A great week's running!

[JonathanP]

Hi all

Sometimes everything just falls into place...

Monday I did my usual 5k route - that's on the road along the top of Portsdown Hill and then back through side roads running parallel. I now usually go just after rush hour as that lessens both the exhaust fumes and having to dodge children walking to school - one of the benefits of being retired! It was a beautiful if cold morning and the views across the Solent are great - I will take a photo one of these days! PB 27.59😀

Weds is 10k day - my route starts the same as the 5k then down to the bottom of the hill(!) before circling round and back up the north side. My strange music choice this week is working through the out-takes from Dylan's Blood on the Tracks (numerous takes of Tangled up in Blue et al!) - as it's 6 CDs, should keep me going for a while! Another beautiful but cold day. PB 1.01.58😀

Today was parkrun at Portsmouth Lakeside - not too cold and perfect weather for running. I started off fast (still haven't got the hang of negative splits!) and was rewarded with PB 28.30 😀 Age-graded was 57.78% and for the first time I was in the top half of the field (185 of 382).

A bonus also was that I think the exercises my NHS physio gave me for a longstanding backache seem to be paying off which is a relief. The ache only comes on when I walk, not run - there must be a moral there!

Happy running one and all!

[DebJogsOn]

Easy solution to the back problem is surely to run every where 😂.

Sounds like a great week.

I used to live in Southampton - was well before my running days but running near the solent must be lovely.

[JonathanP Graduate10 in reply to DebJogsOn]

Yes it is 🏖 - have to make sure you don't take it for granted

[over61andstilltrying Graduate10]

Wow! Three PBs in one week! Fantastic! 😊🍾🥂🎉🏅👏🏻👍☀️ 💥⚡️ 🏃🏻🤸‍♂️🏃🏻🤸‍♂️🏃🏻🤸‍♂️ Well done you! Enjoy the happy glow!

[JonathanP Graduate10 in reply to over61andstilltrying]

Thanks - I certainly am!

[over61andstilltrying Graduate10 in reply to JonathanP]

Just having a little reflective thought! Was 80% of your running at easy pace to achieve this 3PB week? Take care.

[JonathanP Graduate10 in reply to over61andstilltrying]

It felt as though I was only really pushing myself for short periods but thanks 61 - I will think on that....

[Dexy5 Graduate10 in reply to over61andstilltrying]

😂

[Fabulous450 Graduate10]

Fantastic Jonathan!! What brilliant times!! 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🤩! All that in a week too!! Go you!! 😍❤️

[JonathanP Graduate10 in reply to Fabulous450]

Thanks Fabulous! 😀

[Hidden]

What a fantastic week of runs JP, with three excellent new PBs! Obviously all that hill work you’re doing once a week as part of your 10K is really paying off! ...Maybe you’re not as crazy as I first thought 🤔😂

I bet you do get a spectacular view out over the Solent up there. I catch glimpses when I’m driving up on the hill, but never want to look for too long! 😬 What a lovely place to run, with Dylan’s masterpiece too.

Great stuff 👍

[JonathanP Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks TS - they do say crazy is as crazy does! 😀 Yes the view is great, particularly when my run coincides with a sunrise.

Saw your HM plan - looks good even if the flat-outs are somewhat scary! All the best for your training.

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10]

What a fabulous week you’ve had Jonathan - very impressive times all round! I bet you feel mighty pleased with yourself. Brilliant! 👏👏👏🏃🏃🏃

[JonathanP Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Thanks Cheeky - I do! 😀

[SaskAlliecat Graduate10]

Wow! What a great week Jonathan - a trifecta of PB, and great times!

[JonathanP Graduate10]

Thanks SAC! I had to look that one up but it describes it perfectly! 😀

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

Congratulations on your hat trick of PBs JonathanP. I am very impressed with your running down and up Portsdown too - you must be getting very fit . You are made of tough stuff oop north. 😂

As you know, I checked your progress at parkrun yesterday and spotted your brilliant PB. You would have been sheltered from the wind there. I think we’ll come and join you when UTS isn’t playing hockey next. We had record attendance of over 540 at Southsea this week.

[JonathanP Graduate10 in reply to Dexy5]

Thanks Dexy - I think the hill work is paying dividends😀.

Wow, that is a big turnout. You're right, I didn't really notice a wind at Lakeside this week. Would be great to see you both and we could grab a coffee afterwards.

[Deals1 Graduate10]

Well done!! Great PB's !! 😀😀.

Sounds a fantastic running week 🏃🏃🏃

[JonathanP Graduate10 in reply to Deals1]

Thanks Deals, it certainly was 😀

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate10]

A really great week of running Jonathan... and good to hear your back is less troublesome too.

Have you tried engaging the glutes when walking too, stand taller/straighter and tuck/squeeze the pelvis, it might help with posture and ease your backache. x

Happy running xx

[JonathanP Graduate10 in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Thanks Bluebirdrunner - useful advice. The physio suggested I pay more attention to my posture and walk more upright, with shoulders back - I'm making an effort to do that and I'm sure it's helping, so will also try what you've outlined. 😀

[Crawlhome Graduate10]

Some great running there JonathanP and an impressive time for your 10k!

Enjoy next week 😁

[JonathanP Graduate10]

Thanks CH - you too 😀