Things to do when I retireI have been crap at keeping this blog anywhere near up to date since getting the new job...mostly because work doesn't allow access to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">blogspot</span> and the last thing I want to do having escaped from the computer terminal at the end of a working day is to sit down at one again at home.<br /><br />I think blogging may have to be added to my 'things to do when I retire' list. It's only a mental list, although, actually, I'm about to type it up so it will be made flesh: <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">pixelled</span> into life.<br /><br />Ahem:<br /><br />List of Things to Do When I Retire<br /><ol><li>Blog more.</li><li>Play musical instruments/sing.</li><li>Join posh exclusive health club and spend my days in the jacuzzi gossiping with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Cheeseboarders</span> while being served herbal tea by buff young personal trainers.</li></ol>That's it so far, but I'm already looking forward to retirement mightily.<br /><br />Did my longest run on Sunday, about 9.5 miles. The first 4 miles were with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Dougal</span>, and then I did a second, longer loop after dropping him back home. He is still loving it. I hated the tough hill I set myself at the beginning of loop 2, which forced me to walk for a minute, but the rest was fine. Not really sure of distances so it's hard to say how fast I was going. Who knows how Coll will be on the back of this rather <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">erratic</span> training, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">especially</span> as <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Ailsa</span> is now scaring me with mentions of possible hilliness. Ah well.<br /><br />Now <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Dougal</span> and AL are just back from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Aviemore</span> and I must desist on the blogging front to greet them properly. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Dougal</span> has <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">definitely</span> grown - he used to fit on my lap while I typed but is now getting mightily in the way of the keyboard and also investigating the desk for crumbs and - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">AARGH</span>! LICKING ME IN THE MOUTH WITH DOG FOOD BREATH!<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Yuch</span>. Time to go.Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13189452602687568879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6136337091204295717.post-26531579410757590192008-08-13T12:29:00.000-07:002008-08-13T13:19:29.346-07:00Walking and runningAfter finally taking the decision to enter the <a href="http://www.collhalfmarathon.org/">Coll half marathon</a>, I decided I had better do some training. Having done bugger all since the couple of three mile jogs back in June, the prospect of 13.1 miles was daunting. I decided that, with five weeks to go, I'd try and cover a hundred miles in preparation.<br /><br />Then I realised that it was a week earlier than I thought and I would be away walking the West Highland Way for a week, giving me three weeks prep time. So I decided to just do what I could.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuUEcUU-6_KCu0PtcC-xIWJvt1neDByHyWK_BpSyiPCI6hx_k9GaX0oKiahWf0v6bv4v6ijv7yIws9nZGSz9Ju38qPqulaPn8-2Y8Ce4rT2FzYCgewWQp0K6qnlGHaGsDrE1SS44g5Eg/s1600-h/pics+039.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234091110169627986" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuUEcUU-6_KCu0PtcC-xIWJvt1neDByHyWK_BpSyiPCI6hx_k9GaX0oKiahWf0v6bv4v6ijv7yIws9nZGSz9Ju38qPqulaPn8-2Y8Ce4rT2FzYCgewWQp0K6qnlGHaGsDrE1SS44g5Eg/s320/pics+039.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I started with a few gym sessions, finding it pathetically hard to maintain 6 mph. Shortly before leaving <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Dougal</span> with my generously dog sitting parents I did a three and a half mile circuit of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Gartmorn</span> Dam, bringing my total mileage up to 23.5 miles. Then came the walk, which was not as tough as I had expected in an up and down type way but still covered a lot of ground. My muscles, I have to say, barely complained at all. But the way runs along old drovers roads, well cobbled in the time and with a severe camber, which left me with rather sore feet from the hard pounding. Worth it for the scenery though.<br /><br /><br />Altogether we covered 75 miles in five days, but I couldn't count it as training: bitter experience has taught me that walking fit is not the same as running fit. So after an all too brief reunion with my parents (and tales of naughty but cute doggy antics) it was back to work.<br /><br /><br />I did six miles round <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Gartmorn</span> on Friday in 55 minutes, pausing only to challenge the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">ned</span> kid who tried to trip me up to a race (he lost, but then, he was about eight and overweight). Then in a rare burst of sunshine, we headed down to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Yellowcraigs</span> beach on Sunday. While Al and mate Pete went fishing I headed off down the John Muir path. I'd last covered bits of this coastal route on a long <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">training</span> run <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">pre</span>-marathon, taking it from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Leith</span> to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Cockenzie</span> and back. I now picked it up at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Yellowcraigs</span> and ran the four miles in to North <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Berwick</span> and out the other side and back, making it eight miles. Was pretty pleased with this, my longest run so far, and with a few small hills to keep my interest. Also lots of gorgeous houses overlooking the golf course to the sea. Mostly tarmac, but some grass, a patch of woodland and lots and lots of boggy sections. The path skirts the golf course, which was closed due to flooding, and cuts across a ploughed field, at which point I cursed the fact that I only had my road trainers with me - they are just about dry now, three days later.