Somehow, the fact that it was dark and cold, I wasn't very motivated, my legs ached all the way round, and it was all just a bit of a struggle was ... well ... just right really! I know the idea has been bandied around that Day 31 should be somehow a celebration and I can see the attraction - but I quite liked the fact that the final day was pretty representative of why and how it had been a challenge to get there.
It had been a long day with much driving, various tech annoyances at work, and all the fun of a governors' meeting as soon as I got home. As has so often been the case, therefore, it seemed my run was crammed in before a late dinner. As I ran I seemed to end up having a stitch nearly all the way round (which is not so usual) - adding to the high self-consciousness that is already inherent in pretty well every step of each run I do anyway! Maybe my body knew that somehow this was the last one and it simply wanted to mark the occasion in its own way? 0r maybe I've got there just in time, and my body is/was finally about to go on strike? Who knows - but it definitely all came together to remind me clearly just how much I've had to push myself to keep going!
However, despite all the above, and taking into account ice and snow, rain and wind, extraordinary procrastination and inherent laziness, I can truly now announce that I HAVE JANATHONED.
Tomorrow if I get a chance I will write a final round-off blog. But for now I am simply going to revel in my own amazement.
For with this final paragraph, the whole thing is DONE!!!! 31 Days of consecutive up, out, and jogged. 31 Days of logged. And now ... 31 Days of blogged as well.
HOORAY!!!!!!
Monday, 31 January 2011
Sunday, 30 January 2011
So it's not quite Amsterdam, but even one canal makes a change ...
I would like to say that today's run - which was a circuit along the canal and back up through the centre of Devizes to a friend's house - was inspired by the opportunity to spread my wings and run somewhere different. And there would indeed be some truth in such a rumour were it to be promulgated. However ... underlying truth has a way of making itself felt in my experience. So shining the bright light of real honesty I suspect that the real reason today's run (which despite the wonderful sun we'd had earlier still ended up being mostly in the dark, sigh) ended up being Devizes was because it allowed me an extra half-hour of procrastination first as I drove over!
However, it was still a good idea, even with a semi-frozen canal shining back at me despite the dark, and regardless of the bemused look of various people wandering through the town centre. The interest attached to novelty must have worked too, as despite the cold, the aching, and the general "only two more days, after this only tomorrow" motivational self-talk theme of the day, I still managed to keep going for just over 2 miles.
Of course when I arrived at my friend's house, lighting the place up with my usual brick-red post-run colour, and looking just the part in my cold-weather-yes-I know-I-look-weird-but-at-least-I-don't-have-hypothermia running gear, I did get questioned somewhat closely regarding my sanity! But hot food and the company of some of my favourite smallfry soon solved those problems. (And after all the two year old was wearing nothing at all when I arrived, so he was hardly likely to, nor could he possibly have justified, moaning at my choice of attire!).
My findings today, in summary, anyway: canals are a recommend (at least with a decent tow path); town centres have the benefit of plenty of shop windows to distract from the heavy breathing/stitch that is otherwise the main preoccupation; and finally ... being on the last day but one and having jogged, logged and blogged is Janathontastic!
However, it was still a good idea, even with a semi-frozen canal shining back at me despite the dark, and regardless of the bemused look of various people wandering through the town centre. The interest attached to novelty must have worked too, as despite the cold, the aching, and the general "only two more days, after this only tomorrow" motivational self-talk theme of the day, I still managed to keep going for just over 2 miles.
Of course when I arrived at my friend's house, lighting the place up with my usual brick-red post-run colour, and looking just the part in my cold-weather-yes-I know-I-look-weird-but-at-least-I-don't-have-hypothermia running gear, I did get questioned somewhat closely regarding my sanity! But hot food and the company of some of my favourite smallfry soon solved those problems. (And after all the two year old was wearing nothing at all when I arrived, so he was hardly likely to, nor could he possibly have justified, moaning at my choice of attire!).
My findings today, in summary, anyway: canals are a recommend (at least with a decent tow path); town centres have the benefit of plenty of shop windows to distract from the heavy breathing/stitch that is otherwise the main preoccupation; and finally ... being on the last day but one and having jogged, logged and blogged is Janathontastic!
Saturday, 29 January 2011
So I've really done 29 days - and the end is in sight?
Amazingly, I have now run every day for 29 days. Only two more days to go! Woo-hoo!
