I'm still here

This blog is proving very hard to maintain. I'm finding myself in a situation where time and energy never seem to come together long enough to sit down and write an entry. I seem to be able to write code even while I'm almost asleep (although I wouldn't want to vouch for the quality), but writing words are a different matter. I did get another wonderful run in around the woodland park here next to Balbirnie House. It was hard not to restrain myself. I feel like I'm rediscovering my running mojo. Still planning to join the lads up to Ullapool tomorrow if I can get everything done in time - which will involve another late night at the hotel here and an intense morning. I really need to unwind a little!

Manic

We're training another set of users in Holland on Friday and they're going to be using the shiny new live version. This means that I've got to sort out all the nitty gritty little things by then, the jobs that tend to get put off until the last moment, bits and pieces like postcode validation for a different protocol and providing Dutch translations for key terms. The mind also gets highly focussed with just a few days to go, and all kind of trivial little bugs (that have been sitting around unnoticed for months) come to the surface. Once one gets spotted it's impossible to ignore, despite that fact that it has been happily ignored by everyone for so long before.

Had to head into the office for the afternoon but I was determined to get out for a run first. There was no time really and the only opportunity I had to stretch was during a couple of phone calls I had to take. This is time management being taken to ridiculous extremes! But I did run for about 40 mins and therefore about 4 miles, taking into account stops to look at the views (which were rather beautiful in the hazy autumnal light, the sun just beginning to break through the morning mist). Once again, the calf felt fine for the most part, tightening up just a little towards the end of the run.

I enjoyed a very rare evening off, going to Pictureville with M, failing to get there in time to see the intended film, but watching CSNY Deja Vu instead, the story of .... It was very well put together as a documentary and the quartet ( average age of over 62) were all looking pretty damn good, and very articulate. It was great to see so much fire in the belly after so many years. And why shouldn't there be? I trust that my passion for life will still be going strong in 10 years time, and more, but it's always inspiring to see it in others.

'Rest' Day

CKZ and AC are at Warwick today showcasing the software at a conference, and it appears to be going very well. There was a kind of official launch and everyone is keen to start using it as soon as possible. Lots of enthusiasm. Lots of plaudits. But I've been chained to the computer all day again, rewriting some key components in the light of experience and much better understanding. It's been a bit of grind though. In trying to solve one problem I uncovered another, which first had to be solved, which in turn revealed another problem. I got to a point quite quickly where I lost sight of the original problem altogether! It's at such points where it can all get overwhelming, but then you start to sort things out and unwind the chain of problems, and suddenly the way forward is clear again.

Despite the hassles with the software I guess I didn't mind too much missing out on all the back-slapping and general smooshing at Warwick. It was important that I was on hand tonight to help out with Maths and English homework. The diligence as far as the schoolwork goes has not yet dissipated away! So, a day of rest from exercise but I feel far from rested. Didn't even get to do too much stretching. At least I have quite a few issues sorted to show for all the effort.

Out-sprinted

A long day and night at the computer, but I did manage to punctuate it with a 4 mile run on the moor and a 23 mile ride on the bike with the boys. I'm heeding all the good physio advice and balancing things as much as I can. M's orders were to go very easy on the run and stop for some stretching. This is I managed to do, largely courtesy of very heavy legs from yesterday's efforts. I ran out to the Swastika Stone and back, using the natural rocks at the mid-point to provide means of stretching out all the relevant muscles.

I had suggested a bike ride to my lads earlier in the day but by late afternoon, with a bit of drizzle around, my enthusiasm was waning. No.2 son was well up for it, though, and he was the one who prompted us all out. We headed out to Bolton Abbey, then the gated road past Hesketh Farm to Embsay and back via Barden Tower. I've ridden this with No.2 son a few times in the opposite direction and have wanted to introduce him to the descent from Halton Heights for some while now. They both loved it. No traffic on the road so I was able to avoid using the brakes completely. It never ceases to provide an adrenaline rush, cornering at the bottom at well over 40mph. We were all on a high after that and the pace kept up pretty well. The customary sprint at the golf course was won by No.1 son who came from nowhere to steal it on the line from No.2 son. I can't work out how hard I was actually trying. I was last and would like to think I could have given more - but I'm not so sure.

Birthday Boy

I've got quite a few weekends away in the next month so this weekend really has to be a working one. It also happens to be No.1 son's 17th birthday. I was hoping to get both sons out for a bike ride, to make the most of a rare bit of good weather, but it was impossible to breach the apathy barrier. On any other day I would have vetoes their objections, but I had to let the birthday boy decide for himself. He was happy to have a quiet birthday, going to see a film in Leeds in the afternoon and then dinner out in the evening. He very much wanted to see Step Brothers, but I made an executive decision and persuaded him to go see Pineapple Express instead. Equally silly and violent, but at least done with style and wit and high production values. It was a truly guilty pleasure to watch, one of those films that you enjoy far more than you really want to admit!

The only problem for me was watching it on a beautiful saturday afternoon. After so many wet and miserable days it just did not seem right to be inside and missing the sun. At least I did get out for a rushed run before we left. About 4 miles on the moor at a good pace - possibly a little too good a pace for I felt the calf tighten a bit towards the end. I wanted to make the most of the time I had!

Anyway, No.1 son seemed to have a good birthday, although he blew away the evening dinner, prefering instead to have a quiet evening in, watching some of the DVDs he received as presents. Like father, like son in so many ways!

Bike/Run Balance

It's very late right now, and as I still haven't had a chance yet to blog anything about my trip to the Czech Republic I thought I better just let friends and family know that I ran my race, finishing in the top half of the field (just!) and had a truly wonderful time. I'll hopefully get to post the details over the weekend. 

Since getting back it's been completely crazy. Not a spare minute to be had in any day. I'm struggling with the workload. That said, though, I have prioritised the training today and did get out for an easy 3 mile run on the moor at lunchtime (legs still feeling heavy) and then, as I couldn't persaude either of the boys out on a rare nice evening, hit the "3 hills" on the bike and quite surprised myself with an effort that turned out to be only 10 secs off my record (32.52). I pushed hard, and I died more than a little on the final climb up Monastery Hill, but I'm taking it as a sign that my bike fitness remains good despite the distinct lack of recent miles. I felt the calf tighten a little on the hills, but it seems to have stretched out again now. I'm going along with M's training advice and feeling rather optimistic about a good winter's running ahead. I just need to ensure that I make enough time for the stretching and the bike/run balance. Hopefully, reporting back on this blog will help!

Feeling Heavy