Running in My Birthday Suit: Back in July my... - Bridge to 10K

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Running in My Birthday Suit

Razouski profile image
Razouski
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Back in July my daughters bought me some rather nice lilac coloured leggings for running. I was really pleased with them at the time, but didn't wear them as none of my tops were even faintly going to look ok with them. We eventually tracked down a nice Elle Sport top - bargain price on the end of rack in TKMaxx. But then of course the weather was too hot to cope with long leggings.

Today I looked out the window and decided it was time to get my birthday suit on. It seemed quite overcast so the long leggings would be ideal (especially after my chilly run earlier in the week). I knew exactly where everything was, so there was no chance of the Faff Monster striking again, and I was ready and raring to go in no time at all. Mr Razouski did a double take as I finished my stretches, "I thought you said you were getting into your birthday suit!" he grumbled, disappointment showing on his face. AS IF...!

Then I was out the door and heading down the steep hill towards the town. It would be an urban route but taking a few parks on my way. The first, Brantwood Park, was fairly empty although a few young lads hanging out by one of the benches were sprawled across the path. I swerved to avoid them, stumbled, and then heard a derogatory comment about my running style. Having no gremlins with me today meant I was feeling rather confident, so I ran back the few steps and a voice emerged from my mouth saying, "Well I bet you couldn't run as fast as me." What was I thinking..? Or maybe I wasn't thinking at all. And me in my birthday suit and all.

Well they chuckled and then one got up, "OK, I'll race you to the gate." Me..? Mad..? Probably... Anyway off I sprinted as fast as I could and was surprised when I got to the gate to see him more than a few paces behind me, and his friends all shouting RESPECT to me. I felt proud if rather out of breath, returned his proffered high five, and was on my way with a very gentle recovery jog.

As I approached the next park the sun was well and truly out, and I was beginning to warm up in my long leggings. The temperature was rising - not just the ambient temperature, but mine too. Could this be the result of the sprinting, or was this just another of those middle age moments we women-of-a-certain age have to experience? Fortunately there were several large trees dotted around, so I tacked between them, seeking out the shadows, and narrowly missing being hit by falling conkers (or were the squirrels throwing them at me?) Running alongside the lake and over the bridge I tried to convince myself that the water would make me feel cooler.

4k done and I was out of the park and back along the road, very little shade and another 5k to complete. This was tough going and I was beginning to wonder of Mr Razouski had been right, and that I would have been better off in my actual birthday suit as my legs were getting way too hot. It was turning into a beautiful sunny day, and I was turning into a not very beautiful sweaty lady. I struggled with the next two kilometres, with sweat starting to drip down my forehead, and a distinctly soggy feeling developing at my knees and buttocks. But I wasn't going to stop, and concentrating on trying to activate my glutes helped to take my mind of the internal combustion.

The final park was in sight, and I just needed to get around the play area and I would be finished. Distracted by the parents and children I managed to keep going, while inside I was mulling over the fact that out of 6 parents only one was actually interacting with their little cherub, while the other 5 all had their attention fixed on their mobile phones. At last Mapmyrun informed me that I'd run 9km, my target for today and I drew to a halt.

Mr R was summoned to come and collect me, as I was now too far from home to walk back. Bless him, he's a good egg really, although he did suggest that maybe he should keep a towel in the car, like our friends do for their dog, as I was dripping all over his leather upholstery. But I'd completed the 9k in 49.37 with an average pace of 5.31, so I think I deserved to be a little sweaty.

