Deja vu

Today, I went to the gym twice. I cycled for an hour in the morning. I know I should cycle outside, but I haven't got round to putting the lights on my bike yet. Or more to the point, I haven't got round to asking Sonic to put the lights on bike :-) I was full of great intentions of going for a run after work, but ended up back at the gym. This time on the elliptical trainer for an hour.

Although I had bought in loads of chocolate in case we got any trick or treaters round, by the time Sonic and I made it home it was way past kids' bedtime. So now I'm going to have to eat it or hide it. I know I'm being a bit ditzy of late, I doubt I could forget where I had hidden the chocolate stash.

Back on the wagon

With a meagre four mile run. But hey, four miles is four miles. And it's another day that I can keep running. I think I'll stick to four miles a few times during the week and then a six/seven miler at the weekend. I'm putting no time limits on when I need to stop (although people keeps asking me), I'm just going with the flow. At present, all is good. Keeping my heart rate in check and just plodding along enjoying the ride. Towards the end of the tonight's run I had a pain in ass. No, it wasn't growing pains before you make any smart comments. Yes that's you, Waterman, Bell and Hall. Note to self: Do not call child David. It was more like a trapped nerve at the bottom of back. More of a niggle, rather than a pain. And my pelvis ached at the end of run. I'm guessing that's mostly to do with things shifting about a bit. That's my medical analysis anyway.

Had a midwife appointment this afternoon. Just the usual checkup, but with blood tests this time. Apparently I'm still a very healthy specimen, so got the green light to continue what I'm doing.

Mr Bean's weekend

Could someone please explain to me what's happened to my brain? I know short-term memory loss is viewed as part and parcel of being preggers, but I'm taking it to new level.

1) On Thursday night, Sonic had mountain rescue training. To be a little greener and save us taking two cars on a 50-mile round trip to work, I decided to travel in with him and get the train home. Nearing the end of my relaxing train trip home, Sonic called to tell me I'd left my house keys in the car. So he had to drive home and then over to the Beech Trees - making him 1/2 hour late.

2) Thankfully he wasn't annoyed as I got to return the favour on Friday night. I was staying at my Mum's (25 miles away) ahead of our Nessie hunting trip when Sonic called to say he got home to discover he'd lost his house key. So I had to drive back and give him my key.

To start with my tale of weekend blunders...

3) Whilst staying at the Drumnadrochit Hotel on Saturday, I woke up quite early on Sunday morning. The joy of the clocks going back. I thought it be nice to go for a relaxing bath, so I turned on the tap full blast...and then it got stuck. It wouldn't budge and we couldn't find anyone in the hotel to help. 45 mins later (after I'd practically emptied the loch down the plughole) whilst everyone and their granny had a shot at turning it off, a chef with a spanner saved the day. I was kind of over the whole bath thing by then.

4) After checking out, paying the bill and heading off in the car to go our loch cruise, I realised I had left my bag and camera case in the hotel reception. Doh! An about turn to recover the goods and we were on our way.

5) En route home, we stopped at the Green Welly for a break and a snack. As per normal Sunday afternoons, the place was packed. Whilst tucking into a nice slice of a homemade carrot cake, a loud voice came over the tannoy: "This is an urgent customer announcement..." I just knew it was for me. Oh yes, numbnuts here had left her purse and car keys sitting on the counter. Must have been the excitement of cake. Everyone knew it was me, as I lit up like the Ready Brek kid. As I skulked over the the burly chef who was shaking his head, I started mumbling something about pregnancy hormones.

I didn't get a chance to run over the weekend, but maybe that was a good thing. Even I can't be responsible for my own safety anymore :-) Back to it tomorrow though. Honest.

It's FRIDAY! :-)

Another working week in the bag. The time just flies by. I can't believe it's been 18 weeks since the WHW race. Putting it into that perspective, D-day is a frighteningly close 12 weeks away. I only get nervous thinking about how unorganised I am. I find it hard to get excited about baby shopping when I don't know whether it's a girl or a boy. Although I have made no secret that I really want a girl, I'm coming round to the fact that it could be a boy. I'm only preparing myself so I don't make a scene in the hospital. I've started by stopping telling people that if it's a boy it's going to be called "to-the-orphanage". Hey, it's a step in the right direction :-) Actually we only have a boy's name in mind - stuck for girls - so maybe that's a sign. So, until we know for sure, then it's a yellow baby. But without an abundance of yellow outfits. Sonic said he wanted to go out and buy the baby's going-home outfit...so the midget will probably be going home in some kitchen roll and a carrier bag. Either that or there will be a lot of phone calls. Probably panic calls to my Mum.

I did have a giggle whilst reading Davie Hall's blog. I was very impressed with his chat of domestic chores, shopping and cooking...before settling down to watch the football. Sonic watches the football, whilst I do the cooking. I'm sure he knows how good he's got it. He's totally sussed it out by playing the idiot. Here's an example:

Last weekend he was taking our microwave over to his Dad's (something faulty) so I asked him to give it a clean. Here's how the conversation went.

Me: Can you give it a quick clean before you take it?
Sonic: Does it need cleaned?
Me: Just a wipe down to make sure.
(Pregnancy hormone thinking: would I have f-ing asked if it didn't?)
Sonic: What needs cleaned?
Me: All over
(Pregnancy hormone thinking: the f-ing dirty bits)
Sonic: What should I clean it with?
Me: Just the multi-purpose spray
(Pregnancy hormone thinking: Why did I ask?)
Sonic: Shouldn't I use the oven cleaner?
Me: No the spray will do.
Sonic: But what if it gets on the food?
Me: It will be fine.
(Pregnancy hormone thinking: you're not cooking, it's going to get fixed)
Sonic: Should I use a cloth or a sponge?
Me: No words, just "the look"

And that, folks, is why it's better to do things yourself. He's not daft, is he? In his defense he is good with all the gadgets and electrical stuff in the house. Although I've got no idea how the DVD player works, why I can't switch on the lights without a remote control or what the toaster like storage machine is for.

Anyway I'm wibbering again. Sonic has been left to his own devices this weekend (fingers crossed he doesn't burn down the house), as I'm off Nessie hunting with my Niece. I hope she's not too shattered if she discovers the Loch Ness Monster is only a myth...or is it...

Have a nice weekend y'all.

BTW: I only ran once this week. Went to the gym three times and one yoga. Talk about slacking off.

Catch-up

It's hard to motivate myself to blog when I feel I'm wibbering on about the same stuff., but here goes...

Last week I ran a grand total of 17 miles. Four on Tuesday, six on Thursday and seven on Sunday. I pretty sure it's not classed as running as more, as I need to take more and more walking breaks. Hills are just a no-go area. During the last mile of my seven-miler yesterday, there's a incline that I didn't have the inclination to tackle, so I stopped to walk up. I thought I was walking quite briskly, but Jim Robertson stopped in his car and asked if I needed a lift. Oh the shame of it all %-)

The weather wasn't the best over the weekend. Wet, wild and windy. When I came back from my run yesterday - for reasons which escape me - I decided to cycle along with Sonic on his 13-miler. Now running into horizontal rain and wind is one thing, but cycling into these conditions is torturous. I even had to pedal frantically going downhill. I'm surprised I didn't crashed, as I pretty much had my head down for most of it. And I was more surprised I didn't spit the dummy and go home. Thankfully the last five miles the wind was behind us, so I finished the route feeling quite cheery. Albeit completely drenched. And as I hadn't been on my bike for a while, my ass was killing me.

