::Griffblog::

An envelope arrived today, contained within was my race number and timing chip for the Fleet Half Marathon which takes place on 17th March.

I don’t mind admitting that seeing the number made me feel quite sick! Last week I managed to complete a 12-mile run in 2hrs and 15mins so whilst I’m fairly sure I should be able to complete the course, and more importantly, complete it within the 3hr time limit, I’m still nervous and I’m trying not to think about the actual day.

Training has suffered a few setbacks in the last couple of weeks. I picked up a blister on the ball of my left foot which I had to allow time to heal. I’d foolishly worn cheap socks rather than the proper running socks I usually run in.

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Training is going at full steam as the end date seems to be careering toward me. Since the last update I gave in struggling against the weather. The snow fall meant training was difficult at best and plain stupid once it had begun to freeze and ice over. So I signed up for 3 months at a local gym and wish I’d done it earlier.

Whilst the snow wasn’t around for long, it means I can now buy ambien online canada and vary my training and do some much needed core fitness work to supplement the running. I hate treadmills, they’re mind numbingly boring and the longest I managed in one hit was 25mins before my brain screamed ‘enough’! So I am still running out on the roads Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday. But on Monday, Wednesday and Friday I hit the gym for a circuit of weights and mat work that is strengthening my upper body, legs and core. And after only two weeks I could feel the difference.

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Most of us will still be using the same shaving methods we learnt when we first started. For the majority that means safety razors, with disposable cartridge heads, and vastly over-inflated prices. If you’re using an electric shaver for speed then you have my sympathy but it may not be too late to change.  If you’re using disposables or electric because your skin gets ripped to shreds by blades read no further.

I recently read an article that described the discovery of old-fashioned wet shaving, the technique our fathers will have used. This uses disposable safety razor blades, placed in a metal safety razor, together with shaving soap and a shaving brush.

Now I’ve never been particularly happy with my shaving techniques, and I hate having to pay £11 for 4 disposable cartridge razors. What started with one blade, and then two, has now become a frankly ridiculous 5 bladed head and optional battery power.  I’m sure most of us suspect that these cartridges cost pennies to make and are designed to go blunt at the merest sight of a beard!

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My last blog update was way back in mid-December when I’d just managed an 11-mile long run. The following week we were in wales visiting my parents and I managed a 7-mile run around a local landmark, the Great Orme which involves a 2.5m climb, hard work but great when you get to run for two miles downhill after the half way point.

And from there it all went downhill quite literally. The week after I did 4miles, 6 miles, 4 miles and then set off on a 12-mile run. For whatever reason I didn’t manage it. I felt really tired from the off and by the time I reached the half way mark at 6-miles I was exhausted and new I couldn’t complete it.

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Another week behind me. I managed to add another mile onto my long run on Sunday with an 11-miler. The modified route incorporated some hill work at about 4.5 miles which was ‘interesting’. The route is 5.5miles out and then turn about and return home. So whilst the hill was quite tough on the outbound leg, it was a killer on the return! The payback being a gentle downhill slope once it had been crested which was a blessed relief at that point.

I’m still finding I go through highs and lows during the runs. I may start off feeling tired and then find I have a burst of energy for a few miles followed by another trough. I’m not sure if it’s possible to iron these out, for a more consistent run, or if it’s just a part of running. I also need to get a better understanding of fuelling, particularly the meal the night before the long run and the best food to consume post run.

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