Running - Maria Runs

Finally a run with my running club!

This September I’ve signed up to run miles to raise money for the Red Cross- our running club has a team so I was persuaded to join in. Adding in extra miles isn’t as easy now I am back at work (particularly because the traffic has been awful and what was taking me 22 mins in the summer term is now at least double that on a good day), so before meeting my dad and brother for our not parkrun on a Saturday I’ve been doing a 2 mile warm up.

Our socially distanced breakfasts have been going well still- although I am not sure how we will manage for much longer as it’s been a bit chilly on a couple of occasions (I know technically I am allowed inside their house but we don’t want to take any chances).

Gorgeous print from Seashells & Magic on Etsy for my desk at work, Stitch bag, waffles with hummus and avocado and then banana, peanut butter and chocolate chips.

I had been browsing on Ebay and saw this bag- I have been looking for a little rucksack for a while (I was going to maybe treat myself in DLP to one of their Disney Loungefly bags) as the strap broke on my bag plus it seems a rucksack would be better for my shoulders than a cross-body bag. It has pineapples in the lining- so cute!

Last Sunday my running club was meeting in Hatfield and then running “5 ish miles on a route with a view”- as they were meeting around 3 miles from home, I decided I would run and meet them and then do their route together. It was so lovely to run together- there were 4 of us on the run and it was so nice to catch up. At the top of the hill there was indeed the most beautiful view looking across the countryside- peeking out of the trees we could see these white buildings and after looking at them more closely they turned out to be the big Shredded Wheat factory in the centre of WGC (being turned into flats etc at the moment)- it’s crazy that it is so green and looked just like countryside.

I saw lots of blackberries too- I need to take a little sandwich bag with me on my runs in case I find a good patch (I used to know a few patches where we lived before). Croissants for breakfast, some work and a walk and then watching a film in the afternoon. I chose Mulan, which I think I saw on a plane but it was so long ago. I actually enjoyed it a lot more than the other older ones I’ve seen (Peter Pan I’m looking at you) and I am now looking forward to watching the live action remake.

Of course I had to have tea in my Olaf mug when watching a Disney film. And I wore my monorail t-shirt. Since the first time we went to Florida I loved seeing all the families and groups in their matching t-shirts. Anywhere else it would seem strange but I think it is just great seeing the designs. Anyway, Andy has never agreed to matching tops (not even when we got married!) but he really liked this design too, so got one in a different colour so we don’t totally match. I wonder when we will actually get to wear them at Disney…

Gingerbread almond butter- not quite as good as their pumpkin spice one but really delicious.

The week just gone flew by, and despite lots of traffic I managed a run on Tuesday and Thursday, and yoga (on Zoom) was back on Wednesday. There have been some beautiful sunrises, and the flowers in our garden seem to be having a bit of a second wind.

My September tea club arrived, including Spiced pumpkin pie tea- it’s so pretty with little pumpkin sprinkles in it!

This week we have had the news that parkrun is aiming to return in England at the end of October. With Me Now has held some excellent live discussions via their facebook page, including having Tom Williams on (parkrun COO). As someone who has been quite risk averse and quite cautious about being exposed to people during the pandemic, I felt really reassured after hearing the research they commissioned (regarding the risk of transmission in outdoor spaces) and also all of the procedures they are putting into place. I think we are lucky here to have a choice of local runs in large spaces (eg no 5 lap routes around cricket pitches), and on Saturday when running our not parkrun we discussed the merits of our most local runs. Panshanger is one big lap but the start can be congested as it is narrow (but then teams can adapt routes if they need to, so I wonder if they are able to there). Ellenbrook Fields is pretty much one lap and JF is two but you don’t have too much lapping. For either I could easily wait at the back at the start, and then of course when running to the funnel you can just slow down if someone is near by and you don’t want to be too close to them. The new virtual volunteer app sounds amazing (Danny Norman did try to screen share this on a facebook live and I think will have another go at some point) because then if you have it (from how I understand it) you could then scan your own barcode using your own phone, which would reduce contact even further. I would recommend watching their videos if you have any questions because they were so informative and really helpful. I suppose if you are working at home and not going out then it might seem like a big step, but as I am in a room with 30 people each day, an outside setting seems safer than work does to me right now.

Bottom right new final km path

On Sunday I fancied heading back to Panshanger for my long run- I’ve not been for ages because towards the end of the mot severe part of lockdown it had got very busy with dog walkers and cyclists and groups of people, but as the streets around here have calmed down I wondered if it would be quieter.

Although I came across a few people, particularly on my way back (including one person with a little yappy dog who came and chased me in a part of the park that says on all the signs to have dogs on a short lead because of the livestock…) it was much emptier than before, and I loved the run. They have even resurfaced the final km of the parkrun course- normally a narrow muddy path with loads of huge puddles, now it’s wider as they have cut back the undergrowth, and covered in hard packed gravel- what joy! I also found the long horned cattle (including a calf) so of course had to have a selfie with one of the cows.

