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.
). 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. 
A stranger wore my running clothes!
Celebrating my birthday ...
Birthday celebration run (not my birthday!)
