The Monday Debrief

Good afternoon everyone. The only thing running slower than me at the moment is my ancient laptop (ten years is surely supervet in Mac terms) and it's been a busy few weeks with other stuff I shan't bore you with, so apologies for lack of posts recently.  Actually, I nearly followed that by writing "Anyway, it's not ME you want to hear from, is it?" but as I wrote it, a voice in my head narrated it in my granny's most martyred voice - so you all feel free to roll your eyes in your best impressions of bored teenagers.

Right, where was I? Oh yes, how have you all been? I've been trying to get back into the swing of more 'normal' structured training now that I'm finally started to feel better after Boston/London - which took a fair old while. I'm always so envious of those folks who rock out a marathon PB, have a little down time, and then go straight back and blitz a parkrun PB mere weeks later. I mean, it's just possible that my post-m…

Yes, I know, it's Tuesday but the Monday Debrief has Bank Holidays off. It had stuff to do, like trying to remember how to run after a whole week off, and weeding the garden, and being thrashed at Mario Kart by a seven year old yet again. Busy, see.

Anyway, my weekend was mostly spent in beautiful Chamonix, taking part in Patagonia's Running Up for Air event. This race started in Utah, where Salt Lake City is one of the most polluted cities in the US. Jared Campbell - who fans of ultra-masochism event the Barkley Marathons might recognise - started it up, working with local NGOs who are trying to improve the air quality. Now coming to Europe and Chamonix for the first time, I am relieved to report than unlike the Barkley marathons, it does involve escaping from a former prison and being mauled by fauna and generally having a miserable time in the name of sport. No, this event comprises 3, 6 and 12 hour options where the aim is to complete as many loops as possible. Fees go to …