How did that happen? You know those magic runs where everything just comes together and you feel like a superhero? That was this morning for me.
I’m following the NRC HM plan and it’s 8 weeks to go. That means the long run is 15km. The app always undercounts the distance so I gear up for blasting through the 10 mile/16km barrier. I plan out a route, eat some extra toast with breakfast and set out. Conditions: excellent. Sunny but fresh and breezy. This could be a pleasant run.
The first 5k is a standard run I do a lot. The familiarly is helpful at the start of such a long run. I focus on warming up, keeping is easy and being patient. The first 3k feels tough. Then the groove comes. 2k of gliding along and I’m feeling like this is going to be a really good one. 5k comes up and then it’s a long 2k climb through a tree tunnel and past some fields with buzzards circling. This is my favourite hill to run up. It’s a challenge but you get periodic respite and the views at the top are super. Coach Bennett tells me to hit cruise control and that’s exactly how it feels. Everything is just flying along. I check my watch and I realise this is pretty quick but it feels so good and I’m not out of breath so I just go with it.
The top of the hill comes up and there’s a sign-“slow down”! I take that as a sign from the universe and back off a little as I start the best part of the run. The reward for the climb is a slow downhill through trees. Beautiful. I check my watch again and although my effort has dropped, I’m still running fast for me. Maybe all this training is actually paying off?
10k comes up quickly and it’s a steep downhill to the village. This is tricky! At the bottom I spot I’ve got 3k to go and I’m too close to the end point cafe. I decide to loop to pass a beautiful lake. It’s hot with no shade and all of a sudden, my legs feel tired and I realise it’s still a way to go. Just keep going. This loop takes a sharp turn uphill and I wonder if it was a mistake to come this way, but then Coach Bennett is telling me to start planning my celebration and before I know it, it’s over! Ten miles!!!
I walk to meet my husband at a local cafe and stretch outside. Coffee inside-of course!! Looking at the stats, I realise what an amazing run this has ended up being. I’ve smashed both my 10km and 5km personal bests. I knew it felt good but I can’t believe just how good it ended up being. Going to be smiling for the rest of the day!
2nd 10k But It Was Unintentional 🥵
Run the Line 2019
On my way to 10k again, stopover 4 miles
Some days it’s just not meant to be…
