Smiles make the miles go faster.

Well, this week I had been granted a lovely half term break, so following on from last week's rest, I wanted to continue resting to allow my body to properly recover ready for the busiest half term! 
It didn't really turn out that way.. but there has been a lot of adventures on the way.

Before I begin, I kind of feel that this blog has taken a huge turn! It was set up to initially beg / pester people to sponsor me for my greatest challenge yet - The Great North Run. And all these races / runs were supposed to be training for 13.1 miles, but so much has changed. Friendships / communities and new routines have stemmed from this and - life is looking a little brighter. 

Thank you, thank you to those who come back, week on week to read about my adventures and musings. I've had so many lovely comments about my blog, and it baffles me the audience I've managed to reach. So, if you're an O.G reader - Thank you for committing to come along on this journey with me. If you're a new reader. I hope you enjoy. 💕

Wednesday Lions Jubilee run 🦁

A nice little lock photo of some of the pride.

Of course, no Wednesday is complete without seeing my pride. However, this week we were trickier to spot - in aid of the impending celebrations we were all donned in red, white and blue to celebrate the Queens Jubilee. 

It was, as always, a 4 mile route filled with, a few hills and a nice time to catch up with friends and the weather had decided to be very generous to us.

In fact, I set off on the run without my sunglasses, but luckily we were running back towards my car, so I ducked in to get my sunglasses. Got to protect those eyes after all! 

I never really put any pressure on a Wednesday night run - it's nice to actually go out running with no pressure of looking at a watch and constantly looking at your time. I just make sure that my mileage is rounded up - even if that does mean a few more laps of the car park!
Just, do what you've got to do. Have a natter, and enjoy the surroundings we are so lucky to be able to run around. 

When we got back, Shelby had very kindly bought us cake to celebrate! And then... Things took a bit of a turn... 

Shelby tried to get an action 

shot of me stuffing my face. 🐷

Saturday - Parkrun #49

Well, this week our hand was forced. Preston was cancelled. I was not getting this far and missing this week. I had planned my 50th Parkrun for the 11th June. (Sorry, have I not mentioned this yet?)
So, it meant that we had to go touring! 
We are quite spoilt with the amount of Parkruns so close to us. Fleetwood, Morcambe, Ormskirk, Witton, Haigh Hall, Blackpool (Stanley Park) or Lytham Hall. 

Lytham Hall in its sunshiney glory!

We opted for Lytham Hall. I took a look at their Parkrun page, more importantly - the volunteer roster. There was a certain role that was not fulfilled. After a quick email, I was now the run report writer for Lytham Hall. I thought it would be nice to write a run report for somewhere new. 
So, for people who have read my run report already - as always, I will not bore you with this but you can find it on Lytham Hall's Facebook page.

Obligatory touring selfie & mid run shot.

I really enjoyed it, but it really was not as flat as I thought! - Lesson learnt, do not go and assume you will get a PB just because it is flat! 

I was very, very happy to walk away with a copy of the new Parkrun magazine however! I'd completely forgotten until I saw a lady with it in the tea rooms after the race event.  We were absolutely spoilt with our surroundings so it would be criminal to not have a post run coffee outside on such a gorgeous morning. We had travelled quite far after all! 

I wonder if Preston will ever make the cover?

Sunday - Crazy Cow 10k 🐮

This race had been on my radar for quite some time. And the medal was a jubilee cowbell. Well, who could argue with that. I never actually booked onto this race however, I'd sort of resigned that I can run around Avenham Park for free, so why would I pay for the pleasure?

Its not about the route, it is about who you do it with, & making memories along the way.

Fast forward to Wednesday evening and I got a little bit of F.O.M.O hearing Shelby, Shazza and Susan talking about it. So, one set of cow horns ordered, and a place in the race, I found myself at the Park and Ride for the start line. 
Now, Saturday's weather had been glorious! This... could not be said for this morning. 
We found ourselves, an hour before race time, grumbling in a park and ride bus shelter. It is June. Why are we freezing cold, why was this a good idea? 

The best herd around.

A few selfies later, we saw ourselves heading to the start. I fully anticipated running in my vest and shorts today. But instead, I found myself refusing to take off my jacket for the first 2k. 

What a lovely run it was. I really, really enjoyed the route. I felt comfortable doing my own thing - cow horns on for the whole race (would certainly recommend over bunny ears) I was very grateful for the drizzle. Yes, sometimes it is great running in the sun - but running in the rain is much more satisfying. 
I loved the comments from the marshalls, considering I was in full race get up, plus token cow ears. Races are so much more fun in fancy dress! "keep mooooooving!"

I thought I was running quite well to be honest. When I got back however, my watch said 1hr.06. 
Oh. That was a bit of a shame, still, I enjoyed the run. I'd run hard yesterday too. Fair enough. 

Very important to warm up after a race! 🍵

We grabbed a post run coffee to warm up, and off I went home. But there was another surprise waiting for me when I got home. The official results had been posted up. 

I scrolled, as fast as I could to find my name, I really was not expecting much difference from the time that I had recorded.

1hr. 04.16.

It was a new PB. I could ring that cowbell with pride. I was absolutely thrilled.

Never been so happy to finish a race and be united with my jubilee cowbell. 🔔

A PB not by much, but, chipping away at those minutes makes all the difference.

Running this 10k today I had to remember though. This is not a pace I will be running for the Great North Run. That is a whole other pace I will need to become accustomed to. The training really needs to ramp up now. It is June, and I am away for 2 weeks in July. (eeek!) 2 weeks without running, and then, the big event will be here. I am so excited for it! The route I did today, I did think yes, I could run that again to bring it up to a half marathon. I'd just need to slow down my pace.

So, I guess that's the next job! 

I am now heading close to my target of £400 for my GNR place, which I am so grateful for.

If you wish to sponsor me, to get those extra miles in, and to work on my speed so I can get round in under 2hr30, you can do so by clicking here.