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Razouski profile image
Razouski
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58 Replies
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David_G profile image
David_G

Lovely post! I wondered where the Birthday Suit mention was goingπŸ˜‚

That’s great time and you showed the lads in the park how it’s done, so definitely entitled to their respect and to be a bit sweaty! πŸ˜…πŸƒβ€β™€οΈ

Glad you got a lift home too, I try to finish my runs near a bus or tram stop, just in case I don’t feel like walking home! 😊

Razouski profile image
Razouskiβ€’ in reply toDavid_G

Because I’m training for half marathon and getting bored of my usual circular runs my other half has offered to pick me up from a linear run if he’s around. Bless him πŸ’›

GoGo_JoJo profile image
GoGo_JoJoGraduate10

πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ˜ fantastic!!! Go girl! πŸ’ͺ I love the park race! Brilliant run. Yes, the chill is deceptive just now. Much warmer than we think still.

Great post 😁

Razouski profile image
Razouskiβ€’ in reply toGoGo_JoJo

Thanks JoJo. The guy was probably 30 years younger than me, so I was pretty chuffed.

AlMorr profile image
AlMorrAmbassadorGraduate10

That is a good pace Razouski, sub 30 and sub 1 hour for a 5K and 10K respectively. I bet that headline got a few folks attention. There are some running πŸƒevents, especially in FranceπŸ‡«πŸ‡· and Germany πŸ‡©πŸ‡ͺwhere they do runπŸƒ in their genuine birthday suits😊

Razouski profile image
Razouskiβ€’ in reply toAlMorr

Wow, I don’t think anyone would want me to do that! πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚

Deals1 profile image
Deals1Graduate10

Wow! That's fast. Great post. Well done!!

Razouski profile image
Razouskiβ€’ in reply toDeals1

Thanks Deals, my legs are feeling it now though.

pianoteacher profile image
pianoteacherGraduate10

Love the outfit! Love even more that you beat the lad in the park πŸ˜‚

Razouski profile image
Razouskiβ€’ in reply topianoteacher

Thanks, I wasn’t sure about the colour of the leggings, but obviously as my girls bought them I have to love them. When we found the top I was then just looking forward to an opportunity to wear them. Should have waited for a colder day.

That is a great pace, well done πŸ˜€

Razouski profile image
Razouskiβ€’ in reply to

Thanks Slow_Rob. My next run should be 18km so will probably be at a much slower pace.

β€’ in reply toRazouski

I am just up to 14K looking at 16K ..at a much slower pace ... are you looking at going to HM distance

Razouski profile image
Razouskiβ€’ in reply to

Yes, I built up to HM distance in June I think, before the weather got so hot. While it was hot I couldn’t do much more than 10km so building back up again ready for the Windsor Autumn half on October20th. Starting to worry that I’ve bitten off more than I can chew, but keeping my fingers crossed.

β€’ in reply toRazouski

I am sure you will be fine, plenty of time..even if you don't go HM distance before again ..the atmosphere and adrenaline will get you through on the day ..hope it goes well 😁

Razouski profile image
Razouskiβ€’ in reply to

Thanks

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10

Brilliant... you look amazing.. I may even post a pikkie of my new leggings too, now !

What a run!!!! Absolutely marvellous!

Razouski profile image
Razouskiβ€’ in reply toOldfloss

Thanks Oldfloss. Mr R took the photo but decided to cut my head off, thankfully, as I was having a bad hair day! πŸ˜‚

You should definitely give us a photo of your new leggings. I thought it was compulsory to post new kit, or is that just footwear?

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10β€’ in reply toRazouski

You look fantastic and the birthday suit is fabulous..it is just shoes..but my new leggings are pretty sassy!!

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10β€’ in reply toOldfloss

Yes Oldfloss, please do.

mountaindreamer profile image
mountaindreamerGraduate10

Lovely birthday suit! πŸ˜‚πŸ˜Šβ€οΈ Sorry Mr R was disappointed, but you’ve got him well trained to come and pick you up. 😊

Great run pace - and I love that you beat one of those young lads. Not sure I’d be brave enough to suggest it! πŸ˜‚β€οΈ

Razouski profile image
Razouskiβ€’ in reply tomountaindreamer

I wouldn’t normally be brave enough to even talk to anyone, but I just thought they were so cocky, criticising my running! Glad I beat him.