Another shameful tale of the week: As Sonic and I got married over a year ago, I thought it was about time I got round to changing my name - especially with a new Consani on the way. You can imagine the shame of walking into the bank with a protruding midriff and a Las Vegas marriage certificate... and trying to explain that it in fact wasn't a shotgun wedding.

Book of the week: I previously blogged that I felt so unprepared and clueless on the subject of pregnancy. Now I've done a full 180 and want to know EVERYTHING. I'm a bit of a control freak, so I can get quite agitated when I don't know what's going on or if things don't go according to plan.



This weeks book - part of the collection courtesy of the Amazon delivery man - is Stand and Delivery. It's a humorous and insightful collection of useful and positive stories compiled by British journalist, Emma Mahoney. I love this book. Up until now, I've found that most books are far to medical and full of scare tactics. I'm really not worried or scared about childbirth. I'm more worried about the fact that I'm not worried. Actually I'm really looking forward to it. Does that make me strange?

It ain't over 'til the fat lady sings!

And quite frankly there's a few miles left in me yet.

Today, I nervously agreed to participate in Milburn Harriers' 10-mile handicap race. I have only run 10 miles once since I found out I was preggers, so I was quite sceptical about my ability. Plus the route was over the Balloch Horseshoe, which has many, many cheeky hills. But hey ho, I thought I'd give it a bash. Worse case scenario would be throwing in the towel and walking round.

It was a gorgeous crisp (code for bloody freezing) and sunny day, so there was no excuse not to get out there and enjoy it. After going to the wrong place for the start we arrived just after the meeting time of 9am. Some of the runners had been sent off. My start time was 9:31am - based on last week's 10K time. I set off with two gals from Millies, but decided to push on after a mile. I was pretty sure they'd catch me on the hills, but I was on my own for the rest of the course - just passing a few runners who started earlier.

Apart from having to walk on a few of the steeper hills, I felt fantastic. I really enjoyed every minute of it. On the last mile, I spotted three of the early start runners in front of me. I tried to catch them, but they pipped me to the post by 20 seconds. They did say seeing me behind spurred them on.

I finished the 10.26m course in fourth position in 1:40:36... 7 minutes ahead of Sonic. the fact that I had a 43 minute head-start is neither here nor there.

Thanks to everyone at Milburn Harriers for letting us gatecrash the race. It was really nice to meet up with such great bunch of people. And the post-race homemade carrot cake and chocolate biscuits made the run really worthwhile. Trust me, Jim, carrot cake is one of your five a day.

I won a trophy

And not just a little token effort, but I HUGE one.

At Garscube Harriers' annual awards presentation, I won the the award for "The Most Meritorious Performance". I have to admit it didn't come as a huge surprise as I organise the awards' do, so I knew who won everything. But I was surprised, shocked and stunned that people actually voted for me to win the award. I'm never going to be the fastest runner, so winning trophies is not not within my reach. Winning this is both the highlight and happy farewell to a fantastic year.

To recap, I won the award to setting PBs in all road races at the beginning of the year and for being the clubs' first female ultra distance runner - namely, the West Highland Way Race. I'm sure my support team's tales of woe and my relentless stubbornness were what swung the votes my way.

I couldn't have done it without the help of some fabulous people. Big thanks to Coach Lesley for my training plan. And the fact that I'm too scared of Lesley not to follow it with fine detail :-) Thanks to my support team (Sharon, Sara, Jill and Kas) who gave up two nights' of sleep to follow me along the WHW. Although I'm sure Jill was having her own little slumber party! If anyone would like to see the softer, patient and caring side to Kas - you should have been at Lundavra at 3am. Although I'm not convinced it wasn't one of my many hallucinations. And last but by no means least, thanks to Sonic - for ruining my run of great PBS! Hey, I still maintain I was sleeping at the time of conception. Just kidding. I'm sure I'll thank him for the "woman are stronger runners after childbirth" theory.

Well done to all awards winner. Especially to Sonic for winning the club marathon championship for the third year in a row. His little medal looks so cute next to my MASSIVE trophy :-) OK, I best point out that Sonic won the award in 2006. So now there's two Consanis on the plaque. No pressure Paul.

Pix from Loch Ness 10K

Friday fun

I think I'm going to have to change the name of my blog to "Debs on walk-jogging". That's what happens when you get a bit cocky. After feeling great during Sunday's race, I went out for a 6-miler on Tuesday and a 4-miler last night. Let's just things didn't go so well. I can say specifically what went wrong. My legs felt fine and my breathing was OK. Quite frankly, I just couldn't be a*sed. I think I'm just having a temporary loss of mojo, as I don't think it's time to hang up my trainers quite yet. Or maybe it's just running after work and not appreciating that I'm a little more tired than normal. Anyway in a vain attempt to keep going, I've ditched pace watching but I'm still wearing my Garmin so I can tally up my yearly mileage. Pace is not important and walking breaks are OK. It's just the motion of running that's key.

So other than feeling a bit knackered these days, things are all grand in Team Consani. I have to admit I'm getting more ditzy though. I'm usually quite freakishly organised, so I'm finding this new scatterbrained character quite embarrassing. I sure the receptionist at the gym thinks I'm completely mental. In the last month, I've managed to leave behind a swimsuit, sports bottle, my trainers and an ipod. Thankfully each time, a kind member has handed them in to lost property. But when I left my umbrella in there last Friday, I went and bought another. I couldn't face the shame.

Have a nice weekend y'all.

Congratulations to Thomas for running a fabulous time of 2:48:19 in the Cologne Marathon, beating Sonic's PB by a whopping four seconds. Thomas - thanks for the heads-up on the marathons with baby joggers. That's a great idea! And good luck to Mr and Mrs Pacepusher for this Sunday's Chicago Marathon

57 min jog round Loch Ness

Over the past few months, as suspected, I have got consistently slower. I did the women's 10K in May unaware that I was four weeks pregnant in 47 mins, the Paisley 10K at five months in 54 mins and yesterday's Loch Ness 10K in 57 mins. But what I have lost in time and the inclination to push myself, I have gained in the smugness that I can still run 6.2 miles at six months pregnant. And more to the point, I'm still really enjoy running.

The last time I did the Loch Ness 10K was in 2005, when I had an appalling race. I ended up getting completely lost (life before the Tom Tom) and when I finally found the start, had to jump out the car and start running pretty much straight away. After a 3.5 hour drive! This year's attempt wasn't less stressful. We got stuck at roadworks and then I had to wait in the queue for the toilets for 40 mins. I made it to the start with only a few minutes to spare.

The start was organised by race number and subsequent finishing times. I lined up in the 55 minute section, which is what I applied for. I thought giving my "condition", that this was a realistic position in the field. Bad move. I got completely held up by really slow runners for the first two miles. The narrow country roads weren't the best for passing. So there was a lots of bumping, near tumbles and numerous snide remarks. I probably expended far too much energy in the frustration to overtake, but at least I kept my gob shut.

From mile two onwards, I felt really good. Just a nice steady pace. I was hoping for under an hour, but I wasn't hell-bent on pushing myself to get it. I knew it was going to be my last race for a while, so I was more focused on simply enjoying it. It was such a lovely day - sunny and cool - and a great course, so it was hard not to enjoy it.

For the last few miles there was a small gang of runners around me, travelling at the same pace. There was a girl in the pink vest who seemed to be either one foot in front or one foot behind me. You always find there are people in a race that you just can't shake off, don't you? Anyway my lack of competitive spirit meant I wasn't rising to the bait. Even when she sprinted off for the finishing line. I crossed the finishing line in 57:36 and was completely delighted with my time. When passing through the finishers tunnel I congratulated the pink vest, who duly informed me that she was "determined to beat me". I did giggle and told her I had the upperhand being six months pregnant. Touche. I left her to pick up her jaw and went over to meet Sonic and the Pacepushers. Sonic finished in 36:27 and Pacepushers both got PB - a good tuner race for next week's Chicago Marathon. Fellow Garscubians Jill and Kathryn had great performances - 41 and 43 mins, respectively. And well done to WHW WAGS Katrina and Muriel.

