Happily Ever After

Life in The Rural Retreat with a beautiful wife, three cats, garden wildlife, a camera, a computer – and increasing amounts about running

Earlier posts can be found on Adventures of a Lone Bass Player, where this blog began life. Recent entries can be found here.

A Last-minute Addition

by Russell Turner - 21:09 on 06 December 2025

It’s been a day of winning: the lottery (£4 on Euromillions) and two raffle prizes at the Resolis Hall Christmas Fair – a bottle of whisky (blended, but I can’t complain) and a grow-your-own amaryllis kit (bulb, pot and compost – just add water).

So when a last-minute place in the 10-mile Lossiemouth Turkey Trot next Sunday unexpectedly became available, it seemed too good to turn down. I’d considered it earlier this year, but entries with medals sold out quickly. Non-medal entries were still to be had, but what’s the point of a race when there’s nothing to show for it at the end? This place was for entry and a medal. I like my bling.

The marathon training plan calls for a 90min long run next Sunday; I estimate a sedate 10 miles will be closer to 1:45 but that’s not too much difference – I can cope with an extra 15mins.

Week 2 training had concluded on Wednesday with a second 75min 5:1 long run which covered slightly less distance than the previous one, at slightly less effort. Long runs are supposed to be easy. There’s still a long way to go until Manchester but I’ve been feeling a little more optimistic about actually being there, boosted by news that a Garmin friend is also taking part.

I reach the plan’s 18-mile mark in mid-February, with 13 miles the following week (which might be the Middlesbrough Half Marathon). That’s when I’ll decide if Manchester is feasible, unless I’ve already abandoned the idea.

One marathon I definitely will do (all being well) is my annual virtual London. This falls the weekend after Manchester, so sounds like too much hard work. However, I have a cunning plan: an A-Z of the Black Isle, running a mile for each letter, finish time immaterial. Some miles will be linked, others will be a single out-and-back joined together by car. I’ve found almost all 26 letters (although Newhall Xroads is stretching it, and my Q is a bit dubious too) apart from Z. Fortunately I’ve a few months to keep searching.

Doing them in alphabetical order will not happen – that would be too much of a logistical challenge. And very silly.

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