It should have been the Great North Run, and although I wasn’t signed up this year, I am still in the family whatsapp group from our run last year (we ran it for my uncle as he wanted to do 20 GNR’s but died before he could do the last one)- one of my dad’s cousin’s (Brian, who we introduced to parkrun and is now on 97 parkruns!) went out to run a half marathon and sent us all a photo of him at the end. Very impressive.

I’d managed to finish all of my work (and nearly all of the housework) on Saturday afternoon (in between helping Andy to begin the decorating of our spare room- he moved out all the furniture, took down the wallpaper and then put it all back rearranged) so on Sunday I could watch a film. My choice for this week was Lilo and Stitch. It’s so warm outside so I knew I needed a warm film (can’t watch Frozen when it’s hot) and I fancied something I knew was good. Watercolour artwork, scenes of Hawaii and an Elvis soundtrack- it’s all good with me.

Are you excited about the prospect of parkrun returning? Do you tend to run with a club or run alone?

The final week of freedom (sort of) and autumn is settling in

Andy had some time off work after we were back from Scotland, so we had some relaxing days, although the weather didn’t really play ball for some of it. We got a takeaway from the Waffle House and ended up sitting in my car in the rain and eating it!

We also played this National Parks game which was fun (easier to play than the Disney Villains game) and had the most gorgeous pieces; carved wooden animals and amazing artwork for all of the USA National Parks.

Of course there were some runs (this one was a few hours after lunch and reminded me how much I prefer morning runs, but they are soon to be for weekends only), and then of course afternoon Disney movies. Big Hero 6 seemed like a great option- couldn’t we all do with a healthcare companion right now?

We had a bit of time in Brighton- often we go down for the final weekend of the holidays, but I didn’t fancy a weekend as I thought it would be super busy (and then we cut it short because it rained and then was super windy before and after…). Anyway, we fit in some things- mainly takeaway iced drinks from Bird&Blend, takeaway cake from Cloud9, takeaway acai bowl from Wolfox cafe (takeaway is the theme here).

The waves were crazily high on the beach and we watched the poor life guard traipse backwards and forwards telling people again and again to get back or get out of the water …

On Saturdays I’ve been going over to my parents and running a 5k with my dad and brother, and then doing a longer run on Sunday (above are some pics from a run through Brocket Hall, plus the most delicious vegan chocolate almond coconut croissant from the Flowerpot Bakery in Brighton).

I’ve been getting into the back to work vibe, sorting out my new diary (and getting this cute diary clip to save the right page from Enchanted Cozy Co), and sorting out my desk. Also, my cheese plant got it’s first leaf with holes!

We did have some good weather for iced drinks in the garden.

I actually went to eat at a restaurant with a couple of friends (my best work pals)- we booked an outside table and thankfully it didn’t rain. I also got a few more waffles- another lot for lunch (collected on my way home from when I went into work) and another time meeting a friend so we sat in the park and ate them. The Trussell Trust did quite well out of us, because we donated the money we had saved each time.

On a side note, the eating out did worry me with regards to the quarantine- eg we couldn’t go to France because we would have to self isolate for 14 days, but if you go out to eat and then are contacted by track and trace, you have to have a test but even if that’s negative you still have to isolate for 14 days because symptoms can take that long to appear. I am not sure going out to eat is worth it, but there doesn’t seem to be that much made of it.

Also got this cute coconut print from Seashells and Magic on Etsy for our hallway.

I’ve been watching a few older Disney films- after listening to a recent Judge John Hodgman podcast where Peter Pan was discussed, I decided to give it a go. I didn’t remember much from watching it as a child- I loved the mermaids and Tiger Lily- but it was really inappropriate (eg all the songs etc around the natives) and Tinkerbell was just horrible. Why is the queue for that ride so long???

As I didn’t run in Scotland (well, on Skye) my August miles were a bit slack, and I fancied a run around Ellenbrook, so once day ran there, did the parkrun course and ran home to make it a half marathon. I had joined a challenge on Strava but didn’t get a badge because they now have to be visible to all whereas I keep my runs only viewable to followers. Ah well. I think I watched Pocahontas that afternoon- it was OK but Disney needed to up their catchy song game!

Instead of going to Brighton for the Bank Holiday weekend, we got a skip, so after a breakfast of french toast, we loaded the skip up in the rain. A hot chocolate was needed after that, and some evenings I’ve even got out the blanket!

After some less than successful Disney films, I treated myself to Frozen 2 last weekend (if Andy is watching the Grand Prix it means I can watch a Disney movie in the afternoon).

I keep seeing so many mushrooms and fairy circles on my runs now too, and some of the trees have a hint of change about them. I’ve been busy in the garden too and there are lots of autumnal colours appearing there too.

