cousins

Had a nice day today.  We went to pick up Rick's nephews and niece for the day.  We called at the park for 14yos and I to do a run.  I was only running a couple of miles to loosen the legs and to get ready for the park run on Saturday.  I managed to run it in a good time (for me) so I was really pleased with that.  We will try to call again to the same park on Thursday and them do three miles.
We came back here and had some lunch and then went to  museum in the centre of the city.  It was good and nice to see the children all getting on so well together.  It was a nice day weather wise as well which was nice.  We all came back here and had pasta and tomato sauce for tea and now Rick has taken the cousins home.

Trail 17k

Yesterday I ran the toughest run I have ever done.  It was a hilly trail run in the Lake District and it really was challenging.  We left home at 8 am as we had decided not to camp for the weekend as the weather had been so bad.  I was really pleased we had made that decision when we got there as it had been snowing and windy in the night so I might not have got much sleep.  There had been a lot of rain recently and so people were being bused in due to lack of field parking spaces but we decided to chance getting a spot because we had the children and dogs. 

  We were very lucky and managed to park and made our way over to the registration where I met up with my running buddy M who had arrived earlier as her husband was marshalling.  We registered and also met up with two other ladies from our running club who were also running.

It actually turned out to be a really good day - ideal running weather, 10 degrees with blue skies. We were set off at 1315 to the sound of djembe drums which was fun and took off around the village but were soon climbing up for about 1.5 miles.  It was a really challenging run, definitely the hardest I have ever done, either in training or as a race.  We covered 590 metres of  ascent but were rewarded by really stunning views all over the lakes with little tarns as well as hills and fields.  The killer hill was very steep and quite challenging as evidenced by the Mountain Rescue trauma vehicle parked on a track half was up just in case!

 While we were running Rick and the children spent some time on the lake shore with the dogs and 14yos took some lovely photos of the birds, which they got quite close to.

 My running pal and I had run all the way with each other, although she probably could have run it quicker than me - however, we ran in holding hands which was really nice as it sure had been a really tough challenge and one we both felt really good about finishing.

Altogether a great run..............roll on next year! We are now down in Englandshire for a week or so.  Busy week visiting friends/family, museums and shops.  Next weekend Rick and I are travelling further south for him to run a marathon and we will spend a nice two nights in a Premier Inn.

Its great to have use of my nephew's house for a few days while here!

 

Watching People Work

Here is a picture of 12yod with her broken wrist.  Think she was fed up of it today as we went ice skating with the home education group and she couldn't go on the ice!

Took this lovely picture of Rick chopping more wood using his new wood holding tool.  The chain saw trousers are compulsory now since he skimmed his knee with the saw a couple of months ago.
No run today - will perhaps do 3/4 miles tomorrow but going easy ready for Saturday's 17k.

fastest mile

I decided to go out and run a mile and see whether I really was getting any faster.  I ran the mile in 10.31 minutes which is such a big difference to my 13.3 mile runs this time last year.  I know my running this year isn't actually about getting faster but about going further but I seem to be speeding up a little on the way!!

Time Trial

Yesterday was the running club Time Trial.  It was supposed to be last month but the day of the run was really heavy snow and almost all of Galloway was closed down so it had to be postponed.  This year it is a 5 mile run instead of a 5k.  Rick ran his last long run before his Marathon on 6th May so he ran 24 miles towards the place where the TT was being held and I picked him up on our way out.  Then, as he was not running the TT due to his long run, he timed for us and watched the younger children in the park.  The new 5 mile route is a lovely route, up a windy undulating lane passed some cottages and farms, under a railway bridge, passed a nice wee church and then out onto a path by a major road for a nice downhill run back into the town.  The hilly part seemed to pass for me really quickly although as usual the first 2 miles were hard.  This time last year I was running a 5k in 39 minutes which is 13 minute miles.  This 5 miler I ran in 58.27 which is 11.6 minute miles.  So I am getting quicker without really trying,although I am sure it is all the miles I am putting in.
After the run was the club AGM.  Rick was voted back in as Vice Chair and I am now press officer so need to keep on top of that!
14yos spent the day travelling to and from Dunfermline with the brass band for a competition so he didn't get to run.  He'll do his TT at the next handicap.
Today was my mum's 79th birthday.  We made a cake for her and 12yod iced it.  We went down and had tea and cake with her this afternoon.