The way the races were scheduled, we got to cheer on the marathon runners finishing. The first runner was home in 2:28. Congratulations to George, Sharon, Tim, Karen, George R, Ellen, Pauline, Fiona, John H and Crawford (and anyone else I missed) who all completed the marathon. Especially to those who have recently completed ultras. Davie B- you're a big poof! Just kidding, buddy. Hope your knee/IT recovers well.

On the way home, Sonic, Jill and I stopped off at a cafe in Fort Augustus for a post-race feast. They opted for the bake potato in haggis, whereas I was more reserved with the ol' tuna mayo. The highlight of the experience was the waitress (providing the usual Scottish hospitality) trying to explain to an American couple what Irn Bru tasted like. Hilarious. Almost as hilarious as when the male American tourist asked if I would stand in the middle of the road to take a picture of them outside the cafe. I honestly thought he was joking, but he really did want me to stand in the middle of the road. So there I was standing in the middle of the A82 on a sunny Sunday afternoon....just part of the adventure me thinks.

More blethering

Where does the time go? I can't believe it's been a week since my last posting of drivel. Who says pregnancy drags? Now that we're in October, I'm starting to have a slight panic about my distinct lack of preparation and knowledge. I was full of great intentions at the start. I have wonderful collection of books, magazines and DVDs, but no time. As the weeks fly past, I'm finding myself missing chapters in the book as I pass stages. I've also found that maybe ignorance is bliss after all. I'm not sure Sonic can cope with my shrieks of: "they f-ing cut you where?" And watching the baby channel is mashing my brain. I was glued to a programme about some tree-hugger who doesn't use nappies (diapers to my friends in the west), because her baby "tells" her when he needs the toilet. WTF? And then there's the high-drama delivery programmes. It's my new "car-crash viewing" - I know I shouldn't look, but I'm drawn to it.

So now that the holiday's over, I'm trying to get a bit more organised. You know what it's like, life always starts after an event. I spent the first half of the years saying: "Once the marathon is over" or "when the WHWR is over"...you miraculously think you're going to have all this spare time on your hands. In reality, there's always something else. In my case it should be baby prep, but oh no, what have Sonic and I decided to do? Oh sell our house and buy a bigger one! Perfectly planned timing, don't you think? What started out as a innocent browse on the net, has opened a HUGE can of worms. I've spent the last week or so cleaning, clearing, painting and general DIY-ing.

In the midst of it all my Mum dragged me out pram shopping. How was I to know that three months was leaving it a bit tight? Sonic (bless his heart) did volunteer to come with us, but even I wouldn't have subjected him to a Pram Centre day trip with my Mum, Gran and Sis. I think I'm still recovering from the experience. It's a mind field. The last time I was there was when my Sis was preggers with number two. I was amazed that everyone automatically looks at your midriff. I distinctly remembering sucking in my 24" waist so much that I nearly passed out from oxygen deprivation. This time there was no hope. I just joined the ranks of the bump brigade. I think mums-to-be should be given badges with their due on it when they enter the shop. I mean, how am I supposed to compare myself without this knowledge? Tut! Anyway, meanwhile back at the ranch, I choose a pram. Not after much debating, testing and the mandatory fight with my Mum about who was going to pay. She won. I have to mention that the humorous highlight of the experience was the shop assistant who kept asking my Sister what she was looking for in a pram. Ha ha. It's a good job she's thick-skinned. We had to go to Pizza Hut to get over it ;-)

Anyway, back to running. A couple of weeks ago, I really thought my running days were numbered. It was a real chore and I wasn't enjoying it. Now I've put that blip down to post-holiday fatigue, as I had a fabulous seven mile run on Sunday morning and a great run last night. Mind you, the cooler temperatures are more to my liking now. I think having a winter baby was great accidental planning.

This Sunday I'm running - OK, participating in - the Loch Ness 10K. There's quite a gang of us heading up to Inverness to take part in the Marathon or the 10K, so good luck to everyone. Try not to choke on the post-race beers.

Still here

Fret not, I haven't delved into a life of family-size bars of chocolate or banana pizzas yet. I'm still alive. And I'm still keeping pretty active. I haven't blogged for a couple of weeks because, quite frankly, I've got nothing much to write about. There's no variety to my training, no new route or glorious hills. Just me plodding away with no real goals. No pace or distance drivers. I just want to stay fit and run until my body tells me otherwise. If I can continue to run a few miles a few times a week, then I'll be happy. I still have to endure the disapproving looks of those who don't agree of pregnant exercising. I nearly lost the rag with someone at work who hissed "that's so DANGEROUS" when I told him that I was still running. I was very close to screaming: F-k off. But managed to smile and control my boiling blood and remind him that as long as don't raise my heart rate too much and it doesn't hurt then it's perfectly safe...And then called Sonic and called said person everything under the sun.

I suppose like all pregnant gals, I do get a worried in case anything I do does harm the baby. If (heaven forbid) anything were to go wrong, then the fingers would point at my active lifestyle. Right now I'm just going on the basis (and fact!) that maintaining a level of fitness is good for me and the baby. And for every negative person, there's a positive person patting me on the back for not sitting with my feet up watching soaps.

Now at week 24, my body is telling me (OK, forcing me) to slow down. When I'm at the gym, I've turned the levels down a notch and I'm limited to around 10 m/m when running. I can really feel the extra weight taking it's toll. I've put on 15lbs! Yes Sharon, I've finally tipped the stone mark. I promise I'll never smirk at a overweight or big-busted runner every again. It's tough. Even stairs are a struggle.

For once in my life, I'm not obsessing about food. I am trying to eat healthy though. But without the calorie and fat content counting. I'm eating a lot more bread and cereals than I normally would, but I've really cut down on protein. Before I usually always had chicken or fish for dinner. Now the only time I eat it is between two slices of bread. I suppose I've just gone off it. I don't have any cravings per se. Personally I think that's a bit of a myth. I just like some foods more than others just now. The body is a very clever machine and will let your know what you need. I may have to wean the baby off cottage cheese and spaghetti and toast though.

So onwards and upwards - or outwards in my case. All is well in Camp Consani. Sonic is still getting all my pregnancy symptoms, but he's soldiering on. What a trooper :-)

Post-holiday blues

Back from Vietnam. Had a fabulous time. The trekking was pretty challenging in 100 degree heat, but I lived to tell the tale. Actually there's a full holiday tale in progress - once I get round to writing up my travel journal. Watch this space. In the meantime here's a pic of my week 22 belly, which was taken on the last day of my hols. I think I'm having a noodle baby :-)



And here's a picture of my nephew, Jack, in his new t-shirt.

Good luck y'all

Best of luck to everyone running in next week's Great Scottish Run. And to Kas and Rob for the Moray marathon and half. I'll be thinking of you all. Well, maybe for a brief fleeting moment.

See you later. I'm off to 'Nam.

Ps: Check out Tom's blog for a video of our hike last month. I'm sure Dirk didn't mean to take as much footage of my ass :-)

Paisley 10K

Today I dragged my chubby body and tired legs round the Paisley 10K. Bagging two Munros the day before isn't ideal preparation for a race, but hey, who's taking it seriously? Actually my legs probably weren't as achy as they should be.

