I always find it a funny week, going back to work after the holidays. I've really, really enjoyed having the freedom of running whenever I wanted, and having the time to recuperate. Due to this, I am now sat, with my thigh muscles crying at me, because I've overdone it! (When will I ever learn!?)
This is how this week has panned out. (& what a long week it feels like it has been!)
Monday - Chorley Runners 10k trail run.
I will admit, I usually go out on Easter Sunday for a run, because the streets are just so much more quieter, but knowing there was a 10k trail run booked for Monday, I thought that I better have a rest. (And, for the first time in a while I went into town for a few drinks!) I was very tired so made sure I rested on Monday ready for the trial run. I got out and I did it. It was lovely! Good weather (a tad cooler), friendly faces and a delightful route, exploring areas that are so close to where I live, but I've never actually been across them.
Due to having a few gins the night before, I thought it was best to take the old hydration pack out as I'm not the best at hydrating myself throughout the day. It worked a treat - but I've been struggling with my feet of late. I don't know if this is because I'm not used to running in warmer weather, or, if it is because I'm just not used to covering such large distances, but, my dear feet you better get used to it, because I don't plan on stopping anytime soon!
Demon cows
There was however, one part of the run where I ran probably faster than I ever have on a longer run. The cow field. Even when we go walking and we reach a field full of cows I get a bit nervous. I was kind of okay because I wasn't alone today, until, one of the cows decided to join in our run. Have you ever seen a cow run? Your life flashes before your eyes. We were surrounded on both sides of the path. This lass decided to stare us out of its field, and we were all grateful to be out. I don't fancy having on my death certificate "trampled by cows." Aside from this, I am really enjoying my introduction to trail running. There is just something about being off the beaten track, feeling free and getting to places you wouldn't normally.
Parkrun number 43
I didn't go out for any other midweek runs, mainly because Tuesday saw me back to work and I knew, that 30 little people who hadn't seen me for 2 weeks were certainly going to keep me on my toes. They did not disappoint.
Early night on Friday, ready for the best way to start a Saturday. Parkrun. Number 43, 7 weeks until the big 5-0! I was still hurting a bit from the week, so I tried not to put pressure on myself. I feel that reading
Your pace or mine by Lisa Jackson, has really helped me to see running in a different light - However, for some reason or another, I still obsess a little over timings at Parkrun. (Don't ask why. I've always been obsessed with numbers when running)
A really good book, that helps to put running into perspective
So, I set off trying to remember, you're up, you're here, be present and enjoy the run. You can't run your PB every week. It was a really nice week at the park this week. The sun was shining (I didn't take any prisoners and the shorts came out. Lesson learnt last week) and there were a lot of familiar faces (as always!) - Ginny was here making her volunteer debut as barcode scanner - so naturally, when I finished, I made a beeline for her. We grabbed a small group photo with our favourite (shh!) Hi-Viz Hero!
Some Lion's at the end of Parkrun
I ran in 32.31. Which once upon a time I would have been ecstatic about, but now I'm into 31 minutes with my PB, I see 32 minutes as a "bad run" Honestly, what is wrong with me?! But, as I've said - I'd had a few niggles this week and I need to be kind to myself. 32 minutes is a very respectable Parkrun time.
Post run selfie - got to be done!
I was exhausted after the run, so, went home and had a 2 hour nap. & enjoyed every minute of it! - No regrets. I went to bed early on Saturday night, so that I was rested and raring to go for Sunday morning run club returning!
"10k" Lion's Sunday Run
How lucky are we to live in such a beautiful area?
Bottom of Holland House Steps.
This week had been billed as "Chorley 10k prep." So, off I went thinking I was covering 10k this morning. I left the pink power pack at home. I can get round 10k without any fuel can't I? I still had my knee strapped up, because this is still one thing I don't feel confident about.
Error 1 - Not taking my hydration pack out.
One thing I have learnt, very quickly is, take these distances with a pinch of salt. Because we ended up running 13k instead. And my body knew we had exactly done that.
I was really proud this week though, I was hurting, my pace slowed, but I was doing it - and I wasn't being negative about it. I was just pushing on and getting it done. It might not have been a PB run, it might not have been a pace I can usually do. But, I pressed on and for that I am really, really proud.
I do honestly feel that finding a running club that you fit with is all thanks to this. Read back on my blog, and you will see that going out on my own for anything over 10k would fill me with dread. Here I am, getting up at 6.30 on a weekend to go out and run. I have people I look forward to seeing, I have friends who I get to see thanks to this wonderful club, and there is no pressure. Yes, I am at the back, yes, I am the slowest because I'm not that fast and, from past experience I am terrified of injuring myself, but it doesn't matter. and it's all about feeling included and being part of something. I get up, I get out, and I go again.
28k covered this week. And I hate, that I got in the car, slightly annoyed "7k more, and I'd have run a half marathon distance."
Yes, I'm turning into that person, and I'm not even sorry. I love running. It is doing so much for me and teaching me so much about what I am capable of doing, my perseverance, my strength, tuning out my little gremlin. I'm getting excited about the Great North Run. The atmosphere, the challenge, and meeting like minded people.
I've also been watching Freeze the Fear with Wim Hoff on BBC recently, and guess what has become part of my routine...? Cold showers! I never ever ever thought I'd be able to do it, but, after watching Tuesday's episode I went in the shower and thought "I'm going to do this." I put my hand on the tap. "Don't be so stupid, you can't do it just like that." I thought to myself- thanks, Gremlin.
I put my hand on the tap and began practising deep breathing. I closed my eyes and turned the tap to freezing. The water turned from cold to freezing. I tried to zone out. Counting to 10. I did it! I had my first ever cold shower! It was amazing, (apart from feeling light headed after it!)
I'm going to try and build up my time week on week. As Wim says:
"A cold shower a day, keeps the doctor away!"
Until next week... I'll rest up, and stretch more.
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