Equi-geek profile image
Equi-geekGraduate10

Wow! Great time and a super run! No wonder you beat your young challenger there! πŸ˜πŸ‘

Razouski profile image
Razouskiβ€’ in reply toEqui-geek

Thank you.

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10

I don’t know about a running outfit Razouski - it’s gorgeous - you could go clubbing in that!

I loved your challenge with the lads - so glad you beat him and earned some respect ✊

I was grateful for the shade of the trees today too but at least I had shorts on again (having put them away for winter)

Well done on 9k you πŸƒβ€β™€οΈπŸ‘

Razouski profile image
Razouskiβ€’ in reply toDexy5

Thanks Dexy, today was a shorter run, now to get rested as have 18km target on Friday.

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10β€’ in reply toRazouski

I am in awe. I notice you are doing a half marathon in October so you will e building up your distance. Well done to you.

Razouski profile image
Razouskiβ€’ in reply toDexy5

I've only got 3 and a half weeks and I'm starting to think I've bitten off more than I can chew. Feeling slightly scared. 😨

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10β€’ in reply toRazouski

Once you get there I’m sure you’ll do great. Are you on the HM community to get advice?

Bluebirdrunner profile image
BluebirdrunnerGraduate10

Love your birthday running kit Raz, you look the Biz! Well done for showing those whippersnappers what you are made of too, turning on the speed!😎

Fantastic run in a great time...πŸ‘Œ

Go you!😊xx

Razouski profile image
Razouskiβ€’ in reply toBluebirdrunner

I love that word Whippersnapper. That’s exactly what they were. I still can’t believe I actually spoke to them, let alone raced one. But it was worth it.

Fabulous450 profile image
Fabulous450Graduate10

Fantastic post Razouski! I was thinking "What.....running in your birthday suit?" 😱! Phew! 🀣 Another absolutely fantastic achievement! πŸ‘πŸ½πŸ‘πŸ½πŸ‘πŸ½β€οΈ

Razouski profile image
Razouskiβ€’ in reply toFabulous450

Thanks Fab.

No, no matter how hot I get I’ve had too much surgery to want to venture out without something on. My chest could be mistaken for Frankenstein’s. πŸ€·πŸ½β€β™€οΈ

Fabulous450 profile image
Fabulous450Graduate10β€’ in reply toRazouski

You look super fit Razouski! Lots of us would love to have that body! πŸ™‹πŸ½β€β™€οΈπŸ€£β€οΈ

Sandraj39 profile image
Sandraj39Graduate10

Wow - Razouski, that really is a pace to dream of and you are looking super fit, too! Love the "birthday suit" as well! πŸ™‚

Razouski profile image
Razouskiβ€’ in reply toSandraj39

Thanks Sandraj39 , I think the average pace was improved by my mid-run sprint. Having a rest day today as I have a long run tomorrow which I'm not looking forward too.

aliboo70 profile image
aliboo70Graduate10

What a great post you really showed those boys! Brilliant !sounds like your training is going really well and looking good in your new outfit too!😊x

Razouski profile image
Razouskiβ€’ in reply toaliboo70

Training is going fairly well, although I had an enforced break of 4 days when it should only have been 1 at the weekend, due to too much work on Friday and a visit to the Island with a group of school friends on Saturday and Sunday. However we did a lovely (albeit wet) walk from Alum Bay to Brighton on Saturday, which was lovely.

Just over three weeks to the Windsor Autumn Half at Dorney so I need to keep to the rest of my schedule more strictly.

aliboo70 profile image
aliboo70Graduate10β€’ in reply toRazouski

Do you mean brighstone!! Or was it a really long walk!! πŸ˜‚it certainly was wet on Sunday! X

Razouski profile image
Razouskiβ€’ in reply toaliboo70

πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚

Don't I just love auto correct. Alum Bay to Brighton would have been a seriously long and wet walk indeed. You're right, I meant Brighstone .

aliboo70 profile image
aliboo70Graduate10β€’ in reply toRazouski

πŸ˜†πŸ˜†πŸ˜‚x

SaskAlliecat profile image
SaskAlliecatGraduate10

R E S P E C T πŸ™ŒπŸ™ŒπŸ™ŒπŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘. I love that you showed those hooligans πŸƒπŸ½β€β™€οΈπŸ˜Ž and that they acknowledged your superiority afterwards.