You know you're in Paisley when you get to race registration and two of the runners are outside smoking. Now that's a challenge! To them, anything less would be cheating.

It was nice to start a race feeling so relaxed. I perched up near the back of the pack, as I thought it would be best to overtake rather than be trodden on. My legs were a little stiff for the first few kilometres, but at least I didn't walk - like some did. Once I'd loosened up my muscles I would good to go. The only thing that holds me back is my oxygen supply.

It was a pretty muggy day, so I felt quite dehydrated. Especially considering I didn't drink anything prior to the race - I was determined to get round without stopping :-) So as we rounded the corner at 4K, the marshall directed us along the left side of road - when the water station was on the right!? There was a wee guy dodging the traffic and running across with cups of water. Call me old fashioned, but wouldn't it have made more sense to carry the water table over the road? So I missed the water stop. And when I got to the station at 7K, there a queue for a serve-yourself water canister. I ran through that one too. That aside, it was a great race. Fabulous new course, which takes out the misery of the steep hill at 9K. It was well organised and well marshalled and there were pipers or drummers at every kilometre mark.

I felt really good the whole way round. And I really felt I ran well, considering. Steady and comfortable. I finished in 54.34, which I was really pleased with. Six months ago I would have probably thrown myself off a bridge, but I won't be comparing times for a while. Now it's just about staying fit and healthy and participating in the joy of races. Plus, I can't let Sonic catch up medals. I'll be back next year to better it. Well, hopefully :-)

Spilts: 9.10, 9.07, 9.15, 9.17, 8.55, 8.42

After twisting Sonic's arm to sign-up, he put in a sterling effort and finished in 29th position with 36:43. A few minutes of his PB, but much better than he expected.

My 100th Munro

I finally hit the magic 100. I started Munro bagging in May 2005 with a leisurely jaunt up Ben Lomond. Having completed two marathons and various 10Ks and half-marathons, I thought hillwalking would be a breeze. Pah! I could barely walk for four days. Walking downstairs was virtually impossible. Thankfully three years on, my legs are a little more hill savvy.

Today, I bagged the other two Munros on Black Mount - Stob Ghabhar an Stob a Choire Odhair.







On the Aonach Eagach ridge. Probably just as well that we couldn't see the drops below.



A little misty?



100 down. Only 184 to go %-)

Let the holiday begin

Last night I went up to Garscube training. I ran with Kas, who is the first person I've ran with since I found out I was preggers. I suppose I've just felt more comfortable doing my own thing of late. I can stop for a breather, walk, take it easy or jump behind bush if I like. Considering Kas was my final support runner in the final stage of the WHW, she's seen me in a MUCH worse state. The 5.91 mile route (top gate, anniesland, southbrae, danes, anniesland road, home)took us 56.28. Average 9.33 m/m. I felt pretty good, but the hills are really starting to take their toll. And I bowed out of joining Kas on her sprint finish.

I went to the gym before work this morning for my usual cross-training and swim. I'm quite motivated, so getting up early is never really a problem for me. Just don't ask me to stay up past 10pm. The main challenge is the morning is getting Sonic out of bed to come with me. When I wake him at 5.50am, he rolls about squealing like a lobster in boiling water for about five minutes. Today, I took the cruel option in a vain attempt to speed up the process and pulled the covers off him. With a swinging arm tried to grab the disappearing sheet...and whacked himself in the goolies. You can't buy that kind of entertainment :-)

I've finished up at work for two whole weeks. Woohoo! We're off to Vietnam on Tuesday for a spot of sightseeing and wee bit of trekking. Can't wait. I'm starting to feel a little worn out, so I'm actually looking forward to the 15-hour flight.

The best baby card EVER!

Over the past couple of months we have received lots of beautiful cards from family and friends, but my buddy Anita went over and above her usual creative genius to send her congratulations. Anyone who knows Anita, knows she doesn't do thing by halves. We had a club karaoke a couple of years ago, and she came dressed as Kylie. Always one to entertain, you'll find her singing and dancing on the stages of Glasgow. But yesterday, she put the biggest smile on our faces when this dropped through the letterbox.

Double click on the image to see full effect.






In the pic: Paul, Sharon, Anita, Kas, Sara and Jill


Pull the tab and the blogs scroll down!


Complete with bump


Baby in Garscube Harriers kit

Midweek mayhem

I had a bit of a nippy head last night, so called off my planned four-mile run. Instead I had my spaghetti hoops (yep, still on them) and went to bed at 8.30pm. Unfortunately that meant I was awake at 3.30 this morning. I lay listening to the torrential rain batter off the window until it was time to go to the gym. I was quite organised last night and left my gym gear next to the bed, ready to 'jump' into. I wasn't sensible enough not to leave them under the open window though. Doh!

So 30 minutes on the elliptical trainer and then off for a cooling swim. I did 40 lengths of breast stroke and then 10 in front crawl. I swear I haven't done front crawl since I left school. Being raised in Dubai, swimming was a big thing at my school. Mind you, so was x-country (or x-desert). Both of which I rejected until well into my adulthood. All went well and I didn't drown. I did however gulp a bit too much water and let out a accidental belch, which seemed to echo round the pool area. Die. I couldn't even pretend it wasn't me, as everyone within earshot (and it was a massive burp) turned to look at me. There are not many places to hide your shame when your only option is airless. I'm sure you could have heard hissing when my red face hit the water.

I went out for a fabulous four-mile run when I got home. I felt the best I have done in ages. It was a lovely fresh evening with a cool breeze. I just did my usual route round Balloch. Average pace was 8.59 m/m.

I've got a hospital appointment on Friday, so I blew the dust off my pregnancy week-by-week book for some last minute swotting. I nearly keeled over in fits when I read this bit: "don't bother with expensive maternity wear. Just wear some leggings and borrow your partner's T-shirts". WTF? Who could suggest such a cardinal sin. My thoughts are: as my normal clothes get tighter, I go shopping. Pregnancy is to be enjoyed. And fretting and mopping about about what to wear would be unbearable. Well, that's my excuse for my additional purchases to my new collection.

Another two Munros

Nine of us (and Merry, the dog) headed out on a rainy Sunday morning to bag the two Munros on Black Mount - Meall a Bhuiridh and Creise.

The initial ascent was tough. Very steep grassy slopes with lots of loose rocks. We later discovered that Sonic (who was in charge of navigation) took us on the reverse circuit route to "make it a longer day". There was almost a queue to push him off. Mind you, once we were up the ridge was pretty straight forward and the route down to the ski tracks into Glencoe made the descent a doodle.

The pictures are quite deceptive, as I only took my camera out when there was a break in a rain.





If you want rainbows, you've got to put up with the rain - or so Dolly Parton would say.





No Sonic hadn't fallen in the river. It really was that wet.









The Crazy German

Groundhog Day.

Just an easy seven for me. Just for a change :-% Today I thought I'd go a bit crazy and stop my watch after a one mile warm-up and then time the six-miles. I've signed up for a couple of 10Ks over the next six weeks and I'm slightly worried that I might not break the one hour mark. Shallow, I know, but even my first ever 10K was 57 minutes. The result was I did the six miles in 54 minutes, at a relatively easy pace. So fingers crossed I'm not last. At least I'll get a PB. A Pregnancy Best that is. And boy could I do with some new (one-size-fits-no-one) race t-shirts.

The power of ten

I actually ran 10 whole miles tonight. And a very hilly 10 miles at that. Who would have thought I'd be chuffed at running 10 miles?