<br /><br /><br />Hormones got the better of me for the beginning of this week, meaning I spent Monday night curled up in front of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">tv</span> and yesterday, by a supreme effort, managed just 5.5 miles on the treadmill. I'd been hoping for at least 6, but it was not to be. I did, however, complete a few minute bursts at 7 mph. Today I took <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Dougal</span> with me on a 3.5 mile loop round Dollar. It was my first run with him and he loved it. Still very muddy out, though less so now that we have returned with most of the mud adhering to one or other of us. I let him off the lead on the off road stretches and kept him on in between - my running was faster with him on the lead because he was pulling forward at such a rate!<br /><br /><br />So now up to a total of 46.5 miles with nine days to go. Hopefully I can make it up to 70 or so, which should be respectable. As long as I get a 10-11 miler in at some point I'm happy to run the half knowing I should get round in one piece.Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13189452602687568879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6136337091204295717.post-89865756430641177782008-07-25T13:20:00.000-07:002008-07-25T13:31:05.381-07:00Dog walkAl headed off for a weekend of sea kayaking today, so I came home at lunch time to let <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Dougal</span> out. The poor pooch had pretty much spent all day home alone by the time I finished work though, so I didn't have the heart to shut him in again while I went for a run (I'm waiting until I can buy a proper running dog lead before running with him, as I fear he is too bouncy to run on the regular <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">extendable</span> lead without entangling us <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">irreparably</span>).<br /><br />Instead, we had a lovely walk together. It must have been nearly four miles out along the back road but cutting back to the railway from the far side of Dollar. He did some heel work, which he clearly finds tiresome but has to learn so he won't get run over in the city, and had a good romp off the lead on the railway.* There some pools of water covered in dense green weed tempted him with their apparently firm surface and he fell through the weed into the water not once but twice - a very surprised pup.<br /><br />I read somewhere once that walking uses a particular butt muscle not used in running, so it will be no great hardship to have to run <em>and </em>walk for the next few weeks. I can use the running to get fit and the walking to procure/maintain a perky posterior. A plan with no drawbacks.<br /><br />Oh, and the big field at opposite us which was previous full of grass about the same height as me has been trimmed right down, so <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Dougal</span> did mad big circular dashes all over it. He spotted a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">black</span> lab that he thought was his friend Jake and was very disappointed when it wasn't. We were both knackered and hungry upon our return and, while having sated the hunger with pasta, I'm now even more knackered after dismantling the guest bed (which was too small for the mattress and held together with extra planks on a broken side) and getting the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Ikea</span> boxes for the new one in from the van. I'm leaving the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">remantling</span> till tomorrow.<br /><br />* This is a defunct railway track now used as a walk. I wouldn't let him run around in front of actual trains or anything.Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13189452602687568879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6136337091204295717.post-32867575321837318922008-07-24T15:15:00.000-07:002008-07-24T15:36:33.226-07:00NeddingI can't do justice to it, I really can't. So just the highlights:<br /><ul><li>Seeing the girls head off to the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">registry</span> office in a state of high excitement and return (about 30 seconds later) officially <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">nedded</span>: it brought a tear to my eye (in a good way).</li><li>The first sight of the secret location, the glorious <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Ardanaiseig</span> Hotel, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Fi's</span> particular excitement at showing us all to our specially selected rooms (ours chosen for the short bed (as Official Shortest Couple) and fabulous freestanding bath).</li><li>Trying out the bath - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">mmm</span>, hot water!</li><li>Seeing the boys draw up in their Inspector Morse car.</li><li>Walking into a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">timewarp</span> before dinner when everyone had dressed up beautifully for the 1920s theme and the venue was perfect for it.</li><li>Venison.</li><li>Poker with a professional dealer.</li><li>Music and dancing and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Fi</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Ailsa</span> looking really happy.</li><li>Messing about quietly with arty stuff in a comfy yurt.</li><li>Swimming in the loch, thinking all swimming should be done in fresh water, under the open sky.</li><li>Lying on short grass in warm sun.</li><li>Talking to Archie about dinosaurs.<br /></li><li>Feeling pretty in my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">hippy</span> dress.<br /></li><li>Steak.</li><li><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Ceilidhing</span> with Simon and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Morag</span> like old times.</li><li>Al winning the Fantastic Prize.</li><li>Mulling it all over with the cheeseboard on the way home.</li></ul>That's quite <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">a lot</span> of highlights. And the bits in between were great too. It really was lovely to see Simon, as well as others old and new faces. It was the perfect location not only for our own brand of crazy competitiveness but also for all the party, young and less young, to keep entertained.<br /><br />Can't wait to run another Mouse Race next year! I'm already planning on asking the neighbours if we can borrow <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">their</span> tennis court and wondering if you're allowed to swim in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Gartmorn</span> Dam.<br /><br />Back down to earth: <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Fi's</span> sister caught me in a weakened hungover state and signed me up for the Coll half marathon in (gulp) five weeks. I'm going to try and run 100 miles before then: averaging 20 miles a week. So far I have done two gym trips, one 4 miles and one 4 and a half, at just quicker than 6 mph. It was horrendous: so depressing that what would have been a mild warm up three months ago is now a real workout. But if all else fails I can do the 5km race instead.Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13189452602687568879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6136337091204295717.post-28103382005314022962008-07-16T13:26:00.000-07:002008-07-21T11:47:58.408-07:00Friendly weekends and a political rant<div>Long time no blog, what with two delightful weekends full of friends to keep me busy.<br /><br />First there was the long-awaited hag do for Fiona and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ailsa</span>: a fantastic event over three days organised with precision by Barry, Colin, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Hils</span> and Helen. There was a meal in the intimacy of a private room at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Channings</span>, where we could get all loud and annoying without worrying that we were bothering other people. Then on Saturday were split into two teams (I was on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Fi's</span>) and set on a series of challenges including golf, cryptic clues, rounders, tug of war, a beer mat collecting exercise and cheese and wine tasting. I was mediocre at all of these but nevertheless our team triumphed overall.<br /><br />That evening we had a two round poker tournament, playing for actual money: £10 in the pot from each of 14 of us made it a prize worth winning and really very exciting. I made it to the second round on the back of extreme luck, including being dealt a natural full house, but Barry proceeded to amass a heap of chips so huge you could barely see his eyebrows. I went all in on the last hand - three threes - and won most of Al's stash (he claims, in the misguided belief that I would have done likewise, that he 'donated' them to me knowing I had the better hand) but even that was not enough to overcome Barry's hoard and he was declared a worthy winner.<br /><br />Humph.<br /><br />Sunday found us at the Sheep's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Heid</span> in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Duddingston</span>, a pub I've been meaning to go to for years but never got around to. It claims to be the oldest pub in Edinburgh, with a tavern on the site for the last <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">squillion</span> years, and boasts an old-fashioned skittles alley. To be honest I was hoping for a little non-competitive, genteel, ad <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">hoc</span> skittle action, but being us we once again organised into teams. Luckily a round of sausage sandwiches from the pub <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">barbecue</span> revived us enough to not lose every single round, but not enough to deny <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Ailsa</span> the chance to claim a victory.<br /><br />Last weekend Mo and Ray came up to visit, seeing the cottage for the first time. It is, at least, just about habitable for visitors now, though we still need a new spare bed. The current one is nailed together with planks and the mattress is too big and hangs over the edge. I have booked Al in for a trip to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Ikea</span> before my mum arrives. Anyway, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Morag</span> and Ray were most patient with it, and apart from the study, which still looks as a bit empty and seems to get covered in muddy paw prints as fast as I can hoover them up, the rest of the place cleaned up nicely after a two hour frenzy with the vacuum and duster.<br /><br />We'd planned to do very little and enjoyed a leisurely lunch followed by a two and a half hour walk along the back roads to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Tillicoultry</span>, where ice creams were purchased, and back along the railway. It was the first time Al had done this route, which is familiar to me from running. It's a lovely walk with hardly any roads and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Dougal</span> loved it, romping happily with passing hounds. Back home he summoned just enough energy to eat his dinner before curling up on my lap and sleeping - the first time we've managed to tire him out!<br /><br />I made a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">lasagna</span> while <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Morag</span> and Ray erected a massive Leaning Tower of Cake from the sponges I'd made earlier. Well, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Morag</span> mostly made it while Ray provided helpful comments, took photos and prevented <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Dougal</span> from eating things. The shelves inside the oven have slipped so cakes come out a bit <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">squinty</span>, but my assistants managed to match the layers of sponge beautifully. Held together with whipped cream and an entire punnet of strawberries, it was a sight to behold.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZPsh_t2WD4Zjp9-BTIXYcAS5VOffgN2s2xx7YptlzdRnYsUOTS8NwBPkrfH5lbRhV7P9UXYEmHoTrkXzjjiMNDhwOoKlzK2Eyt4L8KE0t-po428Sq1J6Mn9mzqt59kMsrMDI1JsFwg/s1600-h/pics+032.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225540844268573922" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZPsh_t2WD4Zjp9-BTIXYcAS5VOffgN2s2xx7YptlzdRnYsUOTS8NwBPkrfH5lbRhV7P9UXYEmHoTrkXzjjiMNDhwOoKlzK2Eyt4L8KE0t-po428Sq1J6Mn9mzqt59kMsrMDI1JsFwg/s320/pics+032.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />After the previous weekend, Al had the poker bug and we had requested that our guests bring cards and chips. Fortified by cake and whisky, we <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">pokered</span> away until Al had won everything and then we went to bed.<br /><br />I dragged myself up at 9.30 to let <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Dougal</span> out. Having done so, I went to the loo and returned to the kitchen to find Al letting a rather confused <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Dougal</span> out again. He (Al, not <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Dougal</span>) had mistaken a pile of duvet for my sleeping form and was sleepily surprised to find me downstairs as well as still in bed.<br /><br />While not exactly sunny, the weather was at least making some attempt at warmth and we spent a pleasant morning in and around the hammock with the papers before tootling off to find a pub for lunch. We tried to track down one in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Powmill</span>, which Al's parents had recommended, but we couldn't find it and returned to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Muckhart</span> Inn instead. Al and I were on the bike, so Mo and Ray headed home after lunch and we motored back to the hound and more hammock time.