Bring on the blue bells

This is my favourite time of the year, when the blue bells come out.  Yesterday was my first run at Chatelherault with them in full bloom and what a sight it was.  It was extra special because for the last two years I have been injured at this stage and didn't get to see them.  Being able to enjoy some sun on my back while running through the forest admiring the blue bells and listening to the birds definitely makes me faster.  It's not all about blood, sweat and tears you know!
On Thursday I also had the pleasure in running in Sutton Coldfield.  I arrived at midnight at my hotel but was up and running at 6am before my meeting and then straight back to the airport so I made sure I savoured every minute of it.  Even at that time in the morning it was shorts and a tee shirt and by the end of the run I was soaked with sweat.  Beautiful countryside and a nice hilly route to make me work hard but it really set me up for the day.
This weekend has involved two back to back runs at Chatelherault and yesterday my pal Johnny joined me for the 2nd and 3rd lap.  What a difference having company makes and we held a good pace all the way round without my heart rate going too high - shows the training is paying off.  Today I was out for two laps and Jack kept me company for the first - probably my fastest lap which meant I had to dig deep in the second.  But the blue bells worked their wonder and kept me distracted.
Unfortunately my foot hasn't enjoyed the runs but I'm seeing the physio on Tuesday so hopefully she will sort it out.  There is no way of telling how it will behave in a 71 mile run but I'm already booked in 2 days before the race to have my foot, ankle and calf taped as this seems to ease some of the pressure.
Summer is definitely here so get out there and enjoy the magnificent colours and fragrances.  I'm so glad to have a mid-summer race where the big training miles can be done in the summer.  And finally my pal Stuart Auld successfully completed his first Ultra marathon.  I met him after my run today and he was "buzzing" following his success.  He's now raising his sights which is what happens when you keep "bad company"!  Aim high is what I say.