This is my second year as an allotment holder. 

The first year wasn’t great, I didn’t really know what I was doing and therefore, although I did manage to grow the odd thing, it was a year of mistakes. The whole ‘owning an allotment’ thing is trickier than you might think. Here are a few issues I had in year one:

• The weeds. The bloody weeds grow all the time, they grow quicker than the actual crops, it is a constant battle.
• The pests. I’m not entirely sure what the ‘pests’ are but they eat virtually anything you plant. You never see them. Even the 6ft beast that must have devoured the sweetcorn manages to do it without getting spotted, never mind the little tiny bugs. 
• Time. An allotment needs more time than you actually realise. You need loads of it to keep on top – leave it a week without popping down there and you’ve lost the battle.  
• Your fellow allotmentiers. They are good at growing stuff. Their allotment is always full of lovely looking crops. They have loads of advice for you, some of it good, some of it just to baffling to understand.

So, it’s my second season on the allotment, and I still don’t really know what I’m doing, although I do manage to actually look like I do. 

Here are some of the ways I have tackled the issues I had in year one:

• The weeds. I’ve been on the ball. I’m up the allotment a couple of times a week just weeding. It’s still a constant battle – only this year I’m just about winning.
• The pests. This year I am only growing stuff that grows and doesn’t get eaten: carrots, potatoes, onions and runner beans. Although I’m still persevering with the sweetcorn – I’m hoping to beat the beast to them this year. I’ve also even began to experiment with some crops that bugs love – brassacias – and covering them with netting.
• Time. I’ve made a big effort to spend a bit more time at the allotment. I’ve also found that I can do things a lot quicker.
• Your fellow allotmentiers. I’ve embraced them all: the ones that talk nonsense, the ones that talk sense, and the ones that just talk and talk and talk. They are a lovely bunch. And all the advice I’ve been given? I just take it or leave it. No worries.

This is what it looks like at the moment: 

Results are ok….

Today’s run didn’t take place until late. Due in part to the weather, it had been raining all day and it wasn’t until after 8pm that the rain eased up enough to head out. 

This is my fifth run in the Fivefingers and, as is the plan, tonight I managed to run slightly further and slightly faster than I have done up to this point. 

I also managed a couple of Fivefinger firsts:

1. It had pretty much rained all day and it was pretty muddy at the woods. The Fivefingers I have seem to have a fair bit of grip on the sole, but not enough. Which made for quite a comical run at times.
2. I also ventured off the trails for part of the run, which meant running on a concrete path for a mile or so. That was a new experience, the feet definitely need a bit of time to toughen up. 

Overall an enjoyable run. 4 min run/2 min walk x 6 – 3.3 miles in all. Slowly getting there. 

I’m definitely feeling more comfortable with each run. I’m managing to get a good stride, posture and cadence without having to concentrate too much now – things are feeling more natural. 

It’s all good. 

It’s been a good weekend.

Yesterday was full of stuff:

• A lovely morning run at Rutland Water Parkrun – in regular running shoes
• Bacon sandwiches
• Lots of people
• Cute puppies
• A fantastic massage
• Dinner out
• Chocolate twists from one of my marvellous nephews
• Frank Turner documentary

Sunday was slightly more relaxing, but equally full up with stuff:

• A 6.30am morning run – 3 miles of running/walking in the Fivefingers
• 2 hours at the allotment
• A couple of hours watching the F1 racing
• A spot of gardening 
• Some marking and lesson planning

But what was my decision I hear you ask? 

Well, my continued research into moving to barefoot running suggests it will take several weeks, if not several months, to be able to make the transition from regular running shoes without injury. So I’ve decided to focus less on running 1000 miles this year – currently on 535 miles – and concentrate on the extra rest days that the transition to the barefoot running requires. Decision made. 

Also, after my first ever leg massage yesterday, I’m definitely going to be getting myself a few more of those. Another decision made.

Cushty.

Second outing with the Fivefingers tonight. Still taking it slow and steady, as advised. 

3min running/2min walking x 6. A total of 2.6 miles in 30min. 

After Wednesday’s first run out wearing them it was the lower calves that were aching the next day, so I’m hoping for less reaction in the morning. 

Next run out in the Fivefingers will be Sunday morning.

Tomorrow: parkrun. 

Today was my first go at a bit of barefoot running. 

Cue a picture…which has been edited to ensure no-one gets freaked out by the whole toe thing…

Having taken onboard advice that suggests it is best to start off slow, I headed to the trails of Bourne Wood for a gentle bit of running/walking for half hour. Did 2 min run followed by 2 min walk for 2 miles.

Running in the Fivefingers was definitely different. Felt really good. It makes you lean forward more, land lighter and have a quicker cadence. 

Managed to complete the run without any aches or injuries.

So far so good. 

Look what arrived today…

My first ever pair of Vibram Fivefingers; in a very fetching bright blue I might add.

Now, during my extensive research into barefoot running, and particularly running in Fivefingers, I read on numerous occasions that putting them on is the first problem you come across. 

I came across it. You see, I can’t really spread my toes at all. So the whole process was somewhat difficult. But after much wriggling and pushing and manipulating and swearing, they were on. AND looking good.

I resisted the urge to get out and run, plus I already had a prior engagement. So, the first experience of wearing the Vibram Fivefingers was at home whilst I ate dinner. Now that’s taking the whole ‘need to take it slow and steady’ to a new level. 

Tomorrow: the first actual run wearing them.