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04.27 – 05.03

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Life

Got a last-minute invite to an all staff agenda-less meeting which is never what anyone wants. It inevitably heralded in the latest of five (5) restructures since 2024. My role isn’t (at least as far as I can make out) currently at risk, but the vibes aren’t great.

We had our annual long weekend in The Lakes with the Scotland crew. It was made considerably more palatable on this occasion by going early on the Friday and staying till long after the bank holiday traffic had dissipated. We only had to stop once in each direction, and there was zero puking from either child. And barely so much as a slapped wrist for keeping Ηη out of school for two days in order to accomplish the aforementioned travel arrangements. Truly miraculous all round. Also we didn’t get food poisoned (or whatever it was) this time around.

Σσ and I were certainly less boozy than previous years but I still felt slightly pickled by the end. It made me realise that I’m enjoying a more considered approach to drinking in general, but I’m clearly not immune to falling into slightly mindless binge behaviour, which invariably leaves me feeling fairly daft in its wake.

The kids activities were better received by our two than they have been in previous years with very few meltdowns. Cookie the dog was probably the most helpful pacifier for Ηη, and the bigger girls spent several hours doting on Αα. I think we should probably accept that we’ll be unlikely to achieve these dizzy heights of good humour and behaviour ever again.

My low point was shouting ‘GET A GRIP’ at Ηη when he became hysterical after falling over on a trampoline.

The path to me becoming a fully-fledged football lad continues with the purchase of several books (lads love books), and much poring over the premiership table with Ηη (at his request). I think the logical next step is to get into fantasy football – watch this space.

Running

I went up The Old Man (and some other nearby peaks on the same ridge) in some thick clag. I only had the vaguest sense of where I was at any time, but it was hugely enjoyable and a far cry from any of the running I’ve done for at least the last six months. I also got reacquainted with my low-stack daps which taught me my calves need a bit of reconditioning – I’ve become too accustomed to bouncy superfoams and need to feel the ground under my feet again.

Me and Σσ also managed to convince the rest of the amassed adults (and kids, and dog) to look after Ηη and Αα while we went for a trot around the trails for an hour. Very pleasant it was too.

• Wednesday: Easy 40' – 5.02mi at 8:03/mi
• Thursday: Hills – 8.04mi at 7:53/mi
• Saturday: Clag – 11.48mi at 12:25/mi
• Sunday: Torver – 4.89mi at 8:30/mi