It was a glorious night - fresh and sunny - and the views were amazing. It's my favourite route (over to milngavie, through the back roads to Langbank), so when it was on the cards for the Garscube training night, I knew I had to give it a bash. I left a little early to allow myself plenty of time. The steep hills were a bit of a struggle, but I followed JK's WHW race plan and ran up 20 breaths and then walked for 20 seconds before carrying on and repeating. I really enjoyed the run. And the country roads made for easy "comfort breaks". Double bonus.

I got back well before the others. Only to discover it was only the fast guys who took the longer option. The rest coped out with a shorter six-miler. I was glad to see the guys were completely goosed and panting about it being a tough course. I'm sure there exertion levels were much higher than mine. And they did finish 30 minutes faster than me. But hey, it's all relative...?



Average pace 10:11

Full-on day

I got up at 5.45am to go to the gym before work. Despite Sonic's promises to join me on my early morning workouts, there was just no shifting him. I'm not going to bore with the gym schedules, because quite frankly I'm boring myself. I just need to tell you one humorous tale: I'm quite scatterbrained at times. And especially more in recent times. But the there was a girl at the girl who took it to a new level. Whilst I was on the elliptical trainer, so was frantically pedaling away on the bike in front. When she had finished her session she quite admirably went away to get some paper towels and disinfectant spray to clean down the bike she was using. So she came back and spent a few minutes thoroughly wiping down the bike...next to the one she was using. I nearly fell off the machine laughing :-)

I had to get to work early, as I had a meeting out at Park Circus. I decided to leave my car in the carpark and walk out. It was raining, but I didn't think it was that bad. I call it falling-down-rain. I know all rain falls down, but I mean it's the kind of rain that doesn't attack you from all angles. Anyway, it wasn't my wisest decision, as I got pretty drenched - on the way out and again on the way back.

At lunchtime I dragged Sonic round the shops looking for new gear for our holiday. Not too much damaged caused, as I only came back with a pair of jeans. Shopping is quiet hard just now, as I don't want to buy anything that's only going to fit me for five minutes. I find it a bit depressing, as I never had to worry covering and hiding bits. Don't get me wrong, I'm loving my little bump. But I hate the boobs. And everything else is a little more padded than usual.

After work I went a four-mile run before the running club committee meeting. I chose quite a hilly route (Top gate, maxwell, canniesburn, switchback) so my average was even slower than normal - 9.35m/m. It was a really nice fresh night, so it was quite enjoyable.

So after a nice, uneventful, but drawn out committee meeting (need to be careful who reads this!), I was home for 10.30. Needless to say, I was pretty zonked.

Back to the grindstone

Nothing much to report. Just went to the gym at lunchtime and then for a five mile run after work. Sonic went to meet the troops for a fartlek session and I went off and did my own thing. Just me, myself and my ipod. Really need to get some new tunes for running. Right now I've got a choice between dance stuff (which I previously used for speed and tempo runs) and utter rubbish.

Marathon day

We got up early to watch the Olympic Marathon this morning. Even though we taped it, because of the time difference, I wanted to watch if before someone killed the surprise. During the 2004 Olympics, I had taped the marathon and went out for the day - with a view to watching it when I got back. Of course I received numerous texts along the lines of "at least we can finish a marathon" or "poor Paula". This time the phones were ignored until the finishing line.

It was a strange battle to view. Constantina Tomescu was the only one brave enough to go for the gold. The rest were like a pack of wolves. They all wanted it, but no one was going to stick their next out an go for it..until the last couple of miles. And then it was a close battle for the top 10 positions. Paula put in a very brave performance - just to finish in 23rd place. I'm glad the Japanese gal, Reiko Tosa, pulled out. It was torture watching her struggle. Click here for full results.



I didn't really fancy a run today. My heart wasn't in it. Instead I took my niece and nephew to a local fete for some face painting, cake eating and bouncy castle-ing.

However, I did cyle round with Sonic on his 13-mile run. I'm sure he choose the hilly option in a vain attempt to shake me off :-)

Hitting the hills

Traded in the trainers for the boots today. Even though the forecast was for rain and more rain, I was still adamant I wanted to hit the hills.

Sonic and I were joined by Athole, David (Athole's pal) and Ben. We met them at Bridge of Orchy, as we were planning on doing Beinn Achaladair (1038 metres) and Beinn a Chreachain (1081 metres). Two new Munros for me.

When we first met David, he seemed quite impressed that we had ran the WHW race. Later we discovered that we were totally humbled by his achievements. He's this year's Scottish Teacher of the Year and going up against two others for the UK Teacher of the Year. Not only that, he organises teachers lectures, school trips, climbing clubs, school plays...and he sings, plays piano, tap dances and does ballet. I felt pretty pretty deflated about my mere ability to put one foot in front of the other %-)

Thankfully the weather forecast was slightly out. It was quite dull and windy, but we never had a drop of rain. The cool conditions were a welcome relief, as on previous trips I found I overheat quite quickly. And subsequently wilt. Considering I was out with four boys, the pace was quite steady. I'm sure they would have been up there like a rat up a pipe, if it wasn't for me though. Mind you, we finished the circuit well before the 6.5/8.5 hour time allowance recommendation, so I couldn't have been that slow.



So that's me on 96 Munros now. I really want to get to 100 before I get too fat. Then I've only got the small matter of the other 184. Sonic's done 242 (he started when he was 16!) so I've got a bit of catching up to do.

Gym and swim

Managed to convince (some may call it guilt-trip) Sonic into going to the gym with me before work. I really enjoy the gym on a Friday morning, as it's really quiet. The aforementioned good intentions are usually quashed by Friday. I went on the elliptical trainer for 30 minutes and then went for a swim.

I'm finding it quite funny how your body and tastes adapt to different things when you're preggers. Previously you wouldn't have got me anywhere near a swimming pool and now I really enjoy. Which is good, as they say swimming is the best form of exercises - especially in the latter stage. Also, my day couldn't have started with a cup of coffee, whereas I'm completely off the lovely black stuff just now.

A bit more bendy

I went to my yoga class at lunchtime. Even if I do say so myself, I'm getting better. I suppose I should be, as I've been going to the class since last December. Or maybe it's the relaxin that's making me more supple. Either way, bending and twisting doesn't seem as strained as it used to. When I first joined the class, I could barely touch my knees let alone my toes. The main benefit is that it has sorted out the reoccuring adductor - I think common people call it groin strain :-) and hip injuries that I had.

Whe I got home I went for a 4.5mile run, which I really enjoyed. Average pace 9:18. I don't know how I managed it, but the average pace for all my runs over the past week or so has been 9.18. Spooky.

The things I do for spaghetti hoops

I was pretty knackered last night, so I went to bed at 9.30pm. The flip side was that I woke up at 4am. I tried to get back to sleep, but gave in after an hour or so and decided to go the gym. Not before I threw Sonic out the door into the pouring rain to do his tempo run. I know, I'm a witch. The advantage of being early was that I didn't have to rush about getting everything in before work, so I had a 30-minute session on elliptical trainer - watching GMTV. Fascinating stuff. I know all the top news stories before I even get to work. Then I spent 30 minutes in the pool. It's great in the morning, as I pratically have the place to myself. Unlike last Monday night when I nearly drowned with the waves. Mind you, I'm sure Monday's are busier than most nights. Everyone's full of great intentions at the start of the week.

After the early rise, I was starting to wilt by mid-morning. I didn't help that I had to make a 150 mile round trip to a meeting on the east-coast. I have noticed over the last few months my tolerance levels have got even lower - if that was possible. Maybe it was the heat, or the tiredness or the traffic-jams, but I seem to have a bit more of the rage of road of late.