What a gorgeous running kit and cracking great pace!!!

Razouski profile image
Razouskiβ€’ in reply toSaskAlliecat

I was glad the park gate wasn't too far away, as I couldn't have kept the sprint up for much longer πŸ˜….

SaskAlliecat profile image
SaskAlliecatGraduate10β€’ in reply toRazouski

They don't know that πŸ˜‰

Richard7 profile image
Richard7Graduate10

Wow nice going Razouski on so many levels.

Total respect for standing up to the boys and showing them.

Great going on your run and wow what a time.

Belated happy birthday πŸ˜‰

Razouski profile image
Razouskiβ€’ in reply toRichard7

Thanks, Richard7 , my birthday seemed a long time ago, but it was nice to put my present to good use. I think my daughters thought I had forgotten about them.

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessGraduate10

Haha good for you. I love this post and wish I was there to see the look on their faces πŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ Hats off to him for trying though...and well done to you for beating him πŸ‘πŸ‘

You look fabulous, great leggings and top. You rarely see light coloured leggings. I had a white pair years ago and never had the nerve to wear them in the gym 😳

That's a very speedy run Razouski, brilliant time. No wonder you were dripping all over hubby's car.

Razouski profile image
Razouski

I think my girls got the leggings from Asos, but then I had a real crisis about what colour top to put with them (first world problem ;-) ). My worry is going to be keeping them clean, especially as I am rather prone to falling and getting myself covered in grass stains or mud.

You look AMAZING, absolutely wonderful figure, and I adore lilac. I have a pair of Adidas leggings with a similar pattern to your top (one of my more sober efforts!). And very well done for challenging the boys, though they were obviously basically good natured as they gave you respect at the end.

Razouski profile image
Razouskiβ€’ in reply to

Thanks Flick , you always have such colourful kit.

Sadie-runs profile image
Sadie-runsGraduate10

Gorgeous outfit, Razouski! And brilliant how you took that lad on in a race! LOL! Running gives us such confidence, eh? You showed them! And what a great pace for 9km. Well done. πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘

Razouski profile image
Razouskiβ€’ in reply toSadie-runs

I don’t know what came over me to be honest. I’d normally avoid anything that might end in confrontation. πŸ€·πŸ½β€β™€οΈ

Pippayoungart profile image
Pippayoungart

Respect! On every level!

Razouski profile image
Razouskiβ€’ in reply toPippayoungart

Thanks.

Dizzysmum17 profile image
Dizzysmum17Graduate10

Wow amazing run - so fast and including a sprint to beat the youngsters! Great birthday suit too. πŸ’₯ πŸ’¨ x

Razouski profile image
Razouskiβ€’ in reply toDizzysmum17

Thanks, although I don't want to be doing too much sprinting in future. It's far too knackering.

Slinkymalinki profile image
SlinkymalinkiGraduate10

Wow! You look fantastic - love the outfit! Hats off to you for having the mettle to challenge the bored and rude youth of today - and beating the pants off them! If it's any consolation, my husband has also requested that I take a towel with me to sit on in his new car after a run so that I don't make the seat all sweaty!

Great to hear how you're increasing your distance - it makes me hopeful that I might go beyond 10k one day!

Razouski profile image
Razouskiβ€’ in reply toSlinkymalinki

I'm sure you'll get to 10K before too long. I've got 18km on my training plan for tomorrow and I'm not looking forward to it. But I have a nice bottle of wine in the fridge for tomorrow evening if I manage it, so that should keep me motivated.

Happy running.

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