Broken Biscuits

I've entered the Derwentwater 10 on Sunday November 1st. 

I have to confess that I had mistakenly thought that this was a flattish course, with some pretty scenery, however it appears I have been somewhat mislead and it is rather more hilly, as evidenced by the height profile of the course kindly supplied by Barry (who I'm sure told me it was mostly flat in the first place!)

I've been running reasonably consistently over the last few weeks, and have now extended my 'normal' lunchtime run to be slightly over 7 miles.  Added to this, I've been whittling away at the time I take to complete the distance, so that now I'm clocking in at just over an hour.  I know this isn't particularly speedy in comparison to people like Paula Radcliffe, but I'm pleased about it, and in this case, that's the only yard-stick that counts .  Anyway, its her job - so she should be good at it

All in all I'm feeling much better prepared for this than than some of the runs I've done in the past, so am quite looking forward to it. Its only 10 miles, what's the worst that can happen?

So after tempting Fate so carelessly, you have every right to expect me to follow up with a post full of tales of pain, inclement and surprisingly unseasonable weather and multiple blisters in tender locations .  We'll see...

Its been a bit of a rollercoaster weekend, fortunately its been mostly ups and very few downs for me, although I won't say that applies to everyone in the family...

On Friday afternoon, Jane, Emily, Georgia and myself set off to Coventry, which was to be our staging post stop on route to Cambridge, where Emily was due to start her University life.  We stayed at Jamie and John's because:

a) it was on the way and convenient for us to get to Cambridge at 10am,
b) it was a chance for Em to see her grandparents for the first time in a while,
c) J&J have just had lots of home improvements done so we could indulge in some house envy and
d) it was Friday night, and that means wine and beer at J&J's house .

So on Saturday morning, we re-packed the car and set off down the M6/A14 in order to drop Em off. The journey was completely pain free (unlike the night before - 3 accidents on the M6 in 30 miles , but that's another story) and we got to Cambridge, and more by luck than judgement, managed to navigate all the way into the centre without any problems, or indeed a map .  

On production of our specially requested permit, the very friendly traffic warden opened the barrier and allowed us to drive onto the pedestrian zone and right up to Trinity College - the outside of which was being completely swarmed by tourists - even though the college was closed to vistors.  Fortunately one of the college porters was on hand to shoo people out the way and let us park.

After a couple of minutes of very efficient paperwork Em got her room key and we found our way up the 4 flights of stairs to her college room.  First impressions, apart from the breathlessness of course , were wonderful - each room has its occupants name painted above the door (how nice is that? ) and had there was enough room to be both comfortable and studious - two desks and enough chairs for 4 made sure of that...Not only that, but Em's room has a great location - it overlooks the main entrance gate at Trinity, and also has a view over the outside world as well - here's a view from one of the windows:

After helping Em to unpack, we had a quick wander round the college (very impressive) and then we bobbed out to Pizza Express for lunch.  After a fairly tearful goodbye (from the girls of the family - its not a bloke thing ) Jane, Georgia and I set off home. 

So far so good seems to be the news from Cambridge - as the numerous texts and couple of calls have revealed - the college is really friendly, and food/drinks also are readily available.  Em starts her lectures and tutorials today, so that might be a bit of a coming-down-to-earth-with-a-bump moment, but I'm sure she'll cope in her usual understated, super competent ways.

I'm sure Jane will stop randomly crying in a few days too.