Had to set my alarm for 5.00am last night as I knew I’d have to do this run early to avoid the heat. I’m really struggling with it and hardly sleeping either. So up with the lark and by the time I’d drunk my water, ate my banana etc and set off it was just after 5.30. Sun was getting warmer already and I’d risked running without my shades too.
Off down the good old Tarka Trail I went and settled into my stride. I had a bit of a struggle with my breathing in the old Toxic Ten but powered on and soon got going. Was doing a bit of running maths in my head as I went, it’s weird how your brain can’t run and math at the same time. I am usually spot on with figures. I know 5k is 3.1 miles so 2.5k should be 1/2 of that but could I do it ? And then to add them together as well!!! And as it was I only needed 7k not 7.5 so it came as a nice surprise when my watch finally pinged to say 7k. 😆
Anyway I managed to work out it was roughly 4 1/2 miles so I figured if I ran out for 2.5 miles then turned I would be about right to walk home for my cooldown. I saw my mate Peter Rabbit again this morning - he did ask if I’d wet the bed being up so early. Cheeky!! And then a bit further on I saw his sisters Flopsy and Cottontail so at least Mr McGregors garden was safe this morning while they munched clover by the riverside.
And funny thing, I saw the homeless guy who lapped me in the park a while ago to my disgust. I’ve since found out he used to be a serious runnner - anyway there he is in full parka, joggers etc running like hell down the Trail ahead of me. He must have been doing about a 3minute km!!! Seriously!! You know when you are on the motorway ? And you are doing 80 in the middle lane ( yes I know you shouldn’t be) and someone comes up the outside lane and goes past and disappears in seconds? That was him!!!
Anyway I did my 2.5 miles and turned and , for the first time ever, not long after I had to walk for about 30 seconds. I just got a bit dizzy and couldn’t catch my breath. Then I was off again and finished my run. And as I get back near the new bridge and the finish, there’s the homeless guy sitting on the wall, cool as a cucumber, smoking his fag!!!
I did say good morning and he grinned and said “ Keep it up girl!” GIRL!! First time I’ve been called girl in years!!! 😆😂
So 7k done and about 0:35 faster than the last one, which surprised me as I thought I was plodding today .....unless I plodded slower last time 😜