Nearly Laming Out

I *almost* didn't run today. My plan was to run 8k before cycling to work, but when my alarm went off this morning that all felt like an impossible challenge. Instead, I cycled to work then berated myself for being so lame. I could easily have done it! My fear is that once I skip a few sessions, my whole training plan will slip and I'll lose all motivation to run.

Printed up some koalas to post to Jersey 

Just before leaving the Craft Centre the heavens opened and I groaned with despair. I had my waterproof jacket, but jeans aren't known for their wicking properties. I got soaked, properly soaked. When I got home I peeled off the sodden denim and tried not to think too much about how much I didn't want to go for a run. Trainers on, off I went, telling myself the hardest part was over (lies!)

Spot the jay!

 I tried to push myself to go a bit faster and ended up running my 8k route 7 minutes faster than last time. Hurrah! I feel pretty proud of myself, but not unbearably smug. Scranned down a delicious tea and am now in my pyjamas. No run planned tomorrow, thank the lord!

This is the sweaty face of victory!

New Kit Excitement!

This morning I cycled to the Nike outlet at Salford Quays to buy some new kit as a reward for sticking to my training plan. Running for an hour on Sunday in the heat with leggings on was a bit foolish, so I wanted to get some shorts and interim capri pants, plus a jacket that was reasonably waterproof without making my arms wither away from perspiration. I also got several pairs of socks, because you always need socks! A friendly assistant helped me find what I needed and I was pleased to get a lovely Stormfly jacket at a reasonable price. My eyes started to glaze over when he talked to me about trainers though, I wasn't mentally prepared to talk about trainers! 

I've just come back in from my first Tuesday night run club with Chorlton Runners, did about 4 miles at a quicker pace than I would usually, sweaty but a beautiful evening and met more nice people. Winner!

Salford Quays looking glorious in grey.

Imperial War Museum North

The Lowry

Old Trafford

Snazzy! Who likes short shorts?

All de way to Alderley Edge

Feeling pretty frazzled after cycling at least 50 kilometres today, so will keep it short and let the pictures do the talking! Andrew and I rode to Alderley Edge via Coffee Fix in Gatley, which I'd been meaning to visit for ages! It was a great ride along some beautiful country lanes and up a few challenging climbs! Poor little legs, they did me proud today up Artists Lane. Didn't try to tackle Swiss Hill this time, the cobbly swine! We made a slight error coming back home which meant a detour and I was doing quite a bit of swearing and groaning I must admit. Hopefully will be able to walk tomorrow.

A fine flat white

To the Edge!

Carlo in buttercups

Not today my friend!

Rewarded with sunshine at the top.

Add a bitter shandy...mmm.

Chorlton Runners

First ever club run! I flipping did it you guys! I got up early and had a smoothie and lots of water. Cycled down to the waterpark car park and waited around nervously. A group of super-fit guys came running in, so I commenced lurking. Then a nice lady came over (Nicole?) and introduced herself. I was in! Then my pal Paul arrived and I started to feel better. There was quite a big, mixed group of folk, we did a gentle warm up and a mile trot round the lake. Then the group split, I went for the short run round Sale waterpark, about 5 miles I think. So a pretty good distance, more than I would have done on my own and a lot more enjoyable, chatting to new people. I'm going again on Tuesday night and am pretty tempted by track Fridays! Good to try something new eh?

My sister recommended Running Like a Girl by Alexandra Heminsley, really enjoying reading it so far. I just read on Twitter that there's a Mexican street food van around today, so think I'll go grab a quesadilla and sit in the park reading. Happy Sunday!

You can just make out a swan with cygnets in the background.

Thank god Gino was still waiting for me when I came back. He doesn't usually live outside, too precious!

Really lovely, friendly group of people!

Saturday Sunshine

This morning I cycled to work in the glorious sunshine. Cycling from Chorlton isn't really a challenge as it's fairly flat. The problem is the traffic when you hit town. Busy busy!

New Vans to compliment Gino.

I printed up a couple of custom baby bibs and posted out an owl print commission.

Soya ink Risograph print on recycled card. Yum!

Oh, did I mention I personalise baby wear?!

I thought I'd put down some of my goals for the month, as writing them down in public might help me to achieve them!

Firstly, join my local running club, The Chorlton Runners. A combination of natural shyness and laziness has prevented me from going before now. I will conquer my fear tomorrow!

Secondly, do a Park Run. See above paragraph for excuses. Add to that working a lot of Saturdays means that it hasn't been easy to get to. Until next week when I will be taking part, no matter what! It's at 9 a.m at Platt Fields Park, so I should just have enough time to complete the run and cycle to work if needs be. I've just registered, so there's no turning back now!

My work-related goal is to have good photographs of my main products to start a website revamp by the end of the month. I made a start on this yesterday.

So now they are here in black and white, feel free to berate me if I fail!

Athletics and Androids

Hi there. 5k jog this morning, felt good, looked at my phone and it was exactly the same time as the other day when my legs felt crap! Hmm, puzzling. 

Penguins getting papped.

Got the tram to work as a treat and started playing with my new lights, borrowing lovely Liz's light tent for ease, it's identical to mine so was a good bit of practice.

Froggy in the spotlight

Another reason for getting the tram was going to the preview night of Android, an exhibition at Piccadilly Place. Really enjoyed it, thought the work was excellent and a few of my friends have pieces in the show, so it was great to see them and have a catch up. It's brilliant to see spaces like this being used for exhibitions too. It's only on for a short time and there are some performances tomorrow afternoon, I urge you to go if you can! I'm at the Craft Centre again so won't be able to go. Right, I'm off to watch Springwatch and drink a cold beer, bye!

Lung

Helmet

Groovy old signs

Casting great reflections in the summer sunshine!

Summer time skive.

I was naughty this evening and skipped yoga class in favour of a walk down the river and glass of wine outside the pub with Andrew. But that doesn't mean no exercise! I cycled to and from the studio today, it's about 5 miles each way, so I don't feel too guilty! Stupidly forgot my camera and tripod, so couldn't do any photography experiments, what a dunder head. Ah well, mañana.

As we were walking home, we both noticed lots of massive webs in the trees, at first I thought they had huge spiders in them, but they were actually full of tiny caterpillars, writhing around. Mmm, good old nature!

Hiya! 

Peaceful times.

Late summer sun on the Mersey.

Lovely pink hawthorns.

Creepy crawlies!

Extreme close up. Shame you can't see the writhing action.

Gotta make the most of summer days while they're here I say!