I haven’t run since Saturday when I did my impromptu 8km. It’s been a busy week with loads of faffy admin jobs that have needed to be done, and I’ve been feeling a bit itchy to get out. This afternoon, there was a window. I was tired, but couldn’t quite figure if it was the sort of tired that was better with rest or activity. I thought I’d head out and see with the aim of running anywhere between about 3 and 10k. I loaded up Coach B’s 10k Headstarts just in case. That proved to be a good decision.
As I left the house it started raining. Typical since it had been bright sunshine all morning. I nipped back in to grab my running jacket, I don’t know why because it usually doesn’t stay on for more than a few minutes. Today was no different. Three whole minutes before I was too hot. Ah well, a luminous cape round my waist was handy for viability in the grey weather. It took two and a half to warm up. I was intending to stop at three km until all of a a sudden, something magic happened and Ploddy McPlod-face turned into gently trotting gazelle and I fell into “let’s run forever” mode. I wasn’t expecting that! I stopped thinking about the run, started singing along (in my head!) to the music in my earphones and all of a sudden I’d covered four miles.
Then there was a decision to be made. Up the hill and down to village which is another two miles, or head for home. Looking at the time, I realised if k picked up the pace just a little bit, I could make it to the village shop in time for a posh coffee. That sealed it-up the hill I went! This is where I’ve really noticed where all the runs I’ve done have made a difference. It’s a big hill but it felt like a nice challenge and I hit the top feeling fresh. From there, it’s the nicest downhill past some lambs and fat (or pregnant?!) horses into the village. I knew I was flying from sneaking a little look at my watch and it just felt amazing to be back here again.
I couldn’t remember exactly how far 10k is in miles so I aimed for 6.3 to be on the safe side. I made it to the coffee stop with two minutes to spare, new PBs for 1km, 1 mile, 5km and…the big 1-0km!!! I haven’t run this far in months and I am still absolutely buzzing. Coach B talks about not being finished if you stop. You’re only finished if you don’t start again. When I was out with IT band issues, I’d never have thought I’d be back here again, and actually feeling better than ever. That’s thanks to loads of support from you lovely posters and a very decent plan from NRC! Off to celebrate with my coffee now!! Things are looking up (that’s my photo for this run!!)
Next goal? 10 miles! Watch out…I’m coming for you!!!