By the time I got back to the office and rushed about getting stuff together for tomorrow's paper, I was like a Gremlin by the end of the day. Didn't stop me going on a seven-mile run though. I know, I'm a martyr. Even in the current condition, I still feel really guilty when I don't get my run in. Needless to say, it wasn't my finest performance. I had to take a few walking breaks, but hey ho, it's about maintaining fitness, not speed. My only incentive was to get back in time before the supermarket closed. I needed my spaghetti hoop fix :-) I don't think I'm embracing this pregnancy properly. All I seem to eat is All-Bran, cottage cheese, wholemeal bread, pasta and tinned spaghetti. Not complaining though. I'm sure by Christmas, I'll be demolishing a selection box or two.

Race pictures

Click here for Devil o' The Highlands pictures

Four's a chore

I was full of great intentions today, but I only managed a four-mile run after work. And that was only because Sonic dropped me off four-miles from the house. I remember the days when I wouldn't have bothered dirtying a pair of socks for four miles. Mind you, I also remember the days when I didn't breath like I'd lost a lung. Anyway, after the initial humming and hawing and will I/won't I, I had a fabulous run. There was a nice drizzle, so I dint' overheat. And I managed the whole four-miles without a nature call. Now that's an accomplishment!

Feeling the pinch

OK, who shrunk my clothes? It's week 17 and I'm starting to feel the snugness. I don't quite have a bump, just an all over expansion. My Sis (and mother of two) laughed when I showed her my bump yesterday. She eloquently said that it looks like I "need a good fart". Of course, my husband has been a tower of strength. Supporting me with his usual reem of Marco-isms. When I was moaning about my general growth he told me in was all in my head. Closely followed by "I know when you look in the mirror you see a big fat heifer...". Actually I don't. But NOW I DO. It's a good job I'm thick-skinned.

I'm not brave enough to stand on the scales, so I wimped out with a measuring tape instead. I've put 3.5" on my chest, which sounds quite impressive until I tell you what it was in the first place. I'm still way short of the national average. My waist is now 27.5", which is just a few fish suppers worth really.

I didn't go for run today. Just the gym after work. 30 mins on the elliptical trainer and then a 30 minute swim. It's probably one of the few times I've been to the gym in evening, and now I remember why I avoid it. What a nightmare. I can't believe people actually queue for a treadmill...to walk...when it's dry and sunny outside. Madness.

We went to a BBQ tonight. Dermot (from running club) and his wife were having a wee al fresco soiree. There's only one thing better than a good barbie. And that's a barbie when you're preggers. Sheer bliss. And there was lots of running chat too. Even better.

Hangover free for me. How novel.

This hangover free Sunday malarky is getting to be quite a habit. Who would have thought I'd wake up bright as a button after a wedding? The same couldn't be said for Sonic though. After working his way through copious amounts of beer, wine AND whisky, it was him that wanted to vacate the party early. I'm not convinced he didn't use me as an excuse though. So after he bounced out of the venue, passed out in the car, threatened to throw up and then crawled up the stairs to bed, he wasn't full of the joys of summer when I got up for my run at 7am.

I just went round my usual 7-mile route through Dumbarton. I was a great morning for a run. Fresh and drizzly, just the way I like it. I felt great, so 9m/m seems really easy. Although I've been very lucky with my general well-being during pregnancy, the toilet stops are getting beyond a joke. I had to stop TWICE. And I didn't even drink anything before I left for my run. I'm going to get an ASBO (or an anti social behaviour order - for my overseas readers) soon. Mind you, where we live an ASBO is probably a recognised qualification. ;-)

My plan was to run round my route and then cycle with Sonic on his 12-mile tempo. I'm sure that was Sonic's plan too...in his head. He'd just forgotten to tell his legs. When I got home, he'd got as far as eating breakfast and had retired to the sofa to watch archery at the Olympics. I mean, who actually watches archery on TV? Apparently it's quite gripping.

An eventful day

Well, today is our first wedding anniversary. To kick off the romance, we exchanged gifts. I bought Sonic a pair of I-nov8 Mudrocs and an Icebreaker top. Ahhh the romance. And he got me a pair of MBTs (which I will discuss at a later point)and a huge bunch of lillies. I forgot to mention that we were exchanging gifts at 4am, as we were going to cheer on out buddies who were running the Devil O' the Highlands. We could only go as far as Kingshouse though, as we had to go to someone else's wedding %-) How's that for a first anniversary? I was only slightly miffed that Marco's mate chose today to get married.



The conditions for the race seemed great for running - cool and wet - but horrible for spectating. Although the moisture would have made the rocky descents trickier to maneuver. But I would have rather tackled that than the wrestling we had to endure with the pesky midges.

It was great to catch up with some of the WHW folks - Thomas, Silke, Davie, Brian, Ian, Allybea, George and Dario. And my live wire bessie mate, Sharon, was out for her debut ultra marathon. Sharon's has come on leaps and bounds over the past two years and she's trained like a crazy woman, so I held high hopes for her performance. Actually before the race I told her I expected at least a second place position. In true Sharon-style she went that little bit further and WON the race in an amazing time of 7:12. I'm so unbelievably proud of her. I think she'll be signing up for the WHWR next year. Actually Sharon and I always joke that we have to do everything together. When Sonic previously quizzed me on my future baby thoughts, I told him I'd check with Sharon. She must be looking at my expanding waistline with fear!

There were some amazing time for the boys too. The top five broke the race record. Jez Bragg was first home in an awe-inspiring time of 5.22. I actually met Jez before the race. I did know whether to shake his hand or curtsy :-) There were some other fabulous times from Thomas (6.34), Davie (7.02), Brian (7.28), Gail (7.31), George (7.34), Aileen (8.18) and Dario (10.45). Congratulations to everyone! Particularly to those who completed the unoffical treble. My aim is to get my fat-ass in shape for next year's race. Six months should be ok, shouldn't it?

I've got some pix from the race, which I will post when I get round to it.

click here for more information on the Devil o' the highlands and race results. I think I'll need to start a petition to remove the sound effects from the site. Everytime I open it in the office, everyone looks to see who's been shot.

Pregorexia

There's a new buzz word in town: Pregorexia.

My lovely employer printed a whole feature on the subject, which prompted all my colleagues to point their fingers at me. Possibly because I'm the only pregnant gal they've every seen in running gear.

Click here

Anyway, working on my pregorexia, I've been to the gym most days this week. Oh yes, pilates and yoga. Crazy eh? I even pushed the boat right out and a couple of sessions on the elliptical trainer and did a spot of swimming. Tonight I went for a four-mile jog.

Surprise, surprise...an easy five

As Garscube's Tuesday night speed sessions are out of the question, I went on my own five-mile (and a bit) tour of Knightswood. I met up with wee Ann Clan and Ali who I haven't seen in ages. Ann is injured and Ali does the Glasgow-Edinburgh commute now, so they haven't been at the club for a while. It was great to catch up with them both. Ali is so bored on her daily journey, she reads must blog. Actually she discovered it a couple of months ago, and spent a week going through every post.

Sonic was going to the club session, so I met up with the troops after my run. They were doing Parlauf - which is a Garscube term for mass confusion.

The non-long run + 16 weeks pix

Gone are the days of epic distances at the weekend. I really think 10 miles could be my maximum over the next wee while. Today I opted for seven-miles round my usual Dumbarton route. I've done quite a bit this week - including swimming yesterday - so thought it would be best to take it easy. OK, easy-ish. When I came back from my run (which I started at 7am) I cycled next to Sonic who was running the 10-mile of the Balloch Horseshoe.

For those interested in the progress of the bump. Here's some pictures of me at 16-weeks.





