It's been a while since I last sat down with this browser open. I am alone with the kids for almost a fortnight, and almost half-way through it, it's going good.  The only thing that's upside down is the t r a i n i n g   s c h e d u l e , as I have to do my long runs and the bulk of my training during the school hours - as well as other things that I need headspace for. I love being alone in this space at home, and that's why probably my runs have been slightly shorter and ever-so-slightly faster. The feeling of unlocking the door after the school drop and run, and getting in, is like getting in a nice warm bath with the knowledge that nobody will talk to me in the next couple of hours if I time it right.  To my absolute delight, my heart rate during any run recently is low, aerobic, even when I pick up the pace, and even on long distances towards the end. This is the holy grail. My legs have springy days, and heavy-led days, but the heart rate is consistently aerobi

 The half term has passed - and it has been wonderful.  The kids went with Gulz to Cornwall  for three days, whilst I stayed at home!  Having knowingly that free time, 3 full days, is funny. First of all, the prospect is exciting, as there are so many options and  things to do.  It takes me a while to relax into it and not speed into doing-doing-doing things clock-watching. Running every morning helped  to chill and calm me the f down, so I could approach my days with pleasure rather than  with 17 purposes- damn you, perpetual To Do list;  I didn't follow the training plan this week - instead of short intervals sessions I chose to run a 10km average for an hour or so, every morning, and without music or podcasts, as a sort of meditation. I saw friends from way back in the day, that I have not seen for years and years, certainly from before having kids, when I was a different person.  Ex-ci-Tiiiiinggggggg!!! That was such a breath of fresh air, and so comforting- I expected a lo