The Running Cocktail Cabinet
Jul07201111:05 a.m.
Gulp. There has been a distinct lack of blogging on my part.
This has been due in part to two main distractions:
Writing my book proposal. There is only so much writing energy to bandy around and any ‘bandying’ has been funnelled into finalising my proposal which I expect to release into the Black Hole of Agent Land by the end of next week. I am a teensy bit excited about it, even if I am harbouring somewhat optimistic fantasies. I suspect any advance (if I am lucky enough to eventually secure a publishing deal) might stretch to a new pair of shoes and replacement of the broken flat screen TV rather than the purchase of a rambling farmhouse in Devon, where I loll about in a literary manner, reflecting on the joyous moment when I handed my notice in to pursue a life of indulgent ramblings.
But this is the year for me of not just talking about things, but actually making them happen. And if we don’t follow our dreams, then how can they ever be realised?
My other excuse is one of sheer hedonism and the fact I have had some semblance of a social life in recent weeks.
There has been consistent running maintained throughout. With a twist. That twist being one of lime and a splash of tonic water. Normally this running of late has involved running with varying shades of hangover. Others runs have been executed whilst the alcohol has still been sloshing through my veins.
Consequently I have perfected my measurement scale of Running Inebriation and its effect on performance. I have concluded this works along the lines of the Richter scale for earthquake measurement. The general principle of the Richter scale is an exponential increase in magnitude as each ‘point’ on the scale increases. I can confirm there is a scary correlation in the exponential impact in going from two glasses of wine to three and attempting to run.
Don’t do it.
It isn’t pretty.
Particularly if said wine consumption has been aided and abetted by lashings of fine cheeses.
Definitely don’t try this at home. Or through the trails of your local forest, or lurching around the local streets.
General conclusions: Pimms is kinder than gin and tonic; red wine is dangerous; NZ sauvignon blanc remains my rehydration drink of choice.
So, last night, I decided I needed to pay penance for my unorthodox approach to training in the last few weeks and set off for my first fartlek session in months. Fartlek is more attuned to living a life of piousness and gives a phonetic impression of self flagellation, so seemed fitting as repayment for my sins.
So, self-flagellate I did.
I had forgotten just how horrendous it is to run like your pants are on fire between lampposts. Probably just as horrendous an experience for the elderly pedestrians walking towards me.
Tomorrow I am going to take a slow-cooker approach to punishment by finally extending my long run of the week out to 10 miles (9 last week). It is depressingly long since I have run double figures and it is time to get back in the saddle rather than back on the bar stool.
Hic.
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Comments (15)
Hat 'As usual, a fabby, funny blog Simone and I'm excited (on your behalf) about your year of making things happen. Looking forward to hearing how you get on in the curious underworld of Agent Land, a world I could never penetrate... and I hope I'll be invited to your snazzy book launch! So a best selling bonkbuster next then?? See you on Saturday.x' added 7th Jul 2011
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Johnf 'I didn't realise you had taken the plunge and left work to become a published author, I can only say well done on a very brave decision and all my fingers are crossed to wish you the very best of luck breaking those agent doors down. I'll buy it, what's the genre. Can I ask if you have joined Opus Dei or do I read things too literally!! Blog contents as normal very funny.' added 7th Jul 2011
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Suziewee 'Best of luck with the book proposal, and I sincerely hope you are able to get that rambling farmhouse in Devon. Hope the 10 miler is painfree after those horrid fartleks!!' added 7th Jul 2011
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moose10 'good luck with the book proposal all very exciting. I've only run with a hangover a couple of times now I'd sooner put off the run,terrible.' added 7th Jul 2011
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Nick 'Well you probably deserve to suffer a bit, if you've been abusing your body with cheese and wine! let us know when your book comes out as we shall all want to read it!' added 7th Jul 2011
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Keith_L 'Carpe diem.....and hope the book gets the audience it deserves' added 7th Jul 2011
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Firefly123 'Great post, Simone and good luck with the book. I'm really sorry that I won't see you tomorrow, but I'll come to the house warming party at the farmhouse in Devon!' added 8th Jul 2011
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Dungey 'Good luck with the book, have you thought about doing the Medoc Marathon where they have red wine on the tables every few miles' added 8th Jul 2011
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ClareVR 'Great post Simone, I always try and drag myself out with a hangover under the pretense that it will make me feel better, but I agree the red wine is dangerous! Best of luck with your book!' added 8th Jul 2011
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shazzer 'Thanks for the welcome back, Simone. My - you have been very busy - very exciting about the book. Good luck with the agents. I will follow your advice on the wine and cheese and running, glad you have experimented first - so now I don't have to try it! Looking forward to following another year of marathon training. ' added 10th Jul 2011
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maxineslade 'Love the idea of a drinkometer for runs. Glad that you are back on the straight and narrow now though' added 10th Jul 2011
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Jenny1961 'So exciting knowing that I have actually MET and SAT NEXT TO a budding author! I think we are all thrilled for you Simone and are agog with anticipation. Disappointed re the wine and cheese. I was hoping you had found a new way to energise the body for the runs! I love Dungey's comment. Yep- I agree. Get yourself over to that there Marathon du Medoc! PS It was great meeting you at last on Saturday :)' added 11th Jul 2011
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onthefloor04 'So what's the book about? (sorry i've been away from blog land for ages and have no idea what people are doing)' added 11th Jul 2011
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tinabee 'You are braver than I am running with alcohol sloshing around your system - lol! Fingers crossed for the book deal though! How exciting!' added 12th Jul 2011
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Ruth22 'oh dear, I'm ashamed to admit I know that alcoholic-fuelled running (lurching?) feeling all too well. I think it stems from feeling justified in (over) indulging as all the exercise is making you healthier. But yes, a balance is needed. And come on, what's the book about, what's the book about???' added 13th Jul 2011
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