Jiggling the fat, running in the rain, crossfit and doing it fabulously...

Wind and rain have been the most constant thing on most of my runs this month. Also the temperature, for this time of the year has been quite moderate except for a day or two when the temperature dropped.  The constant wet gear has led to an ever increasing pile of washing each week - the joys of winter running.

I often read about runners who due to weather conditions or time, run on treadmills. I tried maybe once or twice to run on a treadmill but I felt awkward. I could see the fat jiggling, in the full length mirror in front of the treadmill!!! Not a good look for anyone!

Misty Hill runs..

Hill running/training isn't on the list of my favourites things although I know it has to be done. I have a few runs coming up over the next few months so have try to put in one at least once a week. As I'm usually soaking wet from the rain it has given me added impetus to finish and get the pain over as quickly as possible. I really do find them the toughest thing I do....

This weeks hill run was this past weekend, there was a small gap in the weather so as I started there was no rain. The first mile and half were fine, a few rolling hills, manageable. Then I hit the next hill which seemed to go on for a while, so a quick chat to self and I just kept moving to the first bend and then the next and the next.. I still haven't mastered the keep running part.  So as I climbed to the top of each bend I stopped maybe only for a second or two but I stopped all the same. Finally I reached the top! What must go up must come down as the saying goes, so down the hills I went and as I hit level ground again my quads were beginning to cry. Thankfully,there wasn't too far to go and hill training was done. Although, my quads haven't yet forgiven me for it!

The day closes in so quickly at the moment, during one of my longer runs, the sky just kept darkening as I kept running. My illuminous running vest is part of the kit whatever time of the day it seems. I am also trying to curtail the urge to take off like Mo Farah and not burn out towards the end of each run. My aim is to run at a steady pace, it works sometimes. Its like my running in general a work in progress. I am trying to put the miles on my legs as I have the 10K in Clonakilty and the 10 Mile Valentines run in Tralee at the start of February.

The weather has also being playing havoc on our running group schedule. I look forward to Monday,  to run with someone other than my own thoughts. When there is someone ahead of you, I tend to move better, its like they set the pace.  I also do more pre and post run stretching with the girls which as we all know is a plus! I'm not great for talking as I  move, so a catchup before or after adds to the enjoyment. This week it was great to see Siobhan back running and she was flying. I predict great runs by our little running group in 2016. #RIOTRUNNERS

I am also determined to conquer some specific goals at Crossfit. I've picked two things which really bug me even though there are many moves I haven't conquered yet, I am determined to get these down - Double unders and walk walks. So I decided to invest in some Reeboks which I'm hoping will give me magic Crossfit powers.

I'll keep you updated on how I get on with conquering these moves and my Reeboks.

The motto for January...

Thinking of the month ahead and looking for a motto to carry me through the miles and workouts I must do in order to achieve the goals I've set for myself, I read this and I think this motto will carry me not only through the month ahead but maybe the year

'I know I can't do everything 

so I will do what I CAN fabulously....'