Winter musings: bling, volunteering, dancing in the dark & new PB.

[Slinkymalinki]

It's taken me a while to adapt to seasonal running. Dancing in the dark is the one way to describe my quick blasts round the local area after dark. I had forgotten that there are some areas on my route which have the new low light lamp posts and none at all in part of one village so a lot of polka side stepping & swerving has been going on. I have hi-vis gear but no lights as yet - they are in the post!

Bling: Didn't need it... or so I thought until a colleague told me about the virtual runner site. It's going back a bit but my bling was a lovely remembrance medal - a beautiful 7k along the canal in memory of Great great uncles Edward & William who died in Flanders within a year of each other. Will definitely do another of these runs.

Volunteering: My son started volunteering at our local parkrun for his DofE so I thought why not? I am so enjoying seeing the sense of achievement on everyone's face as they finish and no longer feel as self conscious when I finish in a red sweaty glaze!

I've also enjoyed a lovely tourist run in a friendly Manchester park during a weekend of Xmas markets, symphony orchestra & museums.

Lastly, I haven't run very regularly recently & was surprised with my run this morning - a 5k PB of 31:03. The holy grail of a sub 30 min 5k draws nearer!

Happy winter runnings everyone!

[SaskAlliecat Graduate10]

What lovely winter musings slinky! Congrats on the bling, PB this morning and for volunteering. The dark winter runs are a challenge, to say the least, but good on you for getting out there and doing them when you can!

[Slinkymalinki Graduate10 in reply to SaskAlliecat]

Thanks! It's nice to feel more confident in my running to try different things.

[grumpyoldgirl]

Lovely post, just the encouragement I need to haul myself outside! ... Well maybe after another cup of tea..😊

[Slinkymalinki Graduate10 in reply to grumpyoldgirl]

Thanks. If I sit down down with a cup of tea after work I just can't get up again and usually doze off. It takes all my will power to go for an evening run!

[Irishprincess Graduate10]

Well done on the PB! Lovely sounding run 🙂

[Slinkymalinki Graduate10 in reply to Irishprincess]

Thank you. 😊

[Empem Graduate10]

What a Fab post .Hats off to you running in the dark.Not something I've done.I also admire the fact that you run in new places during cultural trips! I'm incredulous that doing the 10k plan for a second time has created a sub 30 5k in my sights too.Soon....soon....!

[Slinkymalinki Graduate10 in reply to Empem]

We were lucky in Manchester to stay in a lovely air BnB in a leafy suburb. The hosts were also runners & recommended a nice little route taking in a park - we got a bit tangled up with junior parkrun there but it was fun!

The 10k plan has really shifted my running up a notch. I am elated to do longer runs and surprised how much my 5k time has changed - it's coming down regularly! Let's keep going for that sub 30min 5k!!

[Empem Graduate10 in reply to Slinkymalinki]

Did the Stepping Stones Speed podcast this morning as my short run in week 6 . Less challenging than last time and felt very sportif doing on a local running track. Have a good day!

[Hidden]

Love your post, and ah, yes, the bling. I’m afraid I’m guilty of entering races and challenges just for the medal - which is strange as I’ve never collected badges or been a joiner. And I can only dream of your time for a 5k. My fastest is 40 minutes. X

[Slinkymalinki Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

I've always been a bit of a magpie but mainly for antique or unusual jewellery! Carefully chosen bling can be very motivating though and I think I need something to aim for every now & then. After following your 10k successes, I'll be doing one next year & I'd like to have a longer term challenge too. - preferably with bling to show for it!!

[Hidden in reply to Slinkymalinki]

I shall be doing a 15k race in April for Stroke Association. also have almost completed my virtual run along Hadrians Wall, which has a very nice medal. and i love antique jewellery too x

[Slinkymalinki Graduate10]

Wow 15k! Can't imagine that - but then I couldn't see myself ever doing 10k! Love the idea of a virtual Hadrian's wall run. Is the medal reminiscent of Roman Britain?

[Hidden in reply to Slinkymalinki]

Well, I haven't done it yet, the furthest I've run is 12k, but it's only 3 more km. and i run slower than you so it's easier to go further x