Travels, Zoos and Colleges

Just come back from a really lovely 6.5 mile run in the forest.  It was true April weather here today - bright sunshine and then really heavy showers.  Not too cold at all.  Given that I haven't had a chance to run since last Saturday it was really lovely to be out and very invigorating.   The plan is going well.  We have our 5 mile club time trail and then AGM on Saturday and then will do shortish runs next week as the following Saturday is my hilly 17k in the Lake District.  All part of the plan.
We traveled up north on Monday morning as 18yos had a few interviews at colleges up there and we were tying in picking up 12yod from her friends.  For a special treat, while 18yos was at his interview I took 7yos to the zoo.  I don't think he will remember the last time he went to a zoo as he was only 2 and we had a lovely time together on Monday.  Great to be able to give him a treat on his own.  It poured down with rain all day in typical Scottish fashion but didn't stop up as all!  In fact, the zoo was almost empty because of it so we had no queues.

We then picked 18yos up and traveled up to Dunblane to our friends' house.  It was good to see 12yod again, complete with fractured arm in a splint.  She had a great time with them and probably didn't want to come home.  We had fun chatting into the night.  I like the picture below but there is another crazy friend missing (and she knows who she is!!)

 On Tuesday we called at the David Livingstone Museum on our way to 18yos's next interview.  It was  a really good museum, very informative and we had a great time there.  Also drove past the university which has given 18yos an unconditional offer of a place - he will really have to weigh up his options before making his decisions.

So we have had a really busy couple of days.  We arrived home on Tuesday evening about 10 pm and were really tired.  I had to do 14yos's paper round on Wednesday morning as he is away and it was pouring down.  I had just collected the papers and was walking up the road in the pouring rain when my wonderful husband pulled up beside me in the car, having dragged himself out of bed to help me with the round.  Boy did I appreciate it.  

Great to be home having had a lovely time, great to have just got back from a really nice run, great to have family here and people who care for me and great to be looking forward to a job I know I will enjoy.  Life is good.

fractured scaphoid and romantic runnings

Had a call yesterday from my friend who was skiing at Glen Shee with her daughter and our 12yod to say 12yod had a fall and had probably fractured her wrist.  Felt really bad for them all - 12yod because of the pain but my poor friend for having to trail to A and E.  Seems its only a simple break and not too painful so could have been a lot worse.  Spoke this morning and I was glad to hear that they had managed to get quite a bit of skiing in before the fall.  Neither of them seem to need me to dash up there so that's all OK - we will stick to previous plans.
This lunchtime 7yos had a party in a village about 6 miles away.  Rick and I decided to tag on a run to this.  Rick was doing a long run so we drove him out there first, then I dropped 7yos off at his party and I drive a couple of miles into the hills.  It was, again, perfect running weather and a wonderful run.  It was just the Galloway hills, the sunshine, the dog and I.

  I ran up a small road for a while and then went on an old railway line to a disused viaduct.  Then, I stopped a little while at the viaduct and then followed the path down to the river and up into the forest.  I only met three other people out walking and it again underlined how wonderful it is to be out on your own with a dog with your own thoughts, views and energy.  I would love to make this into a really long run one day.

When I got back to the car, which Rick had run past on his long run, I found he had left this on the path as I ran in. It was so lovely to see it.  We had missed each other at a cross roads by about 10 minutes but it was so special to find this written in the stones.  I later found out that he had left one in pebbles in the middle of the road a little while before but I must have just run past that one:(

This afternoon I took 23yos back to the train station to go back to university and he is taking 14yos with him for a few days of adventure in Aberdeen

This evening Rick and I are going out to some friends for dinner.  David is an excellent cook and is making an Indian so we are sure to put on some of the calories we ran off.  Will be a good evening though.

