This weekend’s training plan went straight out the window the moment I saw tomorrow’s forecast. With temperatures set to plummet even further, I decided to be sensible for once and get the longer mileage in today — not that the mileage was all that long, but still, long for me. Clifton stayed home, still awaiting the arrival of his new chariot, which I’m hoping will finally make an appearance next week. Bob, however, wasn’t so lucky. He’s had far too many treats lately, and someone has to help him work off his snack-based lifestyle choices.
I dressed for the occasion like I was preparing for an expedition to the Arctic: base layer, Action Challenge T‑shirt, fleece, and my trusty Rab4 jacket. Honestly, I’m not sure what I thought I was preparing for — possibly a blizzard, maybe a small-scale apocalypse — but once I got walking, it wasn’t too cold at all. Typical.
The highlight of the day? Watching Bob attempt to run on ice. Picture a dog doing his best Bambi-on-ice impression, legs everywhere, dignity nowhere. Pure entertainment. At one point he even considered investigating the river, but I made it very clear he’d be on his own if he went in. I’m supportive, but not that supportive.
Today’s aim was 5 miles at a decent pace. My pace, obviously. Ended up doing 5.5, so I’m calling that a win. Returned home feeling quite pleased with myself… only to discover that my February issue of Country Walking magazine had arrived. In early January. Why are magazines always a month ahead? Who decided this? It’s chaos.
After lunch and a bath, I settled in with my mysteriously futuristic magazine for a good read. Meanwhile, my stomach has apparently decided it walked 50 miles instead of 5.5, because it’s roaring like a lion despite being fed. Honestly, the drama.
Another training day done. Another episode of Bob vs. Physics complete. And another reminder that my stomach has absolutely no sense of proportion.
