Things I have learned part 1!

[Katiepops]

My partner decided that we should enter the club duathlon last Sunday. I was dubious. I’m still new to all this running malarkey and possibly the least competitive person I know. Still 2 miles round a flat field followed by a rest while he cycled 12 followed by another 2 miles shouldn’t be beyond my capabilities.

You’ll be fine, they said. It’s a giggle, they said. No one takes it seriously.

Things I learned:

1. I learned that runners who belong to running clubs tell whopping great lies. TO YOUR FACE! Casually lurking at the start line, the hooter goes and they’re off like greyhounds! Even the “it’s a giggle” brigade. Looking at Strava after the event, I realise I was sucked into Mo Farah territory, even maintaining a 6:45/mile (admittedly for only about 20 yards) in a bid not to be left behind completely. Too rich to my blood, I had to slow down, still managing a respectable (for me) 19 minute time for 2 miles. I was 2nd to last. Well 3rd if you count the dnf who twisted her ankle.

2. I learned that my partner is an amazing cyclist. He caught up with most of the others, achieving 1st in the bike leg arriving 3rd back to the park.

3. I learned that there is a streak of competitiveness in me. Although I knew there were fast runners who were going to overtake me, I refused to let the world go by and finished in 20 minutes. We came half way down the table over all.

4. I learned that young adolescents who are built like whippets can beat the hell out of grown men when their Dad’s do the bike part and they do the run.

5. I learned that team duathlons are a ridiculous way to spend cold misty Sunday mornings at 8am, I don’t see any fun, giggles or enjoyment in it. Or at least I didnt at the start of run 2.

6. I learned that I’ll probably sign up for the next one in September! Have a good week everyone!😂😊🏃‍♀️🚲🏃‍♀️🏆🥇

[HeavyFoot Graduate10]

Absolutely hilarious, Katiepops, and very instructive.

[Katiepops Graduate10 in reply to HeavyFoot]

The more I run with this club, the less grumbling I’m doing! I try to do the hills rather than slow to a walk the minute I see the incline! Slow improvements?!😊

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10]

Brilliant post.. I think it is amazing how much we do learn on this running lark.. about ourselves and others.

[Katiepops Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

Running with the club is interesting. I get it now. I’m in the yellow group. There’s a traffic light system - Super greens, greens, yellow, orange, red and red beginners. Pace generally slowing down as you go through the colours. As yellows we did a flat road run on Monday 5.5 miles at 10:21/mi. Last night we did XC 5.5 miles at 12/mi (up hills and through woods). It’s been a busy running week though, so now I have 2 rest days before Parkrun! So something else I’ve learned - company is sometimes lovely!🏃‍♀️😊

[Deals1 Graduate10]

😊😂 Good stuff.

Love it that u'll probably do the next one!

[Katiepops Graduate10 in reply to Deals1]

Started the training already! I’m new to running clubs, and didn’t really get their purpose apart from the team colour at events thing. I’m now going out on 2 club runs a week. Much more interesting with people showing you different routes. 😊🏃‍♀️

[Razouski]

Fab post, sounds as if you almost enjoyed it.

[Katiepops Graduate10 in reply to Razouski]

I loved it at the end! That lovely bit after you know you’ve really tried hard. The best bit was that because the cyclists all come in at different times, the second run has a staggered start. You get to leave the field with your head held high as some people are still coming in behind you, even though as a team they may’ve done better overall. 😊

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10]

Brilliant! Enjoy the next one. 😅😅🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[Katiepops Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Ah define “enjoy”! I’ll enjoy it when it’s over.😂😂

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Katiepops]

I know exactly what you mean Katiepops! But the feeling afterwards makes the feeling during all worthwhile I think! 😅

[runner56]

Love it!!! I expect a more motivated runner and higher placed finish next time 🤣

[Katiepops Graduate10 in reply to runner56]

It’s short for a duathlon, and it is meant to be a bit of fun. I’ve now got 5 or so months of summer running to sharpen up my act. Unfortunately so has the competition! 😧

[Sandraj39 Graduate10]

Brilliant post...and great you are signing up for the next one! 🙂

[Katiepops Graduate10 in reply to Sandraj39]

Yes I’m a glutton for punishment! I’ll be focussed on the great south run by then! 😬

[Katiepops Graduate10]

It’s nice and short you see. My partner is a nutjob ultra marathoner and Iron man enthusiast. To him it wasn’t worth getting out of bed for, so he only did it to involve me in the club events - I’m a new member! By September I’ll be more confident as I’m now running with them twice a week and know some people!🙃😃

[Empem Graduate10]

That was hilarious.Runners....what are we like?!!

[Katiepops Graduate10 in reply to Empem]

I know. My partner, who is an ultra marathoner/iron man nutjob, looks at the competition and makes pronouncements (quietly) “oh, she’s a plodder, you can beat her”, “just stick to your own pace and you’ll be fine”, “she” is warming up for London in a couple of weeks and if I stuck to my own pace, I’d be finishing with the youth football team training around me! - They had the park after us! 🤦‍♀️🏃‍♀️😊

[Irish-John Graduate10]

Yep - this Running lark is the crack cocaine of the sports world!

Love your Post KP

[Katiepops Graduate10 in reply to Irish-John]

Certainly addictive and pleasurable! 😉

[alisonx Graduate10]

A brilliant post katiepops 🤣 i have a whole new insight to duathlons...don't think i'll be signing up anytime soon!

Runners and lies 😂😂 it makes you realise what a different breed some of them are....so competitive, you couldn't make it up lol

just imagine how much more prepared you will be in September...and maybe even faster! i think you may enjoy that one

[Katiepops Graduate10 in reply to alisonx]

Oh you must sign up! You’ll be fine, it’s a giggle and no one takes it seriously! 😉😂

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

Excellent post Katiepops, I bet you didn’t see that coming when you started couch25k.

[Katiepops Graduate10 in reply to Dexy5]

I really didn’t. I’m the only one of my c25k group still going. They’re restarting after Easter with me as a leader! GSR in October! Portsmouth here I come!😊

[Dexy5 Graduate10 in reply to Katiepops]

Brilliant- my OH has signed up but I’ve not committed yet. 😉

[BaddieThePirate Graduate10]

Crazy, I love it!

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate10]

🤣🤣🤣🤣 brilliant!! Yes, they all lie! It's just a social thing they say...a bit of fun... my arse! 🙈🤣

Good on you 💪😁

[Katiepops Graduate10 in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

They were honest last night! The leader of the XC group started off with “I’m not going to sugar coat this, it’s uphill for a mile and a half. But there’s fish and chips at the end. You need to earn it!” I may prefer a little white lie!!😂

[Tartancat Graduate10]

Brilliant post - I'd never heard of a team duothon before.

I can't wait to hear what you've learned part 2!

[Katiepops Graduate10 in reply to Tartancat]

They do team things at triathlons too. A different person takes each leg. 🏊‍♀️ 🚲 🏃‍♀️

[over61andstilltrying Graduate10]

🤣 Both my husband and I laughing aloud at this! Belated well done to you!