Marco's alternative blog report: Three miles easy (average 7.27), followed by six miles at PE level 8 (6.53, 6.50, 6.34, 7.20, 6.55, 6.27 average 6.50) and then a one mile cool down. I keep shouting at him to sort out his terrible heel-strike and hip-bent running form. I fear my coaching days could be numbered! ;-)

Going clubbing

I would say I finally made it back to club training tonight, but that's technically not true. I kinda made it back to club training, in the sense that I turned up at Garscube and ran the six-mile route that was on the cards for tonight...but I skulked out ten minutes early and ran by myself. It's not that I was being anti-social, I just wanted to take it easy. It was a quite a hilly course and I have done quite a bit this week. Given that my oxygen supply is not what it used to be, I wanted to make sure I'd behave and walk if need be. Plus, I didn't want to patronise people by dropping groups as I have to run really, really slow now. In the end I was quite happy to run myself and just meet up with everyone at the finish.

I had a really great run. Nice and easy. But the best thing about it was it was raining and windy. I never thought I'd say this, but it was absolute bliss. It really kept my new-found central heating system in control. Roll on the winter!

The first three miles were a gently uphill - someone shoot the route master - and then it was pretty good from there. The toughest thing is resisting the urge to pick up the pace on the down hills. In fact I really have to slow it down, as everything seems to be a bit bouncy ;-)

Drymen - Stockiemuir - Milngavie - Canniesburn - home. 6 miles in 58 minutes.

A bit of everything. Just slower.

Despite a late night and long drive back from the wedding, I was still up with the larks and keen to go to the gym. Usually I have to blackmail Sonic into coming with me, but today I had the silent guilt trip. I think he felt obliged to after helping him with his training yesterday and then subjecting me to the drunken wedding frenzy. I swore I wasn't going to be one of those "I am pregnant you know" moaners, but I'll take it while I can. The good thing about pregnancy, is that hangovers can't get in the way of training. So off I went to the gym for a 30 minutes session on the elliptical trainer (on a low level) and then some gentle swimming. I think Sonic half-heatedly did some cycling and dabbled with some weights before resigning to the spa pool.

When I got home I went for a four-mile jog at 9.30 minute mile pace and then cycled round with Sonic on his seven-miler.

Sonic's alternative blog report: He finally lost the big toe nail than been threatening to fall off since the WHW. After getting up at 6am with a mild hangover, kicking the door nearly sent him over. Despite the trauma he was a brave soldier and didn't even whine too much on the way to the gym &-) Tonight, he went for a seven-mile tempo. Like most boys, he tends to go out and blast round as fast as he can. I'm trying to get him to structure the runs: easy two (PE* 7); interval for three (PE 8); easy for one (PE 6); and fast finish (PE 8 and then 9). We went over the seven mile route through Dumbarton. It's quite hilly at the start, so good for keeping steady. We must have been getting some strange looks - especially when I was cycling next to him shouting: "that doesn't look like a 7 from here!". Splits after the two mile warm-up were 6:30, 6:48, 6:48, 7:55 and 6:50

* PE - perceived effort.

Jogging, coach, wedding..ooh and driving :-(

We're off to a wedding today - I know, on a TUESDAY - so I went for an early morning five-miler round Balloch. It was raining, so much fresher than is has been for days. It will come as no surprise that I took it easy. Back for 8.30am - time to boot Sonic's a*s out the door. Well, if I can't run, then he's going to have to do it for. And he's not going to blog, then I'll do that for him. What a team. Unfortunately he's got the joy of having me as a coach for the foreseeable future.

Sonic's alternative blog report: He ran and I cycled along beside him. I've talked him into focusing on effort levels rather pace. So an easy four-miler at 7/10 effort and then some reps round the circuit in Christie Park. 6 x (approx) 400 metres. 1.17, 1.16, 1.17, 1.17, 1.22 (told him to steady up and save energy for the last one) and 1.15.

Here's a pic of us in our wedding gear...

Team Debs

We gathered all the troops for a thank you Italian feast at Primo in Milngavie. Pizza, pasta, vino, beer, (soft drinks for me) good chat and reminiscing. Sonic spent the evening talking the chaps into doing the Highland Fling. And the girls talked about everyone who was unfortunate enough not to be there. Just kidding.

Finally got a picture of (the recovered) Team Debs.



Sharon thought she was auditioning for the News of the World ;-)

Hot hills

Sonic and I had another fabulous weekend of walking. We left the caravan (in a random lay-by) near Invergarry on Wednesday and went to collect it last night. Thankfully all was OK. Sonic did harbour thoughts of theft, burn-outs or being trashed by neds. I, of course, have more (sometimes unjustified) faith in humanity.

It was another fabulous night. Warm and sunny. Unfortunately where we stopped for the night was a midge hell-hole. Any ventures outside the caravan were like a scene from Killer Bees.

There was a downpour of rain in the wee small hours, but the sun was out in a vengeance by the time we started out. Since my core temperature seems to have gone through the roof of late, I was like a mobile furnace all day. Although I'm sure Sonic would have likened me to a Gremlin.

The plan for the day was to do Gleouraich and Spidean Mialach - two Munros that lie between Loch Quioch and Loch Cluanie.

It was fairly easy, but steep, ascent. Great stalkers path with solid steps - my favourite. Unfortunately the beasties were out on force. Horseflies seems to take a liking to me. My bites have bites.

The views from the summit were amazing. It was so warm and still that even the midges had made their way up. Oh joy. There was a long walk, with a height drop of 300m over to the second Munro.

We finished the route in just over five hours. As it was early afternoon and a glorious day, we decided to squeeze in another Munro. As you do. Auch, it was just down the road after all. But sssh, don't tell my Mum.

The ascent of Sgurr a Mhaoraich was again pretty straightforward. A nice steady stalker's path leading us up to the summit. Sonic informed me that trusty ol' Cameron McNeish said the route should take five hours. I don't think that prediction was based on doing a full day walking before starting. Or taking into account the blistering (OK, blistering for the Highlands) heat. I had cut back on clothing and weight in my rucksack, so this hill felt much more comfortable. I think I've got a few months of playing damsel ahead of me. Sorry, Sonic. I did point out that there was two couples on the first hill of the morning and the women were carrying absolutely nothing. Pah! cheaters!

Surprisingly I felt better on the third Munro. Maybe that's the endurance runner in me. Take 10 miles to warm up ;-) Half-way through the descent I which pretty much over it though. My feet and knees ached, I'd been eaten alive and my neck was burnt to a crisp. You can tell I'm Scottish when I've got the cheek to complain about a sunny day on the hills.

Club five-mile race

It's a well-attended and sociable annual event, so I went along for a giggle. No pressure just a steady run round the reservoir in Milngavie. The bonus was it was a gorgeous summer's night. And the double-bonus was that I wasn't last :-) My aim was to run 9m/m...or how I felt. But no faster. Guess what? I finished in 45:03. How's that for pacing? I felt pretty good all the way round. The only negative was that five-miles is along way without a pee-stop ;-)

It was great to see all the troops again. It's only been a month, but it seems like forever. Sonic even donned his trainers for the second time since the race. Considering injury and distinct lack of training he finished in a fabulous time of 32:something. Well done to my brother-in-law, Paul who finally got round to whipping Sonic's ass. They try to disguise their competitiveness by claiming they focus on different disciplines - Paul being a very good track runner - but everyone knows what drives the Brothers Consani. Congratulations, Paul on taking two minutes off last year's time. And I'm very impressed you didn't milk the victory a little more. I cast up my Devil's trophy at least twice a week ;-)

No running this weekend, as Sonic and I are off on another hillwalking adventure.

