Ohhhh Godddddd! That was sooooo hard. I am pooped after it, especially in this heat. Was I stupid? Did I go out too late?
Oh sorry! You don't have a clue what I'm talking about do you? Soz. This mornings run was a 10K Special all the way around Richmond Park. After Saturdays Park run PB I thought it was time for a long one. After all, I've got my first official 10K Run on June 8th so getting some miles in was needed. I toyed with the idea of wearing shorts today and actually put some on (over my compression shorts) but after my hip 'N glute exercises I changed into my usual lycra running tights instead. Dunno why? I just couldn't seem to leave my lycra lovelies in the drawer this morning. We've been through so much together and I do feel kind of "streamlined" in them. But would they be too hot? It was 20 degrees outside already and the time was 10.30am. Mrs Dan was giving it some, to her keep fit DVD (Davina's one this morning) when I waved a cheery bye. "I'll be about an hour and a half" I shouted. "Good luck!" she replied.
I was taking some watered down cranberry juice with me today cos I knew I would need something to quench the inevitable thirst. I drove into the park and parked up at Pembroke Lodge, zipped my car keys into my troosers and I was off on my warm up walk.
The first 5K was no problem. Everything felt fine and although the sun was beating down on me I wasn't too hot. I'd slathered some sunblock on my boat race (tip from Mrs Dan) so I wouldn't burn and stopped very briefly to take the above picture of the majestic deer grazing in the park. Don't they look gorgeous? It wasn't until about 28 minutes in that I had to stop for a recovery walk. I wasn't to annoyed about this as I was not out to try and break any records today. It was waaaay too hot for that sort of malarkey. I pressed on. After only about 5 minutes I had to stop again and took a swig of my cranberry juice. It was quite sweet to taste and felt good as it slid down my gizzard, refreshing the parts that needed refreshing. I started to question why I'd been stupid enough to try and run 10K on the hottest day of the year so far. "Too late now though boy, you'd better get on with it. Now off you go!"
I managed another good chunk of mileage until I reached Mount Everest the 2nd - this really tough hill which I'd tried to jog up last time I was here. I attempted to do the slowest snail speed jog up the hill but got halfway and had to stop! I looked at this park bench underneath this lovely tree and it looked so inviting, almost taunting me to sit on it in the cool shade and get my breath back properly. But I knew if I stopped and sat down, it'd be all over, so I walked slowly to the peak of this mountain and marvelled in awe at a cyclist, decked out in multi coloured lycra bikewear who was CYCLING UP THE HILL!!!!! His calves were as thick as my waist, so he must've been some sort of professional biker dude. WOW!
I had to stop another four times before I completed the circuit, jogging only short stretches whenever I had the energy to move. I noticed two girls who were sitting under the shade of a tree having a rest from their run and they got up (well, they helped each other up they were so knackered!) and started jogging. I was lolloping along and passed them thinking that there wasn't far to go before the car park....oh...there it is now! Thank the LORD!!
Reached the car and stretched my muscles and swallowed the final slurp of my juice and thought "I did not enjoy that run. BUT......I did it!" Checked my stats on Endomondo - 1'03'19. I honestly thought it would have been way longer than that, so I was pleased to discover that news.
Once home I was greeted by Mrs Dan who was in her bikini and dark glasses and she laughed as I hobbled through the door into the house. "Hahaha! Did you enjoy that then?" - "No! I did not!" - "At least you did it though. Right, I'm sunbathing in the garden. Bye!" Well, it IS her birthday on Wednesday and I've told her she should have a "Birthday Week" of fun and frolics! - Oooh that reminds me. I've got to go out and buy pink champagne.....
I think the reason why my energy levels were so sapped today is because of the massive effort put into Sat's Parkrun AND the monumental hangover recovery all day yesterday. Perhaps I should have waited until tomorrow to do the 10K but what the heck? I've done it now and despite the lack of feeling fantastic I'm happy with having the ability to go out and keep in touch with nature. Some folks aren't as lucky as me and I must NEVER forget that.
Farewell for now and whatever you do - DO NOT give up!
D
