The Good, The Bad & The Ugly.

 First week back at work. Let's go! I knew this week would be a challenge. Would I manage to fit some runs in and work? I don't want to over do it again and exhaust myself. Well, this is how my week panned out.

Unfortunately, I did not make it out for Thursday night run fun with Chorley Runners. I had been to the gym on Monday, and to a gig on Tuesday. I gave myself a rest from the gym on Wednesday and I just thought, take a week off. 

I was very proud of myself for listening to my body, as much as I missed going out on Thursday night, but, there will be plenty more Thursday night runs in the future.

Parkrun Saturday 🌳

This was Parkrun number 35! Only 15 more until the great 50! I shot up out of bed thinking I'd missed my alarm as the sun was blaring through the curtains. Nope. 1 minute to 20 past 7. Just get up. But I didn't want to. I really did not want to run this morning.
I looked at the weather, and after last weeks storms, I would be stupid to pass up this beautiful morning. It was a glorious spring morning and Avenham Park honestly looked stunning. 
Feeling optimistic I left my trademark grey and black jacket at home. I even got comments of "where's your coat this week!?" I didn't really regret not having it, as once I got moving I certainly felt the benefits of not having my jacket. 
Because of how tired I was feeling, I wasn't going for a time. I was just enjoying Parkrun. I couldn't beat that sprint finish from last week, I just wanted to get to the the end. Upon reflection, I really enjoyed my run. I saw lots of familiar faces this week, the sun was shining. I think it definitely changed people's moods and attitudes this morning. 

My time came through at 32.40. I'd beaten last weeks fluke of a time by 8 whole seconds. I must have been comfortable running to get that time. Everyone achieved a PB, which was / is and always will be, a great feeling. 💕

Sunday

I unfortunately could not make the lion's run again today. Reports for school are due, and, as much as I would absolutely love using going to Lytham for 8am a perfect excuse for procrastination I thought I better sit down and do some work instead. I had planned a lovely new route for the afternoon, that would see me up to approximately 11km, with the option to stretch it depending how I was feeling. The sun was shining, perfectly beautiful day for a run. 
I set out, with my hydration pack on, a base layer (I HATE my arms feeling cold, I could always roll the sleeves up) and my trusty running playlist.

This is where it went downhill very, very quickly. I got to the end of Buckshaw (roughly 1km from home) and I could feel a niggle in my left knee. I had my knee supports on so why, was this niggling me. Now. I had 2 choices. 
1) turn left and suck up the pain for another 10km.
2) turn right, head through Euxton and get home. 

I went through Euxton. My feet were hurting, I had 1litre of water on my back, something I was not used to carrying. I absolutely did not need that base layer on, and,  Auntie Flo (my period) had come to visit. 

I was so annoyed with myself, I have never had a run like this. I got home, infuriated, and quite frankly disappointed with myself.

But, here are the positives from this. I got up, and I went out. I put my feet through the door even though my uterus was (is) screaming at me and I ran 4k more than I would have done if I'd have admitted defeat. More importantly, I listened to my body. I could have fought that extra 10k, and set my training back 10 steps. Instead, I went home only covering under half the distance intended.

I am my own worst enemy, my own worst critic. So, it is very easy for me to say what went wrong today. But not all runs can be perfect and, it puts it into reality that there is every chance that this could happen to me on Half Marathon day. 
Here, at home, I can turn around, come home and curl up under my blanket and forget it ever happened. But in September, I will be damned if I'll be having DNF next to my name. 

So, lets rule a line under today, next week is a fresh week, and maybe, I'll be able to get out and complete a larger distance next week. But thank you weather, for being much kinder than last weekend. I hope spring really is here to stay. 

I am just over half way from my fundraising target of £400.
I am running the Great North Run for Macmillan Cancer on the 11th September 2022.
This is the furthest distance I will have ever run and I aim to complete this under 2hr 30 minutes.
Any donations are greatly appreciated via Just Giving
Thank you!