miles 30.46; Bike miles 0; Units 27

A good running week. I planned for 4 runs, however only 3 resulted as the Saturday run fell to the combined demons of ice, cold and shopping (!). I thought I might be able to nip in a cheeky 3 or 4 miles after we had returned from the delights of the first batch of Christmas shopping (oh, and buying a new telly...so it was not all bad) but it was not to be. And a rather nice bottle of La Tour du Mons 2000 (Cru Bourgeois Margaux) called too..

This week, I managed a hill session in the cold on Wednesday, which did not tax me too much, a steady 7 on Friday, and then a challenging and hilly 18 on Sunday. This was a great run in the cold air - just splendid to be out there when it is so quiet and cold. Just really wonderful. The temperature hovered between -1 and +1, no snow in sight, and a bit of occasional ice. Just really good.

I was reflecting as I ran on one significant change in my attitude since running - and that is my approach to artificial fibres. Before running, it had to be cotton, wool or silk all the way, with maybe a begrudged bit of nylon in the socks. However, once you start running, and begin to experience the water-holding properties of a cotton T-shirt, then it is not long until you embrace polyester and its wicking qualities fully. Now, I would not dream of running out without a full deck of man-made fibres, and, doing so, I am assured of a cool, dry and refreshed run. There's a metaphor here just waiting to escape around what it takes to make you try something new.

The pinnacle is no doubt Skins - compression wear - running tights

(when did I ever think I'd be talking about this?). Suffice it to say that I wear the short tight as an undergarment whilst running, and right now I am wearing the full tight (pictured) as a recovery product. And, you know, it does just seem to help my muscles recover more quickly. They are just like the socks you wear in long haul, or in hospital, helping improve circulation, making it easier for the blood to move through your body and letting the body flush out waste products from exercise more quickly.

Perhaps more importantly I look like a cool surf dude from the future when I wear them. Hurrah! Much to be suggested (and with Christmas coming up...?)

Although yet again no bike miles, I did put my wind-up and eco-friendly LED lights on my bike. You never know, they might get used..

Wine of the week and the vlog has to be d'Arenberg's Dead Arm Shiraz 2001 (about £45, Lay and Wheeler) - a gorgeously jammy, rich shiraz from Australia, one of the iconic wines. What is so delightful is that it has no harshness, no edges - it just a solid wall of lovely fruit, that goes on and on in the mouth, fades gently, and continues for minutes. This is beautiful wine - and so different from the European wines I have been featuring hithertofore.

Enjoy!