<br /><br />I took another look at my courgettes. They still haven't grown, even though I've watered them and been stung by nettles weeding them. Expert opinion (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">ie</span> my mum) suggests that they are now goners. How ungrateful of them. At least my herbs are making a brave showing, proving that I am not a complete plant Jonah. The basil is even recognisable as basil already.<br /><br />Back to work for a short week - Friday to be spent at a Secret Location for the non-wedding of the year. Took <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Dougal</span> to the vet yesterday as he has an eye infection - probably from running through acres of eye-height grass. I was much more nervous than him. When the vet picked him up to put him on the table he thought he was getting a cuddle, and then he kept trying to lick the torch used to look in his eye. Now we have eye drops to administer, which takes a while as <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">Dougal</span> thinks they'd be much better taken orally.<br /><br />Otherwise, I've been kept occupied following the Glasgow East by election. As Ray noted over the Sunday papers, the Sunday Times seems to be under the impression that the Tories could win this seat. Possibly their thinking goes: Labour not looking good, therefore Conservatives not looking bad. But I'm pretty sure that, in their desperate search for a way to show Gordon Brown where to stick his 10p tax band, the people of Glasgow East are not clinging to the legs of Tory politicians and pleading for forgiveness for the crime of never having voted for them before.<br /><br />Oh no. I think the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">SNP</span> will probably do quite well.<br /><br />Especially if Labour keep coming out with stuff like this, from Labour minister David Cairns: "Councillor Mason [the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">SNP</span> candidate] has finally let the cat out of the bag. He has admitted what we knew all along – he is a hard-line Nationalist who sees his role at Westminster to bring about independence."<br /><br />Um, am I the only one who thinks that possibly the cat was never in the bag in the first place? That, in fact, the cat was sitting some distance away from the bag, sunning itself and opening flaunting a yellow <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">SNP</span> badge? Hello - it's called the 'Scottish National Party'. The clue is in the name.<br /><br />Now I don't support Scottish nationalism (yet). I'm not quite convinced it's in Scotland's interests to go it alone, or that the rest of the UK will ever let go of all that lovely oil that Alex's relying on. But I do support democracy. And if the people of Scotland vote for an independent Scotland then that is what they should get.<br /><br />David Cairns seems to think that if you support nationalism, you shouldn't be allowed to express that support democratically by electing someone to bring about such a state of affairs by peaceful political means. He's out of touch if he thinks that wanting an independent Scotland makes Mason an unacceptable representative to most Scots.<br /><br />Quite apart from the fact that independence is not, north of the border, viewed with the antipathy it is in London, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">SNP</span> has managed over the last year and a bit to establish itself as more than a one issue party. I didn't want to like them. But they keep doing things I agree with.<br /><br />I want Labour to win Glasgow East because I want Gordon Brown to stay prime minister. So my advice to Margaret Curran (who seems a lot more on the ball and is a proper <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">Weegie</span> to boot) is to ignore Cairns. Don't try and denigrate the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">SNP</span> for being what they are, when what they are is popular. Instead, Labour might do well to consider why they're not so popular themselves right now.</div>Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13189452602687568879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6136337091204295717.post-27019151651537311382008-07-02T14:11:00.000-07:002008-07-02T14:27:24.067-07:00Busy eveningsBeen unusually busy through the week with a delightful last minute dinner at Holly Cottage on Monday so Al could get his massage as he is a guinea pig for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Fi</span>. Of course he was late and as usual took 20 minutes to get ready so I drove like a demon until we got stuck behind a tow truck and had to crawl anyway. I was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">berating him</span> the other day for his inability to leave the house <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">in under</span> half an hour and he pointed out that he <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">often manages</span> to leave very quickly...but then has to go back again for whatever he's forgotten. How hard can it be - it's not like he has to brush his hair or anything.<br /><br />I suppose everyone has to have one annoying habit. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Callum</span> always leaves empty packets in the cupboards and fridge when he's taken the last of something, which drives Al crazy. I told him to think of the day when Cal leaves home and eventually opens his fridge to find nothing but empty packets taking up all the room.<br /><br />Anyway, as soon as I walked through the door of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">HC</span> I felt instantly relaxed, as is always the way, and was plied with wine and nibbles by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Ailsa</span>, followed by tasty roast (yes, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Morag</span>, I got your roast! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Mwa</span> ha ha!) Al too looked chilled out following his treatment. He is very complimentary of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Fi's</span> talents and has been persuaded to possibly go back to the doctor about his back, which is good.<br /><br />Yesterday we'd invited the neighbours round as they'd had us over for drinks and had introduced Al to some cycling friends. We had a nice chat and some wine. they were amazed we had the fire on - 'But it's the middle of summer!' Oh yes, I am trying to avoid thinking about possible indoor temperatures come winter.<br /><br />Tonight is a free night, phew. Then a public meeting for work tomorrow night and the hag weekend starts Friday.