A ‘real’ event, what a joy!

[Shake-and-run]

An early alarm (well early for a Sunday morning) was required this morning as I needed to be on the start line for 9.30am and there were a few miles to cover in the car to get to the venue. I was meeting my running pal at Sutton Park to take part in the Birmingham Running Festival. This was no virtual event, it was real and there were a lot of people there who shared our excitement to be out at a proper event.

The organisers had done great job, there was plenty of space and the route was well marked with marshals and ambulances in abundance. We had two circuits to do for our 10k so we positioned ourself at the back of our wave and started gently. For some reason I was under the misapprehension that the route was flat, it was not, but for every heart-straining up there was a delightful down. We nattered away maintaining our chatty pace and enjoyed the unexpected beautiful weather. I had been stressing about it, trying to decide what to wear and how to manage with out a bag drop or a car (hubby dropped me off then went off on his own adventure). In the end I tied my lightweight jacket around my waist and left my hoodie in a carrier bag at the informal bag drop (under a tree, where thankfully it remained until I picked it up at the end of my run). We had glorious sunshine, a gentle breeze and no rain (until I was back in car and on the way home). It was an absolute pleasure to be there today, enjoying new scenery, and talking to fellow runners. The medal is beautiful and the water and flapjacks were very welcome.

I would have failed a dope test as I was drugged up to combat any pain from the hip. Not that it was any use as at 4K it started to niggle. I continued to run the first circuit then opted to walk the hilly bits and run the downs during the 2nd 5k. The hip continued to niggle but it was bearable. I saw a physio last week and he is of the opinion that it is a muscular problem. He has given me some exercises to build up my glutes. He promises me my bum will not get bigger (just more toned) and said their is no problem with continuing to run, just to take it gently. I was dreading my appointment, fearing that I was going to be told it was all age related, probably arthritis and that I should give up the running. I was so pleased to be told this was not the case and look forward to embracing my exercise bands on a daily basis.

My next event is the 10k at Cheltenham Races next month where it will extra special as there are some of my lovely VRBs also attending. Another opportunity to enjoy a real event, can’t wait! I have ridden a horse around the course in the dim and distant past and I know that the final furlongs are on a challenging hill, but hey ho, we only have to run it twice!

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

How wonderful Shake-and-run, and what snazzy leggings you were both wearing! I think the first race is so special, once you’ve got over the 🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10]

Yay Shakes, well done! How wonderful, I can imagine what fun you had! Sounds like you dodged the heavy showers too. 👏👏

Not long until Cheltenham now. Yes, there’s quite an uphill drag isn’t there? Never mind, the fact we’ll be running as part of a real event will spur us on! Can’t wait to see you all. 🥰

[nowster Graduate10]

Welcome to the May glute activation club. I had a similar diagnosis (glutes, hamstrings and lower back all tight) on Wednesday.

I have some squat type dynamic stretch exercises and have been told to use a foam roller too. I was also told not to use painkillers before a run. In addition to the roller I got some exercise bands.

[Oldgirlruns Graduate10]

How lovely for you Shake’s to be at a real event with proper runny people! I’m sorry to hear about the niggly hip though - I’m beginning to wonder how many there are of us doing the physio’s exercises for niggly hips! I didn’t ask mine if it would make my bum bigger so I’m pleased to hear it won’t! Hope the training for the next 10k goes well - presumably the racecourse will be a little less hilly than Birmingham!

[Katnap Graduate10]

Yay! Did your running partner cheer you on to the end?

🐱 Katnap 🐱

[CBDB Graduate10]

So good to read. As a lockdown runner, I still have to doubly get my courage up to run in public events! So big cheer from me, and it will motivate me to start thinking about running with others 😱😳😏😅

[Shake-and-run Graduate10 in reply to CBDB]

You must do it! Everyone is so lovely and it is great fun. Hopefully Parkrun will start again soon. This is a very relaxed way to get into group running.

[Fionamags Graduate10]

Its so lovely to hear of you doing a real, live event! Good to hear that you managed fine despite the hip niggle. Enjoy the bling!!!!