Bring on the big melt

Some people claim running is an addiction. I claim that running breeds addictions. Specifically, if this past week is anything to go by, a serious dependency on the weather forecast.

First it was an obsession with the ‘will it won’t it’ snow story. Online, on screen, on the radio. I was logging in, turning on and tuning into wherever the Met Office’s finest were doing their thing.

Then it was a rejigging of the training schedule according to their decree. At one point it was looking like a first week wipe-out as far as running was concerned, with the all important long run looking as likely as a vote of confidence in Gordon Brown.

Thank heavens, then, for the Michael Fish effect. The heavy snowfall forecast for Saturday failed to materialise. I saw my chance and seized it. Twelve miles through an almost deserted central London, gloriously devoid of the usual obstructive knots of tourists. Hyde Park was a picture – The Serpentine Lake a particular treat, iced over and topped with an unbroken layer of white. Okay, so Constitution Hill resembled a bob sleigh luge; but was negotiated slowly but successfully. (That is to say without broken bones).

The rest of the week’s runs have gone to plan so far. Which is more than can be said, unfortunately, for our fundraising efforts to date. They say every little counts, and of course it does. But our £100 tally is looking a little sad next to the great big £3,000 target. Go on, cheer it up. A quick click here and you’re almost there: http://www.justgiving.co.uk/carolineandleonie

Leonie’s run rate

Miles since 1 January: 27.3

Extra distance added when ‘long route’ run was miscalculated and turned out to be nothing of the sort: 0.3 miles

Caroline’s run rate

Miles since 1 January:  32

Horribly painful sports massages to deal with ITB injury: 1