The significance of Coldplay is that we did the whole of C25K to Coldplay, Willow's all time favourite band, we shared a set of wireless earbuds, not sure why but it worked for us. I bought him a set for graduation and have listened to different music ever since. I've avoided Coldplay for long enough so decided today was the day. I didn't know what to expect , I chose a NRC 7k run, it is a recovery run and I wanted to take it nice and steady. As usual I only had a vague idea of where I was going when I left home but I walked briskly for a few minutes, realised it was milder than yesterday although cloudy, hardly a breeze and I probably didn't need a second layer of long sleeves. Headed for the seafront and sniffed, uh oh, forgot my tissue, not turning back. Sniffed again and carried on.
Took a left and just as I was wondering whether to turn to go along side streets to town or cross to the seafront there was a gap in the traffic so I sprinted across.
Coach B said look around you, so I did, a few runners, walkers, dogs and bikes but much quieter than yesterday when the green was full of parkrunners and walkers and the sun shone down on us.
I kept running sometimes a bit faster mostly a bit slower, the sea is grey the sky is grey, coach chatters on and Coldplay plays. A memory flits in my head of us watching them in a concert on TV and Willow saying "every ones a winner" and smiled. Then grinned because apart from the music every runner is a winner.
I turned at the half way point, should I retrace my steps or go a different way home? Decisions decisions, I never consciously make them, my feet lead the way. Turned right at the gap, back on the road. Crossed at the lights. Ooo I'll go along Old Salts Farm Road. A long road that goes into town. I've never run along here before, walked it, cycled it, driven it and even ridden our horse along it, once when the darned thing bolted with me screamed along most of it.
So today I ran it, passing so many memories, past my friend's house, past the school my son went to, past the stables where I went every school day to feed clean and ride. This road doesn't feel so long running but the driveways and sloping pavements start to tell.
5k run and Coach B says let's have some fun.
5k pace then 10k pace then Marathon pace then Mile pace and hey I'm having fun.
Nearly home, some walking breaks now, and done.
Coldplay is a good playlist for a steady run, not too fast paced and familiar in the background, not emotional though which was a surprise. I enjoyed myself.
Run happy or rest well 😀
