Unlike the last few days, this morning we woke up to sunshine peeking through the blinds, and having not run since Saturday, it just had to be done. UpTheStanley said he would run with me and I downloaded a NRC guided run called 10k headstarts.
Oldgirlruns had already been out for a 4k and texted us to say how windy it was on the seafront. I didn’t know if I’d be able to do 10k but I thought I should at least try.
So we walked to the prom, stopping in the park to do warm up exercises in a sheltered spot en route. The sun was bright and low so I was glad I had my sunglasses on. There’s no doubt it was windy; 30mph westerly according to Mr Garmin. I always try to start a run into the wind while I am running slowly as I can then enjoy the wind behind me with warmed up muscles.
With the ongoing work building new sea defences, the prom available to us in that direction is getting shorter, so at the rock gardens (1 km in) we had to turn around again and my pace went from 8.05 to 7.25 for the next 3kms, with no change of effort on my part . The tide was high and the waves were crashing in leaving a small strip of beach between the water and prom for the dog walkers.
We then carried on past the caravan park and up to the Hayling Island ferry jetty (1.5km) protected from the broadside wind by hedges in the residential parts, but fully exposed in the harbour area. Other runners were out with us and a raised hand or a nod acknowledged our running existence. We turned and headed back to the prom. Seventh , eighth and ninth kms averaged a pace of 8.00 min/km, and UTS stressed the importance on keeping going for that last km. it was tough and I could feel it in my hips. I suggested we divert from the promenade to the road on the other side of the pitch & putt course to see if it was a bit more protected - just a bit. We ran past the cricket club and round to the rose garden. Council contractors were repairing the gazebos so we couldn’t do the planned circuit. We diverted through the Japanese Garden then out through the rose garden again. Bush roses had been pruned low, reminding me of a gardening task to be done. We then headed past the tennis club and back again, picking up speed as we knew we were approaching the end of the run. Coincidentally, it just happened to end near Cafe Fresco, so a large cappuccino, water and cookie were enjoyed inside while we cooled down.
My first 10k since the New Forest 10k 2 months ago and it felt great, despite the wind. Coach Bennett was pleased with me and I enjoyed this guided run in which he gave some statements to ponder on whilst running.
10km - 77 minutes 38 secs
New Years 10 km race 