<br /><br />Nice to have some time to myself but I am missing the jingle of little <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Dougal's</span> collar as he potters around the house. We have turned into sickeningly doting dog owners. Gazing adoringly at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Dougal</span> and gently stroking his paw as he slept, Al announced that he loved him. I was slightly put out, pointing out that it had taken Al nine months to say that he loved me, and only then after I'd said it first.<br /><br />'Has <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Dougal</span> ever told you he loves you, eh?'<br />'Ooh yes, he says that whenever he licks my ear.'<br />'That's not him saying he loves you. That's him trying to get you to regurgitate food for him.'Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13189452602687568879noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6136337091204295717.post-64988436708552771082008-06-24T13:29:00.000-07:002008-06-24T13:41:26.120-07:00First surf for agesI was about to write a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">moany</span> blog about how I had finished all the chocolate buttons and fingers of fudge in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Clackmannanshire</span> and moved on to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Crunchies</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Cadbury's</span> fruit and nut (which I have) while <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Ailsa</span> keeps <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">writing</span> perky blogs about what lovely runs she's been on (which she has). Motivation keeps failing to raise its head for me. Despite nice-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">ish</span> weather last night I put together half an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Ikea</span> chest instead of running.<br /><br />But! I remembered that I had done some form of exercise after all - I went surfing on Sunday. Yep, first one since the crap session at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Lunan</span> on our hot tub long weekend in Angus back in January. It was a welcome hour's remarkably sunny interlude in a day otherwise spent hunting for lost keys of various types, (a tale with which I will not bore you, other than to say it was frustrating and climaxed in me shouting at a neighbour's child until he returned the roof-rack straps he had nicked from under my very nose! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Tch</span>, the youth of today...)<br /><br />Back to the surf. It was at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Pease</span> Bay and it was good - long intervals and not too ginormous. Hard to get out due to complete lack of upper body fitness and I only caught one wave but it was just good to be bobbing up and down on the water again. Al pulled the muscle in his back he always pulls when surfing and I pulled my wrist as I always do when surfing - it was almost nostalgic after all those running injuries had made me forget the many other ways there are to crock myself. Al won though, by dropping a board on his head back in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Leith</span> while putting it away in the shed and getting a perfect fin-stick injury in the exact middle of his forehead - whilst dressed in full motorbike gear. For some reason he was not impressed by my observation that he should have kept the helmet on.Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13189452602687568879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6136337091204295717.post-72952083153007357372008-06-19T13:39:00.000-07:002008-06-19T13:55:20.132-07:00Where all my money goesToday all my money was supposed to go on curtains, but instead it has gone on something even less exciting: contact lenses and glasses. Every two or three years I walk into an optician and spend half a month's wages on being able to see. Surely this isn't fair? Do deaf people have to pay for hearing aids? I suspect, like glasses, you can get the horrible cheap ones on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">NHS</span> if you're poor enough but have to shell out for anything half way decent.<br /><br />Luckily my optician has cottoned on to the massive rip off that is eye care in the UK and set up a scheme where you pay £3 a month and get 20% off contacts, glasses and that contact lens bit of the sight test not covered for free (non-Scottish readers, note that regular eye tests are free up here! Yes, free I tell you! Not that you'd know from listening to the BBC). So I signed up for that and claimed my £13 from the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">NHS</span> for being really, really blind. They don't give me an extra £13 for last year though, even though I didn't buy any lenses in 2007.<br /><br />Even with all the discounts it still came to £400. Most of that, as always, was on the lenses to go in the glasses. I chose a plastic option that was slightly cheaper but they might be too thick, in which case I'll have to have glass for an extra £50. I could have got loads of curtains for that.<br /><br />Afterwards, I took that black dress back to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">TKs</span> and swapped it for a log basket. I may have to wear the log basket if I keep spending money on boring things. But at least I can accessorise it with beautiful glasses.*<br /><br />I haven't done any exercise since the last blog, and have eaten vast amounts of chocolate buttons and fingers of fudge. I'm in Edinburgh tonight though, and once I'd thrown everything visibly <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">mouldy</span> out of Al's fridge there was only a pitta bread and some organic vegetable soup left, so I ate that and felt a bit healthier. I think it's time to get back to my usual summer eating of veggies and salad. Unfortunately, despite its many other fine attributes, the cottage is absolutely freezing in even the warmest weather, which doesn't encourage me to eat lettuce and the like.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Fi</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Ailsa</span> are coming for dinner tomorrow though and I'm quite excited about the dessert (which I have already made and left in the freezer - I hope it turns out <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">ok</span>) and a starter recipe I found for sweet potato, mozzarella and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">parma</span> ham stacks. It will also be a chance for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Dougal</span> to meet his cousins <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Baffie</span> and Bridie, who will probably at best ignore him.