Running and other things

I had a slow start running in October due to the driving involved in the visit to the Hebrides but I have been making up for that since with 5 runs of 5 miles and two of four miles making 33 miles for the week. On the downside each of them has become progressively slower and I started today with the first mile at almost 10.00 minutes which is where I was months ago.
However, I looked at the app during the run for a change and sped up leading to positive splits throughout the run. The final three miles were all under 9 minute miles and I was closer to 8.30 by the end. The final average pace was 9.15 per mile. Just shows I can do much better if I put some effort in, if in fact going more quickly is the aim. I spend a good deal of time just thinking getting it done is good in itself, regardless of how long it takes. There is merit in both I guess.
Storm Callum has been blowing throughout the day but it has been incredibly mild still. Lots of work done around the home again and things are looking good all round the house - new coffee table delivered today as well.

The big news is I have finally started the actual writing of my book. Just the first couple of lines but it is a start. Finished by Christmas?

Isle of Lewis

I've been away for a short while visiting mum on the Isle of Harris where she is in a care home. The journey up from the south is a very long one and it is often accompanied by rain, lots of it. I've become used to stopping at Carlisle, the M6 Premier Inn at Jcn 42 and I did so on Sunday evening, enjoying a meal at the attached Beefeater as well. It was nice to be able to get a run in as well.
The next day saw the second leg, just about the same distance from Carlisle to Ullapool. I stopped at Blair Atholl breifly and managed another run, this time 4 miles along the most scenic road imaginable. Looked beautiful.
By the time I got to Inverness it was raining and that was that for the virtually the whole visit. The ferry crossing was fun, 2 1/2 hours with the chair I was sat on sliding around in the swell as the wind rose. The ferry was cancelled the next day such was the severity of the weather.
Once in Stornoway I went to Aird Tong and settled in for the next few days. The journey down to Harris is an hour's drive, 37 miles from Stornoway and, once again, the scenery is stunning. You can see that in the photos.
The rain hardly stopped during my stay but it was better than last time which saw snow and gales and a delay getting home.
Home now after the 11 1/2 hour drive with just a few minutes top for petrol. I don't think I'll be doing that again.

Great to be back and what a difference with t shirt weather encouraging me onto the golf course. I got round in 39 which meant one double bogey, 4 bogeys and 4 pars. Best round so far.