Post rugby and beer run...

Afternoon all, Aussie here with another run report. After far too many beers yesterday at the rugby (well done to the Wallabies BTW - go Aussies!) I was in two minds about a run this morning... then I figured that Sunday was RunDay and there were to be "no excuses"... bit later than normal today and it's a 9am start!

Gear on, hydration belt attached and I'd planned out 11 miles today (17.7km)... the weather is cloudy and rain is forecast for later in the morning... no problem there - I'm pretty waterproof (and the iPhone was in a freezer bag just in case!)...

First few kms tick over nice and easy and I'm into Richmond Park again (love it there).. I started on a anti-clockwise section from Ham Gate to Kingston Gate around the border of the park and then once I got to Kingston Gate, I started in a clockwise direction back towards Ham Gate but following the road this time... few little hills here so nicely pacing myself through to the 5K mark....

Onwards past Pembroke Lodge and then the sweeping downhill section (a nice gentle decline) begins... at about the 8KM mark the rain starts... a light shower that is very welcomed as it cools me down nicely... at the 10KM mark I'm almost at Roehampton Gate and the rain is properly coming down now... and I'm loving it... I'm already wet, it's cooling me down and as I couldn't get any wetter, I could care less about running through puddles and just keeping the pace up... great fun!

At 11KM I down an energy gel and prepare to tackle that hill again... up we go with not much bother (well, a bit of bother but it's all good when I get to the top). About now my technology starts playing up and I lose my tunes... quick 30 second stop to fix that and then on we go... about 5 minutes later the same thing happens so I stop again, yell loudly at my phone to behave itself and carry on... these little 30 seconds stops are actually quite rewarding... amazing how fresh I felt on restarting again... I remember this as a "it's okay to walk for 30 seconds if you want to get some energy back" for next time (and for races actually)...

15KM in and I'm back at Kingston Gate and now I do the reverse of my route earlier and head towards Ha Gate in the clockwise direction following the border of the park. 10 miles (16.1K) clicks over just before I head out of the park at Ham Gate at around 1:48 so that's good to see - happy with that sort of timing on a long run!

Out of the park and up Ham Gate Avenue we go... a long straight and "boring" stretch for me... this is where 17km clicks over though and I'm now thinking "excellent, 700m to go". I was thinking about going further but remembered clearly that overdoing things is what hurt me last time so I stick to my original goal of 11 miles. To be honest, I know a HM is only 2 more miles but I was starting to really feel tired so I was pushing towards the end... the rain is POURING down now... still lovin' it... can't get any wetter so just carry on!

I get into Ham and then Garmin informs me that I've now done 11 miles! Woo hoo! Just under 1:57 for the 11 miles puts me in sub 2:15 timing for a HM - just where I want to be! My first HM is at the end of February so I've got plenty of time to get there yet... slowly, slowly Aussie... get the miles on the legs! My pace is slowly improving, my breathing comes together about 5-6K into the long run and the endorphins tend to kick in around the 14K mark (this is when I start to grin like an idiot as I'm enjoying this running lark so much!)...

Back home and get the towels out... nice warm shower, clothes in the wash and the runners out to dry!

After the beers yesterday this was an awesome run and I'm getting SO close to that HM distance that was so laughable back in March when I started this thing.... C25K gives you all the skills you need to build pace, build distance or, frankly, just to keep you active for 30 minutes, 3 times a week...

As I say, I may not be the fastest runner out there, but I just pounded out 11 miles in the rain and had a blast! The legs feel fine a few hours later and although I'm a bit tired, it's a great way to start the day. This old man can run...

Have a great Sunday y'all... It's number one's 7th Birthday tomorrow so let's hope I can get down the stairs in the morning!

[Burgdude Graduate]

Awesome run Aussie! I enjoy your post. The beer got my attention. Well done on your time.

[Hidden in reply to Burgdude]

Thanks Burgdude! Beer always gets attention!

[MarlyParly Graduate]

Ooh could just visualise that the way you described it, I know Richmond Park, gorgeous. I love running in the rain, well certain types of rain, I've discovered too, very refreshing & less people around! Thanks for sharing, epic run!

[Hidden in reply to MarlyParly]

Only the hardcore remained in the downpour!

[Vixchile Graduate]

Sounds like another fab run!

[ju-ju- Graduate]

great run Aussie and good time too, it sounds like you really enjoyed it as well which is the main thing!!!! Happy Birthday to your number one for tomorow

[Hidden in reply to ju-ju-]

Thanks JJ - after your epic 13.1 miles today it certainly has been Sunday Runday!

[Irishprincess Graduate]

Gorgeous sounding run Aussie! You'll walk the HM (well you know what I mean!).

[Hidden in reply to Irishprincess]

Haha... I probably will do a cheeky 30 second walk at some point ...

[c4ts Graduate]

Great run Aussie. Did you know that you joined me in my 10K at Stranraer yesterday. It has a hill (I suspect a bit like YOUR HILL) and I was really struggling not keeping my head up, leaning over and kept thinking you told Aussie you have to keep upright so get yourself sorted.

The fact I am struggling to walk today means it must have been tough.

[Hidden in reply to c4ts]

Hills... oh how I love to hate them... and then conquer them!

One does not simply walk down stairs after running up hills... rest well!

[pinkangel16 Graduate]

Well done Aussie, cracking run! xx

[Hidden in reply to pinkangel16]

Thanks! Was a great run...

[GettingFitter Graduate]

Fantastic run Aussie. Definitely pounding the miles out. Inspirational post can just see you grinning ear to ear. Well done

[Hidden in reply to GettingFitter]

Yeah - I get a rush of endorphin about 15K into a long run... perhaps it's just delirium...

[poppypug Graduate]

Whoa Aus, that is amazing ! Fab post and a massive well done to you . Youre back and taking no prisoners

Happy Birthday to your little girl for tomorrow xxx

[Hidden in reply to poppypug]

Thanks PP - good to be back... and I'm still looking after that ankle of mine... slow and steady now... no crazy stuff (as if 11 miles isn't crazy enough!)...

[Ejbirdy Graduate]

Well done! - I too was at the rugby , fantastic final 10mins - thought the baabaas were going to do it

[Hidden in reply to Ejbirdy]

Was a crackin' game - I did need to work off a substantial number of beers though... out with the lads since 11am at the pub...

[AncientMum Graduate]

Great post Aussie, you're flying again. Happy birthday to daughter no1. Oh to be 7 again

[Hidden in reply to AncientMum]

Thanks EpicMum... can't believe she's 7... was only a blink ago that she was about the size of my forearm...

Now she helps me get my running gear ready and wants to know "how many minutes did you run today Daddy?" and takes my medals to show and tell at school... hahaha...

[AncientMum Graduate in reply to Hidden]

How does it feel to be a hero??

[Hidden]

Thanks KK - beers only *after* the main event in February!