Another job!!

Jobs seem to be like buses at the moment - there are none around and then they all come at once.  I had an interview yesterday for a 16 hours a week community work post which would fit in really well with the bank nurse job I got last week.  The interview seemed to go well but as usual I had no idea which way it would go.  I was thrilled to get a phone call a short while after offering me the job!  It is the best possible outcome for us.  Means some solid work and some flexible work and Rick can carry on with his studying.
It took me a while to get my head round it - the fact that I am now a community nurse is quite mind blowing but I am really excited about the job and can't wait to start. It covers a wide area and is very rural with a lot of farms to cover so I will really enjoy that.  I still have the same induction in a week or so and then we are away for a week.  Then I have a shift at the local hospital on 13th April and this job officially starts on 23rd May, although I will probably have to do some induction shifts the week before.
Life has turned on it's head, but in a good way.
I feel shattered this morning for some reason - and headachy and sick.  Probably been too busy and really hope I'm not coming down with something.  I am doing my longer run tomorrow instead of today but will do badminton this evening.

sunshine and homecomings

Rick and I had such a lovely day together on Saturday.  The sort of day you remember when family life is making your head spin.  Sunday was quiet mostly although I did manage to get some housework done in the afternoon.
Monday was a little crazy - another here and there day.  7yos had sports in the morning and I walked him there, did a walk myself and then walked him back.  I had an interview with my "nurse manager" (sounds strange after being my own manager for so long!) on Monday afternoon which went really well and I have my first shift at the little local cottage hospital in a few weeks, after my induction and our 10 days away.  I helped 12yod to pack for her time away up in Stirling with some friends, trimmed her hair, did some sorted, went to see my parents and generally kept myself out of mischief.
Yesterday we drove 1.5 hours north to a friend's house and our other friends from Stirling came down and met us there.  We had a lovely day together - it is so good to have such good friends. The children had a great time with their various friends and, coupled with the lovely drive up over the Galloway Hills in the sunshine, it was a great day.
Running isn't half a big part of me now though.  Instead of seeing nice, pleasant, lazy looking hills, I was driving past thinking "I'd like to be running there now!!"  Crazy or what.
Today I went out for my first run after the race on Saturday.  I did 5.3 miles and didn't run it anywhere near as well as I ran the race!!  My first mile was good but after that, until mile 4 I felt like I had never run before. Never mind - it was good to be out and enjoying the sunshine and hills and good health.
Just waiting on the arrival of 18yos who is back from the first part of his backpacking adventure in Europe.  It will be good to see him (and his washing and appetite I guess!!)
Tomorrow I have another nursing interview.  This time for 15 hours community nurse so it would be at least sure hours each week.  However, the pressure is off now that I have the bank work as well as the practice nurse cover.  What will be will be!

Longest race ever!

