Running report:
Having followed the weather reports closely all week I had to decide - one more training run or sack that and rest another day before taking advantage of the only dry day of the week to go for my first ever 10k. Realised I had to go for it if I didn’t want to be sloshing about and ankle deep in mud for the entire run. So off I set just after sunrise. Warm (14c) and dry so no need for extra layer or cap. Pinned my race number on. First 1.5k a bit muddy but the farmer had at least moved the sheep off the path and back into the field - I bid them good morning ladies as I pass and they nod in encouragement. Hit the tarmac for the next 1k leading through woods to the lake. I’m not feeling settled yet but things are going ok and I’m warming up nicely. A couple of fishermen setting up and some swans and squirrels to distract me. I’m listening to French and Saunders new pod cast ‘Titting About’ - it’s hilarious and like being out for a girls night only minus the booze and relaxation! I hit the lake and know that I have to go three times around today (this is the only real psychological barrier on my route as I don’t like doing laps - boring). Still the girls are keeping me amused and sometimes laugh out loud funny. 3k and 4K done. It’s not about pace today I just want to finish this but Garmin tells me I’m actually doing ok (for me). This helps as I being to realise that the logo on the arch of my running socks is starting to rub 😬. Well can’t do anything about it now so try my best to ignore what damage is being done to my feet. Feeling like it’s a bit unfair for the socks to do this to me half way through my first 10k, keep plodding on and then something amazing happens. Two actual real runners who are running a similar route but in opposite direction, come towards me for second time - they shout well done on your race and actually clap me 😊 - I really want to hug them both like a long lost friend (they have really given me a lift) but instead say thank you very much and beam my way to 6k and 7k. Now homeward bound, back through woods. 8k legs are starting to feel a bit wobbly. Tell myself just get to 9K and you know you’ve got it (because I know I will crawl the last 1k if I have to). 9K feeling wobbly decide that I can’t risk a ‘spurt’ for a whole Ik finish so agree to compromise with myself to plod at steady pace till last 500m and then go for it. 9.5k this is it - I am Paula Radcliffe (but I am NOT going to 💩😂), I am a runner and I will make it to the very muddy slippery end of the field path. YESS! The sheep look bored now but I definitely heard them say well done. 😊🏃♀️🐑🐿
I’ve done it! 10k!
My First 10K - Oh Bullocks!
😃 Accidental first 10k.... on my birthday!🥳
First 10k ever!
Chatsworth 10k - my first official 10k :)
