westward, thanks for updating I'm afraid the running pace bunny is going to catch me as I have a torn thigh muscle. But I'm optimistic I can start again next week, I don't want to risk it this week as I have a two day mountain bike event next weekend and my team mate won't be happy if I'm injured. Cyling is not an option today as there are gales and it is raw outside.

Yikes!!! So sorry to hear that Hope you heal quickly - a little extra down time right now, is better than a long down time later when the weather is good...

Thanks for the update - I've been wondering how you were doing. It does sound like things are getting better, good news! As to the biking....this is not making me feel very good about taking my bike outdoors..... Seriously, that sounds awful, and I am so glad that you didn't come away with any major injuries. Spending the next 14 hours in a cold tent sounds miserable after that. So, did you have fun? Hey, some people like to be miserable like that I am working hard at trying to resume running. I seem to have my muscle imbalance issues resolved, but I still need to be really cautious about progressing. I've pretty much stopped all other cardio except for my alternate day runs, and mainly strength train on the days I don't run. I'm missing the spinning( can't believe I just said I missed getting on the trainer ) and will probably put in a long ride this weekend. I should be able to move outdoors with bike in a few weeks.

Heres a link if you want to know more! http://www.sleepmonsters.co.uk/racereport.php?race_id=6036# In a rush at the moment I will post again tomorrow, if you are out on your bike hope you have better weather than us we are expecting snow.

Thanks for the link ! I did want to know more. Damn, that was some adventure! Some of my favorite quotes from the reports... " There is of course no such thing as bad weather – only inappropriate clothing..." "Sunday’s five hours were a breeze by comparison, under blue skies with occasional showers of polystyrene-ball hail.." "Despite mounting bribery we were not allowed inside and had to camp on the field adjacent. We managed to catch a break in the weather to pitch the tent and get settled, trying to avoid looking at the warm and dry youth hostel 50 metres away ... "Lateral thinking overcame the problem of having to venture out to the portaloos (well, two people can share one cup?!) The storm abated soon after midnight and dawn broke with crystal clear blue skies and ice on the tent panels! " Congrats for doing that race! Amazing! Did you write a report? Please share more when you have time, and thanks MTA: and as to "Profession: total amateur " I think not

Great pics! That was a lot of gear you were packing Not just your feet looked wet, and gulp, glad your feet aren't "black". Awesome news that your quad issue has resolved.

Jules I am at 348 running and will hit 100 on the bike today. Bike weather is improving here and am now able to bike to work twice a week for the next three weeks, then daily after that. I am excited to pass that pace bunny on my bike(s).

Craneium, its easier to catch the pace bunny on a bike because bikes are quicker. I cycle to work everyday its around 7 miles return I haven't missed a day all Winter, how far do you go? Chenille, 86 indoors is worth double that mileage compared to outdoors. The thought of either running or cycling indoors makes me shiver, I bought a really good turbo trainer a couple of years ago and have had my Time Trial bike set up on it all Winter so far I haven't even sat on it. On the 8th May I have a 10 mile time trial every Thursday night until August. But I will do the first one and then have to miss some as my Italian nightclass has been extended until June. Because I hurt my leg my plans have been screwed up as I was hoping to get a PB Half Marathon ( which currently stands at 1.29.25 ) but I don't think I'm on course to do that on the 11th May as I've missed out on the regular long runs.

I take it all back I imagined a running machine that arena is so big it counts as outside, does it have its own micro climate? But its still more fun outside doing sprint training getting away from dogs and fartek avoiding being splashed by cars.