Running free and easy

January is the month where I'm building up my running, but I'm under no pressure.  My coach wants to make sure there is no hangover from Covid in December plus it's about getting back into a regular routine having enjoyed time off at Christmas.
I've been increasing marginally the distance I'm running and the number of consecutive days that I run has also increased.  I've combined this with my gym work and I am starting to see the benefits of the work over the last 4 months.  I've put on 7lbs but I needed to as my weight was 140 lbs.  As long as the weight is muscle I don't mind and I can see a change in the shape of my legs which is satisfying. In Romania in August I will be ascending 40,000 ft and descending the same so it's vital to have my legs in great shape.  The stair master will be getting plenty of use and this will be replaced by the mountains in the better weather. In Romania I will be carrying everything with me and it takes its toll on your traps and back so I need to be stronger than last year.   I now have some good routines in the gym and whilst I have to "force" myself sometimes to go, I know it's an important part of being a successful ultra runner or athlete.
My highlight of the week was a change in location for my run.  I was in London on business and took my running kit with me.  On Friday morning I woke up tired from the long day before, I'd got up at 4.30am to catch the flight, and headed out into a crisp cold day with a solid blue sky.  I chose a route that took in Trafalgar Square, St James Park, and Hyde Park. At one point I was running beside this majestic beast.  One of the Queen's black horses.  It was stunning and trotting up the space allocated for horses.  Running through such a historical city taking in all the sights, watching the newscasters setting up outside Buckingham Palace is always fun.  Such a buzzing city and best seen early morning before it gets busy, although it's still relatively empty compared to pre-covid days.  There was no pressure on my pace so I ran free and easy just enjoying being alive, feeling good to be healthy running in London.
Saturday was a contrast in a dull, grey and cold Scotland but today's run in the beautiful sunshine.  I ran with a pal which as you know is my preference than running solo and we bumped into friends along the way.  We even paused our watches and enjoyed catching up with them.  Life is good and when the sun shines and you are running free and easy there's not too much that can improve on that.  The only thing that would be better is running in the mountains but that will happen when the weather improves.  In the meantime I just need to build my strength and fitness and would like to thanks all my friends, family and my coach who share in my journey and inspire me to keep going.