More of the tyre

We were being a bit silly yesterday evening before I left for the Tuesday night club run so combined the running outfit of the day pics with "admiring" the new tyre--which needs a name by the way, any suggestions? My theory on naming things is that if it causes some discomfort then it needs to have a name you can intersperse amongst the cursing...for example, my foam roller is called Sven.

I seem to have developed a halo...

Speaking of running gear, how cool is my Ink n Burn top???  My partner bought it for me right after they were released but somehow managed to omit the American flag version of the top from the order, one of my running club mates said it was because he was staking his claim, lol. I do love INB's run or die themed gear mostly because of the skulls--yeah, it's a weird thing I have. 

The shorts are from Brooks, another style that is no longer available, the Versatile 3.5" woven shorts, but they are comfy and flattering with a wide waistband (no muffin top!). My only complaint about them is that there is no usable key pocket but the two front pockets on the outside are useful for things like tissue which comes in very handy when a tiny bug flies up your nose* (that may have happened on last night's run). 

Umm, did I remember my deodorant? 

Told you we were being silly, but ignore my "sniff test" pose for a moment and check out the sky in the background, it's gorgeous. Oh, please ignore the overgrown hedge as well, we need to do some gardening but I am sort of lazy when it comes to that, besides there are blackberries in there. We wouldn't want to chop them down before they are done producing (my excuse anyhow).  

Obligatory mutts pic

Last night I opted for the easy run option because I noticed during Nordic Walking class that my quads were still sore from Sunday's 10k so I guess I pushed harder than I realized.  Kind of removes the sting from putting my last 5k pace into the McMillan running calculator and being told that the 10k should have been 48:28, ouch.  

*The real question is did the bug fly up my nose or did it get hoovered in forcefully due to the fact I was breathing so heavily after an impromptu fartlek around the lake...

Janathon Days 3 and 4

Quick catch up on Janathon--I didn't run yesterday because of still being sore from the kettlebells but did my 90 bicycle crunches and a heckuva lot of foam rolling which seemed to have done the trick because I woke up way less achy this morning.  I'm thinking Sven the foam roller (because anything that causes that much pain must be named) is getting due to be replaced, the indentations from rolling are becoming permanent.

Today I eventually crawled out of bed after the torrential rain and winds seemed to have died down and headed out for a short run with Elsie the Miniature Schnauzer Menace.  I opted for a mostly road route because all the trails are becoming waterlogged and was hoping that I would be able to skip having to bathe Elsie afterwards. No go on that, she's too aerodynamic and low to the ground.  As much mud as she picked up I might as well have headed out on the canal trails and skipped the hills.  We ended up with just over 5 miles and thankfully it was wind and rain free.

Elsie all bundled up after her bath

This week I have picked up a few fitness "toys" to start replacing what I'd given away in the states. I've mentioned the balance ball but I also bought a 5kg medicine ball (actually a no bounce slam ball but it's easier to say medicine ball) and a workout dome.  The latter is very similar to a Bosu balance trainer but it's less than half the price but the dome is a very bright red, very much looks like the Staples Easy button which caused my partner no shortage of amusement.  While I was doing my core workout I was getting additional work from laughing at all the comments he was throwing my way--everything from "it's gonna blow!" to comparing it to a giant shut-off button while I was trying to do back extensions (those are the g-rated ones, it got much worse). 

Ben checking it out

York Fitness Ok! Famously Fit Core Workout Dome, the name is almost a workout in itself, lol.

Today's workout:

5.23 miles in 52:44

3x15 of back extensions, v-crunches, regular crunches, and single leg bridges on the fitness dome

2x1 minute planks on dome

3x10 pushups on flat side of dome

90 bicycle crunches (truckin' runner challenge) on the floor

lots of general standing on the green side of the dome trying to balance--aka not fall off and bust my front teeth out (again)

Seen on the run

I don't always see a cow in the road when I run.........but it does happen at least once a week.  This bull was today's sighting.  If you look closely there's a cat on the left side of the right road fork just past the gritter bin as well.  

Mushrooms from a couple of weeks ago

Graffiti from last Sunday's run

I thought I escaped whatever bug my partner has but it waylaid me yesterday, feel better today but the run felt harder than usual and my legs are on the verge of cramping.  I miss my foam roller, wishing that I had made room for it in my luggage rather than shipping it.  

My Brooks' aren't looking quite as clean as this at the moment