Today was a 1.7 mile traipse around one of the routes that I never thought I would get to know by day, night and (today) twilight as well as I now do. It started off hurting quite a lot (bizarrely my right kneecap felt as if it was going to sort of fall off - anyone?) but later on it settled down and the usual calf-moans came into play. However when I was nearly back just after a mile I pushed myself on to do another little loop that added on a bit extra so that left me pleased with my persistence (even though I suspect my calves are consulting their union again to find out if they've got reasonable cause for complaint).
It is interesting how you settle at your own level. Many of co-Janathoners would barely think a run of less than 2 miles registered on their list of options. My respect knows no bounds - indeed this month has only encouraged my awe if anything! For me though it remains a huge achievement (the only catch remaining that there is a limited amount to say to the big wide world on the topic so blogging does become more of a challenge). If I can keep going to the end I will look back with surprise, bewilderment, but also - secretly - quite a bit of pride too. (Peace quiet and stillness on Tuesday is looking pretty attractive too on the other hand, it's not all about the Janathoning, it's also about looking forward to the post-Janathon...)
For now anyway I am done. Day 29 is jogged, logged and now also blogged. Til tomorrow lovely people!
Today was a 1.7 mile traipse around one of the routes that I never thought I would get to know by day, night and (today) twilight as well as I now do. It started off hurting quite a lot (bizarrely my right kneecap felt as if it was going to sort of fall off - anyone?) but later on it settled down and the usual calf-moans came into play. However when I was nearly back just after a mile I pushed myself on to do another little loop that added on a bit extra so that left me pleased with my persistence (even though I suspect my calves are consulting their union again to find out if they've got reasonable cause for complaint).
It is interesting how you settle at your own level. Many of co-Janathoners would barely think a run of less than 2 miles registered on their list of options. My respect knows no bounds - indeed this month has only encouraged my awe if anything! For me though it remains a huge achievement (the only catch remaining that there is a limited amount to say to the big wide world on the topic so blogging does become more of a challenge). If I can keep going to the end I will look back with surprise, bewilderment, but also - secretly - quite a bit of pride too. (Peace quiet and stillness on Tuesday is looking pretty attractive too on the other hand, it's not all about the Janathoning, it's also about looking forward to the post-Janathon...)
For now anyway I am done. Day 29 is jogged, logged and now also blogged. Til tomorrow lovely people!
So 4 weeks but no chips? (Whingy blog alert!!!)
Today it was cold and I was tired. The idea of going jogging was unappealing whether because of the basic problem of having to get changed, through to the unpleasant thought of going outside, before any question of actual running even got mentioned. I was also suffering ache-y twinges all down my legs, no doubt simply my body asking desperately if I was ever going to stop this mad daily infliction.
However, I decided motivation of the day would be chips. I would run round a loop that ended at the chip shop, and then walk back (eating said chips). So I set off. I even managed to force myself on an extra little loop. I kept going despite lots of people who all looked up for a night out and clearly thought I was mad. I eventually warmed up enough that my fingers didn't feel as if they would drop off. I ran on and decided I could warm down once I'd ordered.
But then, disaster. On asking the assistant in the chip shop, shed told me that the chips are cooked with the fish. No!!!! For a vegetarian this is to say the least problematic. I briefly dallied with why not, but then sighed and left. Chipless. And rapidly becoming chilled. And with a walk (only half a mile but even so) home with no salt, vinegar or yummy warm stuff to keep me going.
Oh well, I suppose I shouldn't complain really. I am getting there and nearly through this month of Janathonitis. But I really don't think a few chips on a very cold night were too much to ask!
(PS - blog started yesterday but finished today. Now for my next run/log/blog and sadly no more enthusiasm than I showed here ... oh well, bye for now, back soon ... hopefully ...)
However, I decided motivation of the day would be chips. I would run round a loop that ended at the chip shop, and then walk back (eating said chips). So I set off. I even managed to force myself on an extra little loop. I kept going despite lots of people who all looked up for a night out and clearly thought I was mad. I eventually warmed up enough that my fingers didn't feel as if they would drop off. I ran on and decided I could warm down once I'd ordered.
But then, disaster. On asking the assistant in the chip shop, shed told me that the chips are cooked with the fish. No!!!! For a vegetarian this is to say the least problematic. I briefly dallied with why not, but then sighed and left. Chipless. And rapidly becoming chilled. And with a walk (only half a mile but even so) home with no salt, vinegar or yummy warm stuff to keep me going.