<br /><br />*I have to admit they are nice glasses, with a hint of sexy secretary about them.Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13189452602687568879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6136337091204295717.post-60675277174330248662008-06-13T08:44:00.000-07:002008-06-13T09:09:51.978-07:00Summer breakHad an easy couple of weeks, dug a bit of garden, swung in the hammock with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Dougal</span> (nee Diesel), took <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Dougal</span> for walks and met lots of new people and dogs. Al is astounded by the amount of female attention he gets when walking <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Dougal</span> in town. He is just so cute! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Dougal</span>, that is. Well obviously Al is cute too. But not in the way that women run and and squeal and ask me if they can stroke him very often.<br /><br />Anyway, the pooch and I had a hilarious walk down the Water of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Leith</span> where we met a rather boring man with a black lab; a friendly guy with another working <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">cocker</span> called Fergus (again, the dog, not the man); a scary looking, thick-necked but in fact quite friendly woman with a massive, thick-necked, but actually quite friendly <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">rottweiler</span> and a snooty thin woman with a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">saluki</span> who looked down her nose and hurried past. Maybe it is true what they say about people being like their dogs. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Callum</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Dougal</span> certainly hit it off. I think five months in dogs age must be about 11 for a human - they had a great weekend playing in the garden, building a den and a swing. Al banned the computer for the weekend though, and by Sunday Cal had had enough of the great outdoors and wanted his computer games back again. He is still a bit of a city boy.<br /><br />Had a training course near York for three days this week, and it was pretty full on with the gorgeous sunny days spent <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">closeted</span> in a room with closed curtains looking at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">powerpoint</span> presentations and doing emergency planning exercises. On the last day a BBC manager was invited to speak to us and spent an hour talking about how BBC local radio is the best place to get an emergency message out. When I pointed out that in Scotland we had to work with commercial radio because the BBC treats Scotland as one region and people in Glasgow don't care if Angus is flooded, she just said, 'Well, yes it obviously different in Scotland.'<br /><br />I feel the Scottish chip on my shoulder growing with each trip to England these days. I like to think I started out <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">prejudice</span>-free and hope my feelings are based on experience rather than me having picked up a general Scottish malaise. I do hate the attitude that blames England for all of Scotland's woes: I think it's inaccurate and excuses apathy. But I've seen Scotland treated as an afterthought at best on all sorts of training courses and the like and it's getting irksome. The BBC has just promised to up its regional content in the news, anyway, so let's see if that helps remind people that it exists.<br /><br />I'm feeling very relaxed about it all now, since I had the great <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">foresight</span> to book two days off and continue my journey south <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">from York</span> to see the parents in Sussex. Jenny is also here having just started work in Burgess Hill, and I awoke on Thursday morning to hear her snoring five minutes before she had to catch her 7am bus, so had to wake her up. She missed the bus but made the train thanks to a lift from mum...she moves to a room in Brighton tomorrow, which I hope will suit her.<br /><br />Spent yesterday reading (feel like I haven't had time to read for ages) and shopping. Bought a very <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">bling</span> handbag for Sam, who I'm meeting briefly before my flight tomorrow for a birthday brunch. Also a back dress for myself, but I think<em> </em>I might take it back as it's a bit big. I have an opticians appointment in Edinburgh next week that I can combine with a trip to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">TK</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Maxx</span> in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Meadowbank</span>. Today I was indulged in a belated birthday present of pedicure and back massage. My first ever pedicure! It was perfectly timed for my post-marathon feet, which the lovely lady did not even wince at, and we picked a dark red polish to cover the black nails!<br /><br />Went for a run round the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">rhododendron</span>-infested grounds of the conference centre one night before dinner on my course, and another round <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Broadbridge</span> Heath and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Warnham</span> this morning. Just half an hour each and about three miles, which was just what I needed. It felt a bit sweaty in the humid weather but not particularly hard. Maybe I'll aim for an October half marathon. Or maybe I'll just keep going for shorter runs when I feel like it.Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13189452602687568879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6136337091204295717.post-70610326275934531972008-05-31T06:56:00.001-07:002008-05-31T07:17:10.319-07:00Done and dustedYep, it's all over. I got a bad cold just in time for the marathon, and it also effected my stomach (as almost everything seems to do since I got food poisoning about 3 months ago. I fear my days of cast-iron stomach are gone forever) so I was fairly sure there was no point going for a PB. Marathon day dawning with a strong headwind further convinced me and I decided to run alongside Al, to have someone to chat to and prevent him hailing a cab half way round.