Cinnamon bun with cream cheese and marmalade to imitate a Starbucks one! Plus I harvested our pumpkins.

On the final day of the holidays I’d booked a massage, so walked into town. The weather was beautiful and I was there a bit early (I had to pick up a prescription too, and they were ready straight away whereas sometimes you have to wait or some back later, so I’d left lots of time) so I sat in the park.

A lovely end to a different but still mostly relaxing summer.

Are you worried about having to potentially isolate if you go out to eat or somewhere?

Favourite and least favourite Disney films? I am definitely never watching Pinocchio because it absolutely terrified me when I was little.

Is it feeling autumnal where you are?

A little longer in Edinburgh and finishing the Disney castle

I had to google “peely-wally”- it means pale and sickly in appearance, and if you say a hot chocolate will help then I guess I’ll get one. Also, how cute is my new cup cozy? You could choose the colours and even have your initials on it….. from the fab Enchanted Coy co on Etsy.

Ah, Scotland is so lovely. After out trip to DLP had to be cancelled (again….) we decided to add another night in Edinburgh- Andy had the week off anyway as we were due to get the train to Paris on the Wednesday, and it was a lot of driving, so it made sense to have Saturday afternoon and all day Sunday in Edinburgh and drive home on Monday.

There is a Hotel Chocolat cafe there and we managed a visit on both days. After being very cautious at home (the shop I went to before we drove up was the first shop I’d been in since March) and then things were all very wide open and empty in Skye, it felt weird being in a busy city centre. I am sure it doesn’t compare to a usual August in Edinburgh as there was no festival or anything like that. I didn’t fancy eating in a restaurant, so we got with the times and got Deliveroo (we are not really ones for getting a takeaway)- the hotel even had an area for the delivery people to wait, so one night we got a Wagamama’s, and then the other night a burger.

Andy had found Hula Juice Bar via the magic of the internet- they did beautiful acai bowls and it was actually fairly warm, so we got a takeaway for breakfast from there and sat outside. We had booked to go to the botanical gardens as we had been there before and knew they would be good for a walk. I much preferred walking around there to the busier city centre.

I also got rather excited when I found a few VR postboxes and also a gold one for the Olympics. Hooray for visiting old cities.

Before we left on the Monday I went out for a run. I’d packed a set of running gear but where we stayed on Skye wasn’t suitable- twisty one track roads with passing place and no pavements- it just didn’t seem worth it, but before the long drive I quite like to stretch my legs. I was going to run to Holyrood, and that was fine although some of the paths were closed due to rock fall, but I managed to get a bit lost on the way back.

While I was out running Andy had sorted us lunch (ah how I have missed Pret) and then we headed back- driving through torrential rain, thankfully having no rain (and getting our time slot this time) at Fountain’s Abbey for a good 3 mile walk to stretch the legs, and even seeing some double rainbows as we neared home.

Andy had originally said that we should finish our Disney castle before we went away, but we didn’t have time and had one more stage to get through, so once home we added the finishing touches. It’s been quite fun working through it together, although it is massive and at the moment just living on our dining room table- not quite sure where it’s going to go…

Do you get takeaways very often? I was watching a TV show where a family spent £200 per month on takeaways, that much again on eating out and that much again on groceries….

Holidays week 3- the heatwave (if you can think back that far)

Well, maybe not quite a heatwave but more summer weather than this week of intermittent sunshine and showers.

With regards to my Strava log (which helps me to remember what I actually did), it went like this:

Monday: 10k in the sunshine

Tuesday: 8 miles

Wednesday: lots of walking

Thursday: Yoga and then a 6 mile run but it was very humid

Friday: not parkrun and then a hot walk/run home

We were then off to Scotland for a week so I’ll put that in a separate post.

Walking in the woods, hibiscus flower, tomatoes and Pudding Stop goodies

This is the best time in the holidays in my opinion, as you are far enough in them to have a good routine, but also the end is far enough away that the back to work thoughts don’t crowd the mind too much. The lovely weather meant lots of pottering in the garden and catching up on podcasts. Plus I actually get to enjoy our hibiscus flowers- they don’t seem to flower for that long and so often there will be loads of buds, we’ll go on holiday and when we get back they’ve finished flowering. Silver linings and all that.

I was also feeling a bit braver (or maybe more realistic?) and did a few covid firsts (I don’t want to say post lockdown, because although it’s all eased we are still not at the end). My neck and back bother me a lot and for the last several years I’ve been going to see a lovely woman for a deep tissue massage around once a month or every 6 weeks. The last time I went was in February and of course they have been shut for ages, but recently they reopened so I booked an appointment. I was pretty nervous but I felt very comfortable- they would obviously always wash things between clients anyway, but they had extra precautions, and I had to keep my mask on the whole time. I felt so much better after though (eg I can now look over my left shoulder properly when reversing my car). Afterwards I walked around to The Pudding Stop and picked us up some goodies- last time I did a click and collect to minimise time in there, but in fact it’s all glass so you can see in and they only let one customer in at a time so again it all felt fine.

