Hello world, sorry this one is a day late. As we will find out further in this week's blog, it hasn't been an easy road. Alas 15k covered.. so let's see how this was achieved.
Parkrun🌳
I leapt out of bed for this one. The sun was shining, the birds were tweeting.
Is how this blog should start, but dear reader, just because the sun is shining it does not mean this is true for my mood.
I was recovering from a pretty hefty self induced migraine, and the pain was still at the front of my head. This is where I am pretty rubbish. Admit defeat? Or, admit that it is my own fault for crying too much, not drinking enough water, and not eating.
I think I've already learnt on this short journey so far that no fuel = bad runs running. So, starving myself is out of the question.
I did the latter, got out of bed, made a hot cross bun and downed half a pint of water. Sunglasses at the ready it was time to tackle the biggest hurdle of the day. 5k. I know it will make me feel better, I know it will stop me overthinking things. I know this is a good cure for me. It was 32 minutes of sweat, but, as you can see from this photo I have a smile on my face.
I'd got to the end!
If I'd posted this picture up on social media people would think, she's fine. she's smiling. There's nothing wrong. & I guess this is a stigma that comes with Mental Health.
Disclaimer: I know I said that this blog would be about my journey to a half marathon, but it seems that warts an all, this is going to be very much about how running helps me stay sane, stay focused, and stay strong at my weakest point. The reality is, the gremlin that lives in my mind, could come out at any point and absolutely demolish the best run in the world, just by planting a tiny negative seed. I use running to banish it, and it works, for the time I'm running, but it can also get me into defeatist mode too.
But... how cool are my new shorts?! It did mean that the Gluteus Maximus was orbiting Avenham Park this fine spring morning. But these are the best shorts I've ever worn. They didn't move an inch, and felt so super soft - Purchased from Rainbows & Sprinkles - I definitely feel another purchase coming along! (I mean, I've got to stand out on race day, right?) And they did put a slight spring in my step.
No PB this week, which is fine. I'd got up and made it there (in body, not in mind) and this was the main thing. 32.25, which means I'm getting consistent in club 32.
The pure focus on my face.
Lots of familiar faces this week (Still no Sophie🙄), which is always wonderful - and it's nice to know that you're going to have people to say hello to week on week. Also, this was my 25th run AT Preston.
The Breakfast Club
Sunday, 3rd April sees the climax of Sunday running club come to a joyous end. The Therme Manchester Marathon. No, I am not completing the marathon but I've met a lot of inspirational people who are taking on this challenge. I did miss a few runs (& also got nervous of the training distance) but joined them for their final leg of tapering. 10k followed by a big hearty breakfast.
10k is nothing to me these days. It's a casual Sunday morning distance. I covered 8 miles (13k) last weekend what's 10k? A lot. That is what 10k was to me this week. I was still exhausted from what my brain had kindly done to me this weekend and, it's only when you're doing something you know you can do that it hits you. The body is a strange piece of kit. You can have the best running trainers, the best shorts, the best technical top. But if you've neglected your brain / your body. It will tell you. And I was told punished on Sunday.
It was a beautiful route, but, exhausted from this week's meltdown, what I'd asked of my body just felt mammoth. I need to be kind to myself. It wasn't my fastest, and I should get it out of my head that time does not matter. I got round, I was there, I got up and that is the main thing.
Team Manchester Marathon
So, I'm going to dedicate this blog to my wonderful friends who are taking on the mere 26.2 miles this weekend around Manchester. I aim to be there, cheering you around. You are all my heroes, with the training and tenacity that you have put in over the last few months, and I am grateful that you have welcomed me back, week on week to join you. Thank you for being patient with me. And thank you for letting me share some of the journey with you!
You are a wonderful group of people who are going to achieve amazing things on Sunday. 💕
I can't wait to be in Manchester on Sunday. I've never actually been to a marathon, so it will be good to soak up the atmosphere and cheer lots of people on, and see lots of friendly faces!
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