<br /><br />Good job he was there as despite a solid start that had us on track for 4.30, about 10 miles in my stomach ceased playing ball and the rest of the run was spent making it from one loo to another. Saw some pretty bits of East <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Lothian</span> from behind various bushes, though, which was nice...Al was very supportive when I was feeling shit (more from frustration at knowing how much training was going to waste) and strangely at the points where I was feeling better he was also struck down, so we made it round together. Luckily it turned into a lovely sunny day, and if you ignored the sweaty people around you, you could pretend it was just a nice coastal walk. At least the roads were closed to traffic, unlike the North <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Berwick</span> run when I kept thinking I was about to be squished by a lorry.<br /><br />The other thing that got me round (apart from Al) was the truly top level support from the crew. Time and again they drag themselves up at <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">ridiculously</span> early hours of the weekend to shout and wave at us for a few vital seconds. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Fi</span> also had her bike which meant she could keep a flagging Al's energy up with food supplies and distract us from our pain with chat. One good thing about going so slowly was that I could actually enjoy her company instead of saving all energy for forward propulsion. Another was that I wasn't stiff afterwards. Other than an amusing patch of sunburn on the one bit I had missed when applied sunblock I was in better shape than after any marathon yet.<br /><br />Haven't actually checked my final time yet, but it was about 5.16. Hang on...Yep, 5.15.54 for both me and Al. Although obviously I still have the better PB of the two of us...<br /><br />This was in fact a personal worst, which is something I suppose! Definitely giving myself next year off and maybe the year after that. The next race I'm thinking about is next year's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Alloa</span> half marathon. Catherine and Danny gave me a subscription to Runner's World magazine so that's been inspiring me. But only from my rocking chair so far.<br /><br />Otherwise, I'm enjoying not having too much planned for a bit. I poked some plants in the garden today and pulled up some dock leaves. Think I might buy a trowel and some gloves and clear at least the patch that might once have been a flower bed. Surf looks <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">ok</span> too.<br /><br />Much more exciting is the news of an additional to the family! No - not like that. A canine one. Al and I went to see a working <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">cocker</span> spaniel in nearby <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Braco</span> and have arranged to pick him up on Monday! He's gorgeous, five months old and black and white. Apparently working <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">cockers</span> are the same breed as show <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">cockers</span> but a different strain, with a broader head, soft mouth, and easy-to-train temperament. This guy is called Diesel at the moment, which is a terrible name for him. It might suit a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">staffie</span> or <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">rottweiler</span> but he's far too friendly. He'll be a surprise for Cal come Tuesday evening though, so it's up to Cal to christen him. So excited!Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13189452602687568879noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6136337091204295717.post-39065736503770751092008-05-15T12:45:00.000-07:002008-05-15T13:37:16.144-07:00I'm back!Internet access has reached Dollar! You just don't realise how much you rely on it until you have to do without. Although I don't think I'm as bad as Al who worked himself up into a frenzy trying to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">figure</span> out how he would find out what time the bus went in to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Alloa</span>: with no access at the cottage he's have to go to an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">internet</span> cafe. But the nearest <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">internet</span> cafe was in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Alloa</span>. Perhaps he could phone a friend and get them to check the times online for him...I let him sweat for a little before <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">pointing out</span> that he was standing next to a bus stop with the timetable printed on it.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Sooo</span>...<br /><br />Apparently my last blog was on 27 April when I ran 20 miles and all was well in world of running. Ha! I should have known that wouldn't last. There followed a week of absolutely no running that I can recall at all. I think I was manically busy at work and also moaning about and dreading my 22 mile race. Came very close to not bothering to do it at all, but I couldn't face the thought of explaining to everyone at my birthday party that I'd bottled it so I dragged myself off.<br /><br />It actually went rather well. It started with a leg massage from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Fi</span> and a rousing send-off from Helen, Colin, Mo and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Hils</span> - I was frankly astounded that they'd bothered to get out of bed for what I was considering to be a training run, and yet more touched when they showed up half way round and then at the end as well. Conditions were good: cool and a little wind but nothing major. Shit, it's a long way, though. To the power station, which had been my 10 mile half way mark the week before, was only 9 miles from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Meadowbank</span>, so I still had 13 to go. A long slog up the hill to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Gullane</span> and a short slog up a hill to some other little village just before North <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Berwick</span>. Most of it escapes me except the bit where I nearly just stopped and asked the nearest <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">marshal</span> to drive me to the end (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Gullane</span> - but then I had to keep going because a car full of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">cheeseboarders</span> was cheering me on) and the final two miles which were much aided by the knowledge that it was nearly over.<br /><br />According to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">garmin</span> it was 21.84 miles in 3 hours 7 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">mins</span> and 47 secs. Average pace 8.35 miles. This is much pretty good. Though it would still mean running a last 4.2 miles in 37 minutes to make under 3.45, which I'm fairly sure is impossible. I was doing 11 minute miles at the end and had means of going any faster.