....and it was great company!
Warning... Floss ramble!
I was so excited last night...inappropriately so, for a woman of my years. I was all set to head for a second visit to the Plas Heli Park run...with some slight trepidation, also, as my last visit, was a slow, slow slog across a rapidly disappearing shore!
Today was going to be a challenge, especially, as I am not long back on track after my last injury, but I, knew that I would complete the course...even if I walked the lot, and had the luxury of the knowledge that I would have friends there.
The super, super Feline Family, TailChaser , Katnap and the most excellent Kittens, were heading up for a few days and the lovely, lovely molly1973 was going to do her best to be there also.
So... up with the lark and a fine bright day, already warm at 7 a.m....not the bright blue skies that I tried to produce for the Felines, but the promise of a dry run, ( apart from the incoming tide)! Stretched, massaged, gear on... Little Miss Princess leggings the order of the day and I headed off. That wonderful fluttering feeling in my tummy, that all of my runs produce, as I headed towards Pwllheli and Plas Heli. Reaching the car park, I could already see my friends and naturally there was much hugging , laughter and talking, ( me, mainly.. very overexcited)!
It is so surreal when you meet friends from the forums... but we had met before at my home park run in Stafford, so it was just like old friends meeting. Talking ten to the dozen and a quick loo visit.. and on my return...there was molly1973...She ran this park run last week ( see her post), and I was fortunate enough to enjoy an absolutely delightful run with her along the Coastal path on Tuesday ! She was taking a really well earned rest today, as she was was walking down Snowdon yesterday ! More hugs and more laughter, then it was time to head to the beach for the briefing.
A young girl, ( her first time as director), greeted us and gave out all the information... a sneaky peek at the tide told me it WAS further out but it WAS also coming in at a lick. ! A helpful lady told me it would be almost right in by the time we ran back ( It wasn't) ! Then another surprise , my hero of the hour from the last run, my knight in shining armour, the tail runner, Steve, appeared, Hugs again and lots of laughter
But, time to go, and so many more folk here than last time....the holiday season in full swing. We all set off at our own pace and Eldest Kitten and I set off together. I had promised Mr OF I would be sensible and I would walk some sections. Slow and steady and running on a sort of shingle sand mix... not the deep sand, more shifting sand, with hard parts. It was easier to find my pace...my legs were moving this time and I was moving forward also, always a bonus. The wonderful curve of the bay as it stretches away from you, gives an amazing view of the whole run; you can see the very point in the far distance where you will turn around. A lightening sky and the fresh clean air filling our nostrils as we head out . A superb view across to the Harlech Dome and the runners ahead of us, an undulating and fluid, rainbow mix of coloured tops, almost luminescent against the grey shingle and the dull sand.
It was not easy and the first kilometres felt longer... we ran steadily and had a couple of occasional brisk walks...Eldest kitten had a twingey calf muscle and I was trying very hard to be careful. At around 2 and a half K in, my companion told me to head on, he was going to walk the rest, he was feeling okay and so I headed off...The hard-ish area to run on, was fast diminishing as I made the halfway point, the marshals cheering us on.
I can tell you at this point, when you look back down towards the starting line and the tower of Plas Heli, glistening in the weak sunlight, it seems like a very , very long way to go. I ran, changing my route here and there.. here some hard shingle, here some firmer sand, avoiding the incoming waves which snapped at my heels, with white sharp edged teeth; passing some other runners ( this was a first), getting warmer by the second. There was no one really to pace myself with, so I just tootled along... with the odd walking stretch of about 30 seconds or so...Trying not to look for the finishing line and concentrating on the myriad stones, and shells, the glinting of a strengthening sun on the sea, and the fact that I was breathing easily and my leg did not hurt at all. At 4K, I fished my bar code out of my pocket and took off my t shirt.. I cared little what I looked like, but was keen not to spontaneously combust!
The finish line flag ballooned in the sea breeze... a flag that calls you home... a group of runners beyond the line, and the encouraging cheers from the friends, finished long before you... and yes, you can hear them, and yes, however tired, hot or slow you are, you carry on...and yes, you find that little bit left, that final burst, which carries you over that line
I was hot and I was tired... and it was certainly not easy, but I so enjoyed it. Sea snail wins through
Post-run refreshments, taken on the terrace... a view to die for, and a million things talked about, with like minded folk...and ever-present the laughter and the sheer joy that accompany our running.
I am as many of you know a solitary snail... but with friends like these...well... xxxxx
Wet feet!
A Christmas miracle! I finally ran 5k in under 40 mins ha ha ha...π
π
Breaking the Sub 30 5k!
Park Run double to start the year.
