And my second parkrun! The call went out from my running club for a few people to support the recently graduated C25Kโers on their first 5K. It seemed a bit soon to me as this was to be their third run of Week 9 and they had only covered 3K, but there you go. They were encouraged to do a mixture of walking and running if they needed to. Most of the usual suspects were busy and couldnโt make it and I hadnโt really factored in another parkrun just yet, as Iโm in the middle of a training plan. I moved the run I was supposed to be doing today and volunteered my services ๐
What a glorious morning it was! About 10 degrees, sunny and a gentle breeze. Almost perfect running conditions. (I like it a tad cooler). Still wearing shorts but chose a long sleeved top today. Could have worn a tee-shirt. Chatted to the new graduates for a while, who were very nervous! I hope I helped put them at their ease a little. We listened to the talks and were soon walking to the start, pretty much at the back. Then we were off!
I was running alongside a seasoned runner from the club, the only man representing the running group there today. Heโs an active member of a trail running group, too. Bracknell parkrun has quite a few inclines and one short hill. This is the famous โWhat Hill?โ and has that sign at the bottom telling us!
I was fine for the first lap, keeping a steady pace, but I started to flag on the second lap. I really wanted a walking break and told my running companion to go on ahead, but he said heโd run with me. So I thought Iโd better not have a walking break ๐คฃ! I reduced pace a couple of times as my stamina isnโt there yet (itโs the inclines!) but each time I slowed down, he deviously increased pace after a few seconds thinking I wouldnโt notice ๐คฃ
We arrived at the hill for the second time and he encouraged me up that, too, although I was seriously flagging by then! On the flat again, recovering my breathing and nearing the finish funnel he let me go ahead as I managed to find some extra from somewhere for a faster finish and to be ready to cheer the new graduates in! Success for them and for me. I didnโt take any walking breaks and shaved 38 seconds off my first parkrun time. I broke the 45 minute mental barrier at 44:31, still much slower than Iโd like, but a steady run with no walking which is what I was aiming for. Smiles all round today! Coffee and chitchat with the new graduates ๐
Definitely earned the breakfast of champions this morning ๐ฅฃ and am very grateful to my running companion! ๐ Without him, I definitely would have walked some of it.
Another good 5k this morning
A lovely surprise for a lovely morning. My first 5k ๐๐
Saturday morning on the dreadmill ๐ฌ