<br /><br />But I was pretty much on track and looking forward to almost certainly getting a PB at the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Dunfermline</span> half the next Saturday.<br /><br />There was an intervening period to celebrate my birthday, which was done in great style. Luckily everyone was kind enough to bog off and left me alone for my much needed post-long-run nap which set me up in great style for an evening of drinking and chatting at my party. It was lovely: like going to a party where you know and like everyone. Which, in fact, it was. The girls had decorated the bar with fantastic 'wanted' posters and everyone dressed up, which was much appreciated. Nothing worse than a themed party where no one makes an effort. And various friends who hadn't met before <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">intermingled</span> happily, which is always nice.<br /><br />And I got lots of fabulous presents! I won't bore you with them but suffice to say I spent all night and most of the next day telling people what fantastic taste my friends have and what tasteful presents I'd received.<br /><br />A much needed and relaxing spa day was Sunday's treat, with plenty of gossip with the girls, playing with bubbles and a massage and scrub that left us <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">zombiefied</span> (in a good way). Finished off with a meal at a great <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">gastro</span> pub.<br /><br />Sadly I was starting to feel a bit <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">queasy</span> at this point. I was cheered by arriving back at the cottage to yet more tasteful presents cunningly arranged by the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">generous</span> (and sneaky) <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Fi</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Ailsa</span> in my absence - I was truly being spoiled! And had a peaceful walk in the hills in gorgeous sunshine with Al.<br /><br />But most of the next week was spent holding the fort at work through various non-emergencies and near-emergencies that meant I pretty much had to be in, then coming home and going straight to bed. On the plus side, I'd been meaning to register with a doctor in Dollar so I got around to doing that and got an appointment on Friday. It's fair to say I was pretty desperate at this point. The doc was very nice and told me I probably had <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">gastro</span>enteritis (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">sp</span>?), but did not offer the instant cure I was looking for. Instead I was told to go home, rest, drink lots of liquid and not run a half marathon that weekend. Which is what I had been doing anyway. What's the point of doctors if they can't hand you a magic pill that makes you feel better?<br /><br />So that was the half marathon out, and with it my final indicator of what the hell sort of time I might expect in the Big One. Which brings me up to date, more or less.<br /><br />I finally felt 100% again on Sunday, when I went to a really enjoyable concert with Al - the Waifs, who I last saw live at the Byron Bay Blues Festival, were playing at the Queens Hall, of all places. It was great! The audience was a real mix of Aussies, young hippies and older non-hippies. We were somewhere in the middle. Emily Barker was the singer-songwriter support act who performed with just her and her guitar and had a great voice. Then the Waifs themselves were just really cool: a great mix of folk, rock, country and blues-swing type stuff that's hard to describe but kept it varied and tuneful. I wanted nothing more than to be in the band, they looked like they were having so much fun. And the one woman (Vicky?) was an amazing harmonica player! I have tried to play the harmonica and it's much, much harder than you think. I was jealous.<br /><br />Also, it sounds <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">spoddy</span>, but it was made all the more enjoyable by the fact that the mixing was good. Queens Hall has quite odd acoustics (when I was buying tickets the guy asked if I'd been before. I said yes. He asked where I wanted to sit. I realised I'd never actually been in the audience before, only played there with the Edinburgh Phil, and had to admit I had no idea. He thought I was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">stoopid</span>). But the Waifs were set up so you could hear each instrument and vocalist perfectly, from the double bass to the drums to the annoyingly talented keyboard player. Having that balance right was essential.<br /><br />On Monday I ran the back road to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">Tilli</span> and back along the railway track, starting with the steep farm hill. Not too fast, didn't time it. Yesterday did the same again but the other way around and without the steep farm hill. Had to wait for some bullocks to cross the road. Both felt fine, but then I was simply plodding along. Bit stiff today, which is hardly a good sign after what should have been two standard mid week runs. The Ruth who did nine and a half <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">Yassos</span> at the gym three weeks ago seems more like three years ago, so remote does that level of achievement feel.<br /><br />I have absolutely no idea what to expect of the marathon now. In some ways training has been better than last year: certainly more consistent speed work and the 22 miler showed promise. But, like last year, I've missed and essential two weeks' training just before taper point and there's nothing I can do to get that back. Plus, I have come to the conclusion that it is simply not realistic for woman to run a 3.45 marathon on less than five days' training a week. And I am not prepared to sacrifice the rest of my life to the point of sustaining that level of training for three, two or even just one month.<br /><br />I like running, and I like being fit. But it shouldn't be a chore that you dread, that means you turn down nights out or a glass of wine or that is always dictating your meals and bedtime. This is what I keep telling myself.<br /><br />I will see how the conditions are on the day. If there's a strong head wind, I'm not going to fight it. If I start well, I'll push for a good time. I'll be disappointed with a non-PB - just as I was last year - but, despite giving it some serious consideration, I'm not going to drop out. Because <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">Ailsa</span> would kill me.<br /><br />A few more medium runs, maybe a short speed session, and that's me done.Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13189452602687568879noreply@blogger.com1