Christmas 2012

It's Christmas! I was supposed to be running the half marathon in Waterford today but I did not get my entry in time. Instead I will run a half marathon in Clonakilty next week.
Lovely morning stroll to town with new Nikon D60 camera. Usual Bagel Bar hot chocolate. Home again now to hoover and put up the Christmas tree. Bring on Christmas. Dragged the tree from the attic, and later Meabh helped me finish it. Results very impressive I think.

BEAUTIFUL beautiful bacon & cabbage for dinner.

At 9.30 I dropped Meabh to the Lady Belle for a party, and decided to go in for one. Great night with many of the cycling club who were there after the usual Christmas Ballyhoura mountain-biking day out....left the car and will collect in the am.

Putting up the tree is hard work

So, once again, as autumn approaches, and I return to school, it is time again to return here after a long summer break.

Smoking is for Idiots

Back jogging. I have once again stopped smoking, hopefully this time for good. I was beginning to find the cycling really hard especially on the hills, so it was time to give them up! I jogged my usual bypass route last week but it took me 47 minutes, about 10 minutes slower than earlier in the year. However, this week I managed it in a time of 43, and I felt good going around. Also, this term I am cycling home from school usually three days a week as Marion drops me down in the mornings. It's lovely to cycle home after a day's work!

Friday evening now, beautiful warm fire and a good film...good way to finish a good week.

Managing fine without the cigarettes, and on the one-lap run of the Friary last Tuesday i was able to push hard. felt good to begin to get my breathing back a bit better.

Summer holidays

Holidays on Tuesday. Marion home today.

Not summery yet though.

Half Marathon

Golly, it's been so long since I added stuff here. Why? Spring and summer have taken me outside and away from the laptop.
I entered the recent Great Limerick Run with Kieran and on a beautiful sunny Sunday I managed to complete the distance in 2:21. Very happy with that... I could see the pressure of others over the final few miles as they obviously chased a specific finishing time, whereas I was more than happy just to finish. And I finished without stopping!
Training for past few weeks twice a week doing about 5 mile runs. Nice and easy until about 3 miles and a faster finish. The uphill home from the church is HARD, but I am getting stronger each week.

Don't Be Afraid

Don't be afraid to take a big step if one is indicated. You can't cross a chasm in two small jumps.
David Lloyd George

Which One Are You?

The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails.

Willie Arthur Ward