A GOOD week's training for me...nothing too bad except for the interval/speed session on Tuesday around Castlemorton, very nice but why do we always time it that the fast leg of the intervals falls on an uphill section? As a result, the recovery six miles the following day felt hard.

But this weekend was great as it was my birthday and we went away for the weekend and stayed in a lovely country house hotel in Woolverton near Bath. Saturday was spent watching racing of a different kind ie the four-legged variety at Wincanton Race course!

This morning we got up early and did my 9-mile 'slow' run around the country lanes near the hotel, Ron had packed his bike in the boot.! Always prepared Ron, he had the map and the map wheel to plan the route. (He was very obviously a boy scout in his youth.) There we were, going down the country lanes seeing only two cars, a fellow jogger and a horse, the sun was shining and the view was beautiful. ”Ah, this is what running is all about," said Ron, as he freewheeled alongside me on his bike. I have a bit of a sore left hip and knee, just a little niggle, but as I am really worried about picking up an injury I feel it’s best to err on the side of caution and book in for a physio session as soon as possible to nip things in the bud.

This week will see me upping the mileage to over 30 miles, including one speed/interval session and climaxing with a 10 miler on Sunday.

Until next week, dib dib dib, jog jog jog, clip clop clip.

Vikki.

If you would like to sponsor me please go to www.justgiving.com/vikkisivertsen in aid of Acorns childrens hospice.