There's a humorous debate on the WHWR forum about what we should call the bambino. Click here to read the latest suggestions. NB: Before you start reading, please bare in mind these people are nuts!

Jogging, gyming and bagging some hills

Big thanks to all the kind and encouraging comments. 20 has to be a record. Even if the last one was JK commenting on the fact the entry had attracted 19 comments.

Last week was a whirlwind of excitement and (for others) shock. Despite receiving numerous ignorant comments along the lines of "you'll have given up running then?" - which were generally reciprocated with "sorry, I said pregnant. Not disabled" - OK, I appreciate people are concerned, but I'm big and ugly enough to know my own body. And, more importantly, know my own limits. I have been keeping generally quite active. I know there hasn't been much blogging, but I haven't resigned myself to slippers, soaps and giant bars of Cadbury...YET! So twos-up to the clueless and here's to a fit and healthy pregnancy.

My running - which is now jogging - has been confined within the barriers of 4-7 miles at 9-10 m/m pace. Last week I did 2 x 5 miles and 7 miler at an average of 9m/m. I've spoken to my gym fitness instructor and he's happy for me to continue with pilates and yoga for the time being. I'll be given alternatives for anything that he deems inappropriate. I've also been using the elliptical trainer for 30 mins a few times a week. And last Friday - despite being adverse to most water-based sports - did a bit of swimming and aqua jogging.



This is the book that I've been avidly reading. In summary: I can run as long as it doesn't hurt and I don't get too breathless. What an education ;-) I think I'll write my own version at the end of this adventure. Joking aside it was comforting to read other runner's stories and generally get a little bit more information.

So, that's the boring updates out of the way.

Sonic and I decided to escape on a caravan trip to do a spot of hillwalking for a few days. We headed up to Ullapool on Saturday. The day was spent travelling, so we took our time. Stopping frequently for tea breaks, shopping stops and view appreciation. And off course I needed to pee every 15 minutes. Hey, it's all part of the course.

Setting up for the night, the weather didn't look too promising. Howling winds and bouts of torrential rain. And on Sunday morning, it was pretty much the same. As we had travelled so far we could hardly bow out, so we braved the elements and headed on the course for the day - the ascent of Beinn Dearg, Cona Mheall and Meall nan Caepraichean. Surprisingly enough the weather wasn't actually that bad. OK, it rained a lot and the view was non-existent at most times, but I have experienced much worse. Back at the caravan with we celebrated a successful trip with tomato soap and spaghetti hoops on toast. Gawd we know how to live.

Monday was morning was a whole different story. Blue skies and sunshine. Surprising considering Sunday was supposed to be the best day. Thus confirming my opinion on never believing a weather forecast. Due to the long walk-in we only managed one Munro - Eididh nan Clach Geala. Sonic wanted to push on for another, but that would have involved finishing about 10pm. I managed to talk him out of it with the promise of fish 'n' chips. The way to Sonic's heart. We went to the Seaforth in Ullapool, which is billed as the UK's best fish pub restaurant. I think we were the only people in the town with English as a first language, but I think it's a lovely wee place. And the food was definitely worth missing another Munro for. The fish was more like a whale in batter. Despite my crazy appetite, I barely made a dent in it. I was more interested in the chips and mushy peas. Sacrilege, I know.

Tuesday was another cracking day. We couldn't believe out luck. Probably just a well, as the route to An Foachagach involved crossing two rivers. We had spoken to a walker on Sunday, who told us he ended chest-deep. I think Sonic has been watching too many Bear Grylis programmes, as he was looking forward to a spot of skinny-dipping. Thankfully the countryside was spared, as we made it over thigh-deep with shoes and socks in hand. The steep grassy slopes were pretty relentless. As lame as it is, I'm a big fan of a nice trail or path. The views from the top were breathtaking. Views for miles. We even managed to have lunch at the summit - without risk of exposure or being blown off. We were less cautious on the descent and wadded through the rivers fully clothed. I think my boots might have drained by next month.

All in all, a fabulous trip with limited drama. Only a few stumbles and bruises. We only tipped the caravan once. However, we did manage to lose one of the sunroof shutters though, as we forgot to close it. It flew off on the A9 and hit an American tourist's car - which they informed us they had borrowed from the minister. Oops. And last night Sonic drove off with the wheel lock on though. RIP the wheel lock. One day we'll grasp this caravan malarkey. In the meantime, it keeps us highly amused.

Running with baby on board

Oh well, I best explain myself then. I hope you've all got over the initial shock. Sonic and I are still working it. Firstly, I would like to point out that I was totally and utterly blissfully oblivious to the fact that I was 10 weeks pregnant when I was hauling my ass (and the prawn-like Bambino) along 96 miles of the West Highland Way. I had no symptoms or reason to believe I was pregnant. No morning sickness or nausea. I was a little more tired than usual, but I put that down to long training runs and then the taper.

Without being to personal or graphic, my cycle is a little erratic to say the least. Anything from 30 days to five months, is considered normal for me. In a vain attempt to get my cycle is working order (did I say I wasn't getting personal?), we opted for a more natural form a birth control...and invested $500 on the the biggest pile of f-ing junk known to mankind. A contraption called the LadyComp, which measures your fertility levels. It claims to be 99% accurate. I could probably count on the one hand how many "green lights" we got...so what were the chances?

Anyways, after the WHWR I decided to do a home test. Get this - to reassure myself that I wasn't pregnant. You can imagine the scene when the blue cross appeared. And it wasn't a faint (mibbees aye, mibbees no) cross. It was so bright and prominent, you could have used it to land helicopters. Sonic nearly fell of the chair and I sobbed something along the lines of "I'm going to have to be in your support team next year". A memorable one-liner that will probably come back to haunt me. So there you go, Bambino Consani is in the making.

We kept it quiet until the scan, mainly because I wasn't convinced there was a baby in there. Still no symptoms. well, apart from the fact that I look like I've jetted off to LA for breast implants. I felt like a proper grown-up having to buy 34B bra....I digress...Not only was I concerned about the damage I may have caused, but terrified about being laughed out of the maternity ward if there wasn't anything there. But as you can see by (the very clear) picture, there's no denying it. And the little wriggler has perfect limbs and digits. Albeit a slightly large head ;-)

We let the cat out the bag by firstly visiting our families on Tuesday night. In true Martin-clan style, the announcements were a riot. My Mum stared in bewilderment at the scan for a what seemed like eternity. Even when I said it's baby Consani, the penny didn't drop. After a while she shrieked: "What? YOU?". My wee Sis (who I class as my nearest and dearest) asked in all seriousness: "how long have you been trying for?". WTF? She gets blonder every day.

Looking back on previous blog reports, there were a few (if you looked really hard) tell-tale signs: Struggling with speed work, terrible breathing, me wibbering on about signs that I shouldn't be doing the race...As I've said, I'm a firm believer that things happen for a reason. So my knee unjury during the race, was my body's way of telling me to slow. Actually it was probably telling me the pull-out, but I'm slightly hard of hearing.

Anyway, I'm still planning on running throughout pregnancy - although on the smaller and slower scale. Actually the first book I bought was on running and pregnancy. I felt guilty a few days later and purchased a week-by-week guide. My obstetrican seems happy for me to continue. When I told him about the WHWR (which he was more than familiar with) and had a look that said "will someone get these nutters out of my office". As our house is a stone's throw away from the hospital, I'm sure he'll catch me waddling down the street over the coming months.

Oh I forgot to mention, Bambino Consani is due on January 19. Sonic is under the impression he's got a driver for the festivities. Dillusional I know.