Oh well, I suppose I shouldn't complain really. I am getting there and nearly through this month of Janathonitis. But I really don't think a few chips on a very cold night were too much to ask!
(PS - blog started yesterday but finished today. Now for my next run/log/blog and sadly no more enthusiasm than I showed here ... oh well, bye for now, back soon ... hopefully ...)
Thursday, 27 January 2011
So brevity is a virtue?
Jogged.
Logged.
Blogged.
(Good things, when short, are twice as good: Baltasar Gracian)
Logged.
Blogged.
(Good things, when short, are twice as good: Baltasar Gracian)
So it's the Big Smoke?
I am sure that if I still have any readers who haven't given up entirely on me, it is only through some amazing (if even less comprehensible) commitment and stubbornness of your own that exceeds even my Janathon madness. I long ago gave up on any doomed attempt to keep this interesting!
However Day 26 is brought to you courtesy of the wonders of the Big Smoke which at least makes a change! Sadly I failed to take full advantage though. Behind Euston station may not jump out at you as the most thrilling area of London town, and indeed my enthusiasm, time and the weather conspired to make my run somewhat less than enthralling (down the road from my hotel, along past a few shops, back along a parallel road, round a petrol station, then another even less exciting loop). Clearly either tiredness or Big Smoke awe came into play as for the first time I also fell, luckily with the only injury being that inflicted on my dignity... a concept already somewhat lost in the reality of my existence anyway!
So I'm sorry folks ... Briefly yesterday had the potential for anecdote and interest but no joy! Still ... Day 26 done!
However Day 26 is brought to you courtesy of the wonders of the Big Smoke which at least makes a change! Sadly I failed to take full advantage though. Behind Euston station may not jump out at you as the most thrilling area of London town, and indeed my enthusiasm, time and the weather conspired to make my run somewhat less than enthralling (down the road from my hotel, along past a few shops, back along a parallel road, round a petrol station, then another even less exciting loop). Clearly either tiredness or Big Smoke awe came into play as for the first time I also fell, luckily with the only injury being that inflicted on my dignity... a concept already somewhat lost in the reality of my existence anyway!
So I'm sorry folks ... Briefly yesterday had the potential for anecdote and interest but no joy! Still ... Day 26 done!
Tuesday, 25 January 2011
So it's this blog itself that's becoming the problem?
Following on from my last blog, I have now jogged and logged today's (very short) run and am finally almost caught up with myself.
I am flabbergasted ... 25 days in and I have so far managed (with a little bit of last minute deadeline-itis) to Janathon every day so far. I am beginning to allow little glimmers of hope that I might even make it all the way. Wouldn't that be grand? Don't tell anyone though, or it'll never happen ...
The support I'm getting from fellow Janathoners, friends and family is just fabulous (and as for you lot, reading this - I am in awe of your boredom threshold!). Aching muscles yelping at me, travel and work gaining the upper hand diary-wise, tiredness and mere procrastination fighting back: the hurdles mount. But the support I've been getting is astounding and I do think I should say thankyou*.
Interestingly, as time has gone on I have become accustomed to worrying about when to fit in the Janathon - but worrying more about what on earth I am going to blog about. It's all very well if you run miles every day, are an expert on monitoring your maximum heart rate, and are a supreme photographer.
However.
For me there is a very simple process.
1. Self-talk.
2. Get changed and out of house.
3. Set off, often without any much of a plan as to which direction, sometimes simply "the way I didn't go yesterday".
3. Walk. (aka "warm up")
$. Set phone up to GPS-track me.
5. Start jogging.
6. Put phone into specially-purchased belt.
6a. While jogging along check to see if phone working, trying not to bump into any lamp-posts while distracted. If it isn't glare at it unproductively then fiddle. Put it away again.
7. Keep jogging along one of several routes distinguished mostly by whether they are more round the outside of one of the nearby housing estates or through the middle.
8. Breathe. Breathe more raggedly.
9. Feel vaguely amazed I am still moving.
10. Self-talk.
11. Keep jogging and continue to endeavour not to bump into anything.
12. Focus on getting past the one mile point if at all possible.
13. Keep jogging beyond a mile if I can summon up the energy/time, and am not feeling too sorry for my legs, or worried about the possibility that my breathing might stop altogether.