I was glad to have done a couple of things like that because I had to have my car MOT and service that week (well technically I could have waited until October but I would rather have my car checked sooner rather than later just in case) and although I had booked online you still have to go into the office to go over the paperwork and hand over the keys etc. Again, masks on, although at one point another guy (customer) was in there and he didn’t have a mask and kept wandering about and getting too close. Anyway, after dropping my car off I walked the long way home (I think about 6 miles?) via Caffe Nero to get a croissant, through the golf course and woods. I did a fair bit of work while waiting for the garage to call, and then walked back (the short way) to collect it.

Ordered myself a diary clip from Enchanted Cozy Co (on Etsy) and they now do personalised cozies so I got one with my initials as you do. Plus a croissant and also a delivery from Food Circle Supermarket who sell lots of bits when they are close to their sell-by date to reduce supermarket waste. I got some Clif bars and Kind bars to take to Scotland with us.

On Friday we were going to head to Edinburgh, planning to stop in a NT place to have some lunch, so Andy had suggested that on my run I stop in at Waitrose and get us some lunch. Having not been in a supermarket since March it was very strange going inside. It was early in the morning and thankfully quiet, although there was a lady with a trolley who kept going into the box that I was in (the boxes marked out on the floor). I was also very disappointed with the options- I’ve really gone off cheese and can’t remember the last time I had dairy cheese (I have some dairy free stuff which is good if I make a pizza), and there were only a few veggie options and all of them had cheese, even a hummus and falafel thing which would usually be a good bet. Anyway, I ended up with carrots and hummus… not such the treat lunch I was hoping for!

What is your favourite treat lunch? We don’t have a Pret here but their hummus and crunchy veg wrap is sooooooo tasty. I also like a toasted panini but that doesn’t last well for a packed lunch!

A new routine for the weekend, waffles and French toast

As has been the routine since it’s been allowed, last Saturday I went to my parents for a run with my dad and brother, before having breakfast in their garden. It was fairly warm, and we got to chatting about what we will be doing in October for this sort of thing. (I think technically I could go inside my parents house now, but we would rather be safer and stay in the garden)- I am thinking of bringing along some porridge in a thermos cup to have, plus many many layers!

We had waffles with hummus and avocado for dinner. The batch usually makes 4 waffles, and we usually have 2 each with the savoury toppings, but this week decided to have one savoury and then one sweet to properly recreate the Norwich Waffle House experience (where you can get 2 half portions for main and dessert – the St Albans one just does normal sized ones and there is no space for dessert if you had one for your main!). I topped mine with maple butter, chocolate chips and banana. Very tasty.

On Sunday we had decided to have another walk- this time more like 8 miles as opposed to the nearly 14 miles of last Sunday. I had prepped baked French toast the night before so we had a leisurely breakfast before heading off.

This time the weather was perfect- sunny but fairly cool, and no downpours either.

Once home we had time (and energy) for a bit of gardening and then Andy watched the Grand Prix while I watched some more classic Disney.

I had not watched Sleeping Beauty since I was little, and I had a weird flashback to the fear I felt when I saw the magic puffs going out of the chimney of the cottage. It was strange because when I think about the film, I just think about the bits that are a bit annoying (eg her needing to be rescued/ typical princess things), and the three fairies and all of her woodland animal friends, whereas when I was actually watching it, that was suddenly what I remembered. It doesn’t top the Disney classics of Little Mermaid, Aladdin or Lion King for the catchy songs and humour.

As I didn’t run on Sunday, I went out on Monday morning instead (the joys of the holidays). I finished up going through a golf course and the woods- I saw both types of woodpeckers (at different points) which was exciting, and apt as I was listening to Marathon Talk where Tony was talking about spotting an eagle on his run.

As I had some bread left over I used the vegan French toast recipe from the Fearne Cotton book, and it worked out so well (basically you use a little chickpea flour to thicken the milk)- along with some peaches and mango it was very summery. This powered me through several hours of gardening (I dug up more grass from around the pond, added more stones to the edge of the pond, planted out some lavender plants grown from seed and varnished the signs for the garden at work).

Often in the afternoon we make a pot of tea, and if there has been any left I’ve been putting it in a glass and leaving it in the fridge to cool- then the next day adding a bit of milk to make my own iced tea latte. A London Fog is my favourite tea drink from Canada – it’s basically a latte made with Earl Grey tea and vanilla added to the milk- so I made an iced one using Earl Grey tea, but any tea will do. Bird & Blend’s Peach Cobbler tea makes a nice one too.

What are your favourite classic Disney movies? Any that you are not so keen on?