I got up at 11am this morning after watching some shitty tv on iplayer. For some reason I like Atlantis even though some of the acting is as hollow as Iain Duncan Smith's head. The rain was battering off the window, slightly putting me off my long run. After a lovely latte, I managed to get my trainers on and set off into the hills.

I wish I had taken my camera as the light was remarkable. Sun was reflecting off dark rain clouds, suggesting impending doom. Colours were deep autumn ones and the air had that fresh winter feel about it. The hills, whilst steep, didn't seem too bad today. After about 15 minutes, my feet were soaking yet again. (Trainers never seem to dry out in time for the next run and the house smells like a shire horse on a wet day).

After about an hour, my legs started to object, with a twinge in my calf making me back off on the downhill bits. I had decided to do mainly road today but this was the result. Thankfully, it eased off when I went onto the trans pennine trail and the last 5km was as comfortable as it could have been. I was pleased to get home after 2 hours of running and demolished a big dish of pasta before I had even showered.

No time for chill though. It's into November and my days of training only when I can be bothered are over. I headed into to town for swimming but had a coffee in NTP first. Kate n Jules are now gone and there's quite a few new staff. It feels different but I'm sure I'll get to know everyone soon enough.

I got the blip pic walking to the pool. Manchester isn't the prettiest city on earth but the light at night is always interesting. The famous artist Valette loved the canals around the city and they were the subject of much of his work. Whilst I don't compare myself to him, I can see what he saw in his subject.

We had a Halloween swim set. Quite ridiculous but fun. Backstroke Zombie was savage. Swimming with our arms pointing to the ceiling is hardly efficient and meant kicking like crazy. Then it was a sprint set where everyone had to let out a terrified scream on hitting the wall. Tricia's scream was terrifying and Sophie sounded like Penelope Pitstop on helium. I suspect mine was like Ben Hur going into battle, blood curdling and macho.

I'm now sitting writing on the train feeling guilty. Rosemary had an Open 5, 5 hours of off-road biking, running and strategic navigation. As the series is run relatively remote environments throughout the winter, conditions can be treacherous. I do worry a bit and always get annoyed when she takes ages to phone afterwards. The thing is.....I left my phone at home. Dog house!

Slight update. Rosemary n my friend Caroline won the female pairs. Well done lassies!