Had a busy week since being offered the job on Tuesday.  Some more paperwork to fill in plus reviewing the local drug policy/ward protocols took me quite a bit of time.  I am really enjoying this journey back to nursing and can't wait tao get back in uniform.  It's also been a busy week taking 7yos back and forth his swimming lessons and sports lessons and also 14yos and 12yod had friends over for sleepovers so it has been busy.  We have also at last had some sunshine which is making the snow melt.  Still very cold but at least blue skies.
Yesterday afternoon I took 12yod out for a hot chocolate at one of the local tea rooms and it was nice to have some girlie time.  We also managed to pick up some clothes in one of the charity shops and generally had a good couple of hours.  It can't be easy for her growing up with 5 brothers and a mum who isn't very girlie!
Today was a big day for me.  My longest race ever - 10 miles.  I was both nervous and excited about this one.  I have done more than 10 miles a few times on my runs but a "race" is very different.  We were really happy that our wonderful 23yo son is still with us and was willing to stay here with the younger children so that Rick and I could make a day of it together.  I slept well last night thankfully which helped, although I did dream about trying to run and not being able to!  I got all my stuff ready last night and we left at 0915.  We travelled the 60 miles to take the boys home who had been staying and Rick got out to run 5 miles to the race start.  As usual 10 miles wasn't enough on Rick's training plan so he was running 5 miles to the race and 5 miles after finishing before I got in.
I arrived at the race start, registered for both of us and then joined the long toilet queue.  Why do so many races not provide enough toilets at the start?  As a result I only just managed to catch the race briefing.  Anyway - I tucked myself in at the back of what looked like a massively athletic group of people and asked myself what I thought I was doing there!!  I had a plan to take it easy for the first 3 miles, pick it up a little for miles 4 - 6 and then push hard for the last 4 miles, which were supposed to be down hill.  The plan sort of went out of the window and my first mile was 1 minute faster than my usual mile pace!!  I fully expected to be last although was spurred on by the chap behind me who told me he had picked me out as his target at the beginning of the race!!
It was quite hilly for the first 5 miles with a  big long hill between miles 4 and 5.  The miles went by quite quickly and before I knew it I was at mile 5.  I had a jelly baby plan but didn't even eat more than half a jelly baby.  The run was on quiet country lanes, past farms and virtually traffic free.  It was really lovely.  You could see all the way over to the Lake District once you turned back towards the village.  The last 4 miles were more or less down hill and I managed to pick up the pace again.  I had walked some of the hills although ran more than I expected to.  Rick came out and met me when I was at 7.5 miles which was nice.  He took my hydration belt from me and that made me feel a little easier.  It was sunny and quite warm and altogether a brilliant running day.  My target time was 2 hrs 10 min and I came in at 2 hrs 6 min 22 sec.  I am really pleased with that - and enjoyed not being someone's target as my follower came in at 2 hrs 19 min!

Altogether a brilliant day and we took our time coming home - calling at a Costa for a coffee and granola slab and then later getting fish and chips and sitting by the lake to eat them.

 I feel very encouraged really for my next 10 miles in 3 weeks which will be off road and hilly!  Then...........

I got the job

I had an interview today for a job I was wanted in community and community hospital nursing.  It was one I really wanted and................I got it.
Have to do some paperwork and I have an induction week in a few weeks so should be able to start work at the beginning of May.  The interview went really well and they were especially interested in my A and E experience.  I am so pleased and excited.
When I got home I had a letter inviting me for interview next week for a 15 hour community post which would fit in really well with this one so I am also excited about that.
I went out for a run this afternoon in the forest with M and we had a lovely 5.5 mile run - no pressure, just pleasure and managed to get quite a few hills in.  Good run.

finding special places

Rick is so good at finding special places for us to walk to and discover.  He takes us off for a walk, doesn't tell us where we are going and then suddenly, we are there, in an amazing place which we never knew existed before.  He did this with us on Saturday when we decided to take the children up to see the last of the snow in the forest.
This is what we found.

The hill is the one we can see from our bedroom window and which  inspires me each morning to think about the glory of God's creation.  It has become very meaningful to me so to see the little loch tucked in here was doubly special.  A truly lovely place

7yos really enjoyed jumping in this really soft pure snow.  He made some lovely patterns and jumped quite far.

23yos enjoyed taking some impressive arty photos - I like this one of him concentrating

Rick and 23yos provide a splash of red against the snow

12yod not qute as adventurous as jumping into the snow but enjoying herself non the less

It was a lovely sunny day although still quite cold, and the children had a great time jumping in the snow.  We promised ourselves that we would take a picnic up to the small loch in the spring.  It's so near to us, about a 3 mile drive and a 2 mile walk into the forest, and yet I had never discovered it before.  The joy of living in Scotland!!
This week is school holidays and there is an intensive swimming course on at the local pool which 7yos is attending.  He is such a good swimmer and is nearly ready for the swimming club so hopefully this will fill any little gaps.  While he was there this morning I went for a 2.5 mile run.  Enjoyed it in the cold sun and now it is getting almost warm - well around 6 degrees anyway!  I want to be ready for my 10 mile road race on Saturday!!