It's all about the balance..

I came into this week trying not to do too much like last week and I think, I've just about found the balance.. I've really enjoyed my runs this week. The weather has helped massively, and my mood has just been lifted so much more. Finding time to run in the week is definitely something I need to add in more. 

Wednesday Netflix run 🦁

For those familiar with 'Stay Close' on Netflix, you will be aware that there is a little hidden gem of a shoot location, local to where I live. Since finding this out, I've been desperate to find out where, but my fear of getting lost has always made me not explore that area. Well, Wednesday night saw that disappear and we were off to find the ruins! 
It was a gorgeous evening for a run. The start of the run was uphill, a very steady incline which I usually detest. I managed to just put my head down and get up without stopping. The best bit about this? I knew that coming back down would be great. The sky on Wednesday evening was just beautiful and, going out with a group always makes the run so much more enjoyable. There is a lot to say about going out on your own - that is a mental battle in itself, but going out with a group makes running feel less of a chore. I think I really am addicted to running. 

It was a lovely pace, and with looping I managed to clock up 7k, without anything pulling. My feet started to form a blister - so that is a lesson learnt for the socks! Hopefully I will be able to avoid this in future further distances.

Wednesday night crew at the ruins

I went home, endorphins rocketing, and was content with my evenings efforts. I wanted an early night but the glitch in the 'Let's Do This' computers saw that this didn't happen as an email landed saying that my places had been cancelled.. Erm? I'm sorry. Cue me frantically signing in to all sorts to make sure I still had my entries to Manchester & the Great North Run, to no avail - the app had gone down. (Of course it had!)
Luckily in the morning there was an apology email from the company saying it was a glitch in the system. Not. Very. Amused. 

Saturday morning Parkrun 

Our Preston version of the Hollywood sign

This week I was on the roster for run report writer (my way of giving back to the wonderful Parkrun community) I won't bore you with another summary of the run, but you can read my run report here.
What I will take from it is this: 

"This is a true example of what Parkrun can do for people. To some, it's just a run in the park to set you up for a Saturday. For others, it’s an opportunity to meet like minded people. Next time you’re at Parkrun, give a cheer to someone you’re passing, strike up a conversation with someone you’re accidentally pacing around. It might just strike up a new friendship."

It was so warm in the park, I'm glad I opted for shorts! Another beautiful run on a beautiful Saturday morning. Running really is good for the soul. A lovely turn out, and lots and lots of people to say hello to. I don't know if it was just me, or the weather but everyone seemed to be in a really, really good mood. A big thank you to Shelby who had baked for us, and we were able to finish the run with chocolatey goodness. Running & cake. The perfect combination.

I also have a big apology to make. Last week, I said that Ginny was my favourite Hi Viz Hero, and when I turned up on Saturday I got shouted at for forgetting my OTHER favourite Hi Viz Hero - George. I've met George through volunteering at Parkrun, and sharing the responsibility of run report writer with him, so of course, he is another favourite.

Saturday evening I treated myself. I got dressed up, and went out for wine and cheese with the girls! I say this, because since starting back properly running in January I've been really boring strict with myself and I haven't really been out, or drinking, for fear of the impact on my running. But life is for living, and, sometimes you've got to let your hair down.

Wine and Cheese at Winedown, & proof I do sometimes 

wear my hair down and put a bit of make up on.

I had said I wanted to be home though, because I had Sunday morning run club so my friends, very kindly agreed to an earlier table (7pm) so that this could happen. "I'll be home for 9. Perfect."

Never trust your friends!

We finished our wine and cheese and decided to pop just down the road to 'Taco and Tequila' I was just going to have 1 more glass of wine, and text Mr Coxy to pick me up at 10.30. 
And then a shot of tequila arrived at the table. 
Now, I have the nickname of 'Tequila queen' within my friends, but the prospect of an 8am run. I did not want to be shotting tequila before bed. But, so not to let the side down, the tequila went down nicely. (minus salt and lime annoyingly!) but what I was proud of, was I didn't even flinch when I threw the shot back. Truly living up to the name of 'Tequila Queen.'

I was not looking forward to this 6.30 alarm. I had a pathetic amount of water when I got in and raced up to bed to get as much sleep as possible, ready for Sunday Run Club. 

Sunday run club!

My alarm went off. Did I want to get up? Absolutely not. I set it for an extra 20 minutes in bed. Could I snooze? No. Mr Coxy has lovingly shared his cold with me. I went downstairs for a pre-run Lemsip & fruit toast. (Aldi letting me down with lack of hot cross buns) It was drizzling. A stark contrast to yesterday's run. It wasn't heavy so I just tottered out with no jacket - but the hydration pack in tow after last weeks disaster! It transpired it was perfect running conditions. I surprisingly felt fine! I'm not sure I'll run on wine and tequila before race days, but I felt refreshed and proud that I'd stepped out of the door and got the run done.
We did a lovely route, and ran through my favourite place, Cuerden Valley. I was able to face 'The Hill' from Cuerden Valley Parkrun days and, I finally managed to run up the hill. A huge moment for me!

Sunday Morning Fab Five.

Sundays for me used to be all about the lie ins. It was the one day where I wanted to just take my time and enjoy a nice lie in before the craziness of work started on Monday. Since run club has begun. I love nothing more than getting up and getting the run out of the way. When running on my own, I'd procrastinate (story of my life) and always leave my runs to the afternoon. But getting up, and getting them out of the way really does set you up for a good day! 

10k covered this weekend, in preparations for Chorley 10k next Sunday. I hate the route, but I'm looking forward to being surrounded by friends, and trying to enjoy the run.

22k covered this week. Down from last week, but still up there. I wonder if I'll ever cover 30k in one week? I guess that will come when the training really does ramp up.

I'm really going to town tonight, and I've managed to get 2x tickets to Blossoms in Preston at an intimate gig. I might even go crazy and dress up again. Happy, happy bank holiday to me. 💞