MILLY VOICE

"Chamonix - Brevént III" by Didier Baertschiger is licensed under CC by 2.0

Mid feb. Out of nowhere, we are looking onwards till March. It's been really exciting hearing about how many people are getting involved in training plans, taking on new adventures and aspiring to some really great things! I was really chuffed to hear about how a particular group of runners, namely Team Applecross, who decided to embark upon their own running journey, and was touched that they took the likes of me as inspiration! I don't think I am particularly inspiring myself- I'm just a 20 something girl who finds it hard to keep still and is always dreaming. But that's probably it : dreams,dreaming. So important and as I say at the end of our BMC film, and will say it again, you must follow dreams. They are the inner voice mentoring you forward and spurring you on. So whatever your dream, you must go out there and go.

I can't really give a highlight of this month as it's not yet over, but at this point I am beginning to get excited about the running ahead. Injury has been difficult - an X-ray has confirmed some swelling in my knee so I am having to approach training at this time with some wisdom and caution. Not training is hard. Harder than a hard days training. Anyone who has had to take time out of sport training can sympathise - you want to begin, get going and overcome the challenges ahead to realise dreams and goals. But you can't, and that's demotivating. However, I am now beginning to take the steps with re-strengthening my core and re-finding my feet, amending my training so to prevent recurring injury. It's a learning process.

So here are some thoughts for those training, and some useful things to share in mid- Feb

Injury- that's life. To anyone running and suddenly struck with IT band or similar aches and pains, don't be disheartened. I took time out of training last year to rest my IT band, and I still took part in an mountain ultra, and did okay.

Water- drink lots of it. I'm trying to drink much more, as it really is life fuel.

Blogs- Nikki's blog is an inspiration, this girl is not only a super star, super woman and super runner, she is a true friend.

Lighter evenings- not far away, thank goodness.

Training plans- don't get TOO bogged down with them. Excellent structure, but life sometimes goes off course.. Listen to your body, and keep time on your feet.

And yeah, keep dreaming.