This morning was going to be a short interval run. Looked out of the window, grey and gloomy. It was raining last night, so resigned myself to the idea that my 3 week old running shoes definitely won't be looking new by the end of this. Maybe a bit negative? Maybe, but I pulled on my running kit, warmed up and set off.
As soon as I was outside my perception of the day changed. Cool, still, quiet. I realised I wanted to make the most of it so chose NRC's 'Another Thank You Run'. 45 minutes. I decided to just take this one r-e-a-l-l-y easy. First km the pace was 10'19". Fantastic. Exactly what I wanted. My breathing was easy, no strain anywhere. Out in the fields with nature and my own thoughts (and of course Coach Bennett's musings which are always worth hearing).
As the run wore on my pace picked up a bit. I tried a slightly different route, along a concreted section of farm road. I worry about hard surfaces because of my bad knee, but the grassy path alongside looked a bit lumpy and I'm still sparing my ankle. It felt easy. Turned back and onto the bit of my usual route where I usually pick up speed as it's the last quarter of my original 5k route. Coach B told me there was 9 minutes left. Looked at the Garmin. I'd covered just under 4km by now. Realised if I sped up I might, just might, be able to reach 5km. It was a bit daunting but I figured it's only 9 minutes and if I don't do it it's no biggie.
This was the first time it felt like I was making an effort. With about 5 minutes to go Coach B said to be thankful for the body I've got. He's absolutely right you know. As a woman I've spent far too long thinking about my perceived imperfections. Since I started running I realise how lucky I am.
My legs, which were always a focus of dissatisfaction are now one of my favourite bits. I was in a motorcycle accident when I was 23, a car pulled out in front of the bike and I was thrown over the roof at 50 mph. How I walked away from it I don't know, in that moment I thought I was dead or at the very best severely disabled but all I got was bruising (my friend broke his thigh). Ever since then my knees have looked lumpy which was a big deal as a very vain 20, 30, 40 or 50 something. I would look at them and be reminded again how utterly incredible it is that I can walk but guilty that the cosmetic thing bothered me. I know, and knew, how shallow I was being as I truly was grateful. Now that I run I am in awe of these short chubby limbs. I hardly even notice the shape of my knees any more, I am just so happy at what they are able to do now that I've stopped underestimating them.
Anyway, back to the run. As I approached the end it was really hard work, but when Coach said it was over I looked at the Garmin. Exactly 5km! Woo hoo!
Checked my stats when I got home. Negative splits!! 10'19, 9'39", 9'15". 8'39" and....7'09"!!! I really did pick up my speed for that last bit!! My heart rate was way different to my normal pattern too, I usually spend most of my time in the red zone but this time it was mostly zone 3 with only 19% in zone 5, all at the end of the run. I'm feeling absolutely great right now, must be that elusive runners high. Once again, woo hoo!!
PS I know that some of you run much faster than this but as a short, 63 year old woman I find it utterly amazing and fantastic that I can manage this. I doubt I'll ever run a sub 30 minute 5k but I really don't care 
60 minutes run!
morning run
