The slower pace of life..

This week, (or last week, as it is Wednesday and I am only just doing this weeks blog!) I mentioned I was supposed to be "resting" and taking the slower pace of life. 

I couldn't cope with that so went out on Thursday night with one of my favourite local groups, Chorley Runners.

The thing I love about Chorley Runners is that they are all so friendly, and have regular meet ups at local races. I am yet to order myself a shiny CR top, but at the moment, due to other commitments I only tend to go to their Thursday evening runs. I'm starting to ponder shaking up my training routine, which would mean I could possibly attend a second session but this is all currently just airy fairy in my head! (I digress...)

So, Chorley Runners, Thursday night. It is a 7k session. This is only my second time attending, due to other commitments but I love these Thursday night runs because; its dark, and, I have absolutely no clue where I am because they run around an area of Chorley I have never been to before. So I see it as my very own magical mystery tour.

This week, saw us hitting Duxbury Woods for part of the run. My stomach absolutely went because it was pitch black and only lit by our running lights. But, I felt a huge sense of accomplishment once we were through. I would never do this on my own, and I would not recommend it. But I was with a group and my anxiety rears its head when going through pitch black areas. So I was very, very proud that I managed this. I can't wait to go through the woods again when the nights are much lighter. Duxbury Woods is one place I have never really explored but it is nice to learn about new local areas to explore. 

This was my first outing since Mad Dog, and, as us runners like to do after a race, we like to show off our new t-shirts / goodies. I went to this run sporting my new Mad Dog buffer (over my ears, as a headband - absolutely changed my life this winter!) As we paused mid route to regroup, a gentleman who was at the head of the pack clocked my buffer and got his out of his pocket. "It's like we're part of a secret club." And it really does feel like this.
[sidenote; I was not sporting my T-shirt because I got a vest, and, with it being the depths of February, it is absolutely not the time to be pounding the streets of Chorley in a Mad Dog vest to show off to all my running friends.]

"Rest Day"

As mentioned I was supposed to be taking a weekend off Parkrun. We were going to Leeds for the weekend to see some friends (& the rugby; Leeds v Warrington). I had accepted that, I should socialise and not base my weekend around Parkruns around the country... Life is for living after all...

"I'll pack my kit just in case."
"Where in Leeds are we going again?"
"You'll drive me won't you, it's not that far.."

Final hill at Woodhouse Moor Parkrun - Leeds

I couldn't help myself and 8.50am I found myself at my first ever Parkrun tourist event at the Hyde Park area in Leeds. Their Parkrun is called "Woodhouse Moor" and was really easy to find. (Just follow the stream of runners heading for the start.)
Sometimes, in my little Prestonia bubble, its strange really to think that there are thousands of other people waking up and strolling to a Parkrun start line, pretty much anywhere in the world.

Mr. Coxy was less than impressed, but, it was the first time he had come to see me at Parkrun! He was my driver for the morning, and I was very, very grateful. It was a 3 lap course, I could cope with that. Just like Preston. 
The start absolutely baffled me. I stood, uncomfortably close to where the run briefing took place. (RD stood on a bench briefing the sea of people) Once the briefing had finished, I expected us all to move to the start line (this is what happens at Preston) nope. "3...2...1...go!" I was absolutely bamboozled. Start the Fitbit (if its not on Strava, it doesn't count) and get your legs moving!

It was a majority flat run, with volunteers for Leeds Uni out with cow bells this week, this certainly made it easier to move around the course. I had no expectation of a time. Just get round, and enjoy my first ever touring Parkrun. What I did not enjoy is the slight incline at the end of each lap. 

(Thank you Preston, I never thought I would thank you for that awful hill, but there is something mentally positive about having that hill at the start of each lap!) 

As I trudged up the final incline towards the finish line I could hear people coming up behind me (this Parkrun is MUCH busier than Preston - 482) I had to make a decision of how many people I was going to let pass me. I got to the final 100m. There was a gentleman, right on my tail. I sped up, he sped up. I got him. Right at the end. No hard feelings. We laughed. I apologised, I got him by 1 second. Finish tokens collected and absolute shock to my face when I checked my Fitbit. 32 minutes. Very happy. I've been wanting to join the 32 club for a while now.  

"Did you see the guy's top who you beat?"
"No?"

"He was from Warrington." 

"Maybe its a sign of things to come for the match." *spoiler* it wasn't. 

When my time came through, I was even more impressed. Not only had I got a new PB. My time was 31.44. 

I did get in trouble off my two partners in crime back in Preston. (Sophie & James) As they saw the map appear on Strava the messages came through; 

"I thought you were having a week off.."

"I thought you said no Parkrun..." 

Sometimes.. a girl just can't help herself!

Did you even go on tour if you didn't pose next to the sign?

So my takeaways from this little stint is, don't just listen to what people say, Parkrun Tourism really is the best. I have always been nervous about finding the start lines at Parkruns you're not used to. But get there early enough, soak up the atmosphere and follow the stream of runners.
You also get to meet lots of different people and experience different courses. 

5k to start your Saturday morning really is the best way. 

Due to my little weekend excursion, it saw another week of being unable to make the weekly longer runs. The Lion's next long run is a mere 18 miles. I hope to attend, but I have a feeling I will not be doing the full 18. The last long run I did was 12 miles and I feel from 12 to 18 is a massive jump for me. But, having a few weeks to reflect on this mammoth task, knowing I have completed 12 miles gives me the confidence that I CAN complete the Great North Run in September, and it makes me all the more excited for my time to come.

Don't forget you can donate to this challenge on my Just Giving page here.

Let's see what running adventures face me this week. As I type this, there are weather warnings for 2 storms.. (Dudley & Eunice) so this could make for a very interesting week of running..