Today’s run was in two parts. As it’s getting difficult to find suitable running terrain without getting dizzy doing multiple loops I opted for a morning and afternoon run today. Got out on the road early before too much traffic when I could safely do a short road 3 miler without having to launch myself into a snowy ditch every time time a car approached!

Out again in the late afternoon just before it started to get dark. A combination of bits of two routes, the second half being on a nice farm track with compacted snow which allowed for a bit of decent running although was getting icy towards the end. Lovely sunset views over the countryside was the “icing” on the cake as it were.

evening light

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Today was supposed to be a rest day, which I took yesterday, so did 5 miles this afternoon. Conditions were not much better than yesterday so a very slow plod. Underfoot was a mixture of ice, snow and slush.

Once I resigned myself to a slow pace and reduced stride, I was reminded how good it was to be outside and, while ankles and legs ached from muscles not normally used, as always I felt the better for my run. Even in weather like this you would not persuade me onto a treadmill!

Today's sole spectator

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Today’s run was a bit more challenging than yesterday with underfoot conditions a lot more difficult after heavy snow overnight.

Add to that a complete white-out at one point and achy ankles from wearing my Walshes yesterday for the first time in a while, so I cut the run short at 5 miles.

On the plus side, nobody today told me as I was “aff me heid” – as no-one else was daft enough to be out! If this continues tomorrow might be even more challenging to find somewhere to “run” – I use the term “run” euphemistically as shuffle would be more accurate I fear.

my Walshes are down there somewhere!

calm after the white-out

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The first proper run of my marathon training schedule. 6 miles – instructions said start slow finish faster. I started very slow and finished ever so slightly faster – but I did have the excuse of snow and wintry underfoot conditions!

I found a quiet country road – 2 miles down and up it – so I did that 3 times. Little traffic but one local who passed me twice couldn’t resist stopping the second time to offer the words of encouragement “you’re off your heed” – Scottish venacular for “you’re mad!. No sign of snow letting up yet so the mad runner may well be spotted running down and up, down and up, down and up again.

I’m actually a bit like a child and love the snow – it all makes running a bit more of an adventure from the usual plod.

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Today’s run was in snow. I’m on the last 2 days of my base training – my marathon schedule (for Lochaber next year) starts for earnest on Monday (well actually Monday is a rest day on it which is the way I like a schedule to start!!). Someone obviously thought marathon training needed a little spicing up so organised some snow. Thank you (not).

Today’s run was fine, even enjoyable as snow still crisp and runnable. Tomorrow may be more interesting once it’s mushed and frozen etc. Everywhere did look lovely though.

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