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
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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 💛
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 🏃events, especially in France🇫🇷 and Germany 🇩🇪where they do run🏃 in their genuine birthday suits😊
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.
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.
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 😁
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.
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. 🤷🏽♀️
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.
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.
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.
Haha good for you. I love this post and wish I was there to see the look on their faces 💪💪 Hats off to him for trying though...and well done to you for beating him 👏👏
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.
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.
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. 👏👏👏
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!
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.
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). 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. 
Birthday run
Today’s birthday park run 
Birthday run ends in a fall