14. Slow, turn off phone, and back to walk.
15. Try and log run on phone as I walk home. (walk home aka "cooling off")
16. Faff around failing to find key to get in.
17. Get into house.
18. Collapse on sofa/bathroom floor.
19. Stare at red face in mirror, more in sorrow than in anger. (It's such an attractive look I find.)
20. Wonder, worry and wibble over how exactly to keep you from falling asleep in my latest blog.
And so I move, in one simple step, from the whole jogging self-talk and procrastination setup, to the totally separate but bizarrely similar whole blogging self-talk and procrastination process.
This Janathon: it is a strange and wondrous concept indeed! But with this blog, nevertheless, I am done for today, and so I hereby pronounce:
Day 25, consider yourself well and truly Janathoned.
* Today for example I had NEW EQUIPMENT! If any of you are mad enough to have read all these ranting diatribes you will have formerly seen me raise concerns over the great hairband quest. Well yesterday I arrive home to a small package through the front door ... with some fantastic new hairbands** therein, specially provided to help see me through. Sally, you are a star!
** I appreciate such a gift leaves me with one fewer on the list of possible excuses for giving up, and my gratitude for such encouragement is possibly therefore mitigated, but I'm officially ignoring this element of the situation due to my over-developed stubborn streak retaining as all too often the upper hand.
I am flabbergasted ... 25 days in and I have so far managed (with a little bit of last minute deadeline-itis) to Janathon every day so far. I am beginning to allow little glimmers of hope that I might even make it all the way. Wouldn't that be grand? Don't tell anyone though, or it'll never happen ...
The support I'm getting from fellow Janathoners, friends and family is just fabulous (and as for you lot, reading this - I am in awe of your boredom threshold!). Aching muscles yelping at me, travel and work gaining the upper hand diary-wise, tiredness and mere procrastination fighting back: the hurdles mount. But the support I've been getting is astounding and I do think I should say thankyou*.
Interestingly, as time has gone on I have become accustomed to worrying about when to fit in the Janathon - but worrying more about what on earth I am going to blog about. It's all very well if you run miles every day, are an expert on monitoring your maximum heart rate, and are a supreme photographer.
However.
For me there is a very simple process.
1. Self-talk.
2. Get changed and out of house.
3. Set off, often without any much of a plan as to which direction, sometimes simply "the way I didn't go yesterday".
3. Walk. (aka "warm up")
$. Set phone up to GPS-track me.
5. Start jogging.
6. Put phone into specially-purchased belt.
6a. While jogging along check to see if phone working, trying not to bump into any lamp-posts while distracted. If it isn't glare at it unproductively then fiddle. Put it away again.
7. Keep jogging along one of several routes distinguished mostly by whether they are more round the outside of one of the nearby housing estates or through the middle.
8. Breathe. Breathe more raggedly.
9. Feel vaguely amazed I am still moving.
10. Self-talk.
11. Keep jogging and continue to endeavour not to bump into anything.
12. Focus on getting past the one mile point if at all possible.
13. Keep jogging beyond a mile if I can summon up the energy/time, and am not feeling too sorry for my legs, or worried about the possibility that my breathing might stop altogether.
14. Slow, turn off phone, and back to walk.
15. Try and log run on phone as I walk home. (walk home aka "cooling off")
16. Faff around failing to find key to get in.
17. Get into house.
18. Collapse on sofa/bathroom floor.
19. Stare at red face in mirror, more in sorrow than in anger. (It's such an attractive look I find.)
20. Wonder, worry and wibble over how exactly to keep you from falling asleep in my latest blog.
And so I move, in one simple step, from the whole jogging self-talk and procrastination setup, to the totally separate but bizarrely similar whole blogging self-talk and procrastination process.
This Janathon: it is a strange and wondrous concept indeed! But with this blog, nevertheless, I am done for today, and so I hereby pronounce:
Day 25, consider yourself well and truly Janathoned.
* Today for example I had NEW EQUIPMENT! If any of you are mad enough to have read all these ranting diatribes you will have formerly seen me raise concerns over the great hairband quest. Well yesterday I arrive home to a small package through the front door ... with some fantastic new hairbands** therein, specially provided to help see me through. Sally, you are a star!
** I appreciate such a gift leaves me with one fewer on the list of possible excuses for giving up, and my gratitude for such encouragement is possibly therefore mitigated, but I'm officially ignoring this element of the situation due to my over-developed stubborn streak retaining as all too often the upper hand.
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