Having graduated some time ago and then managing to get my time under 30 minutes, I have been stuck around the 27.7 minutes timing and no matter how many times I've done the speed podcast I didn't seem to be able to break through this barrier. If I'm totally honest, I haven't actually done the Speed Podcast too many times as it leaves me completely knackered, and I end up wanting to throttle Laura along the way, despite it being a much shorter run than usual.
So part of me has been content with upping my distance from time to time, but after seeing how well Hidden did yesterday, I thought perhaps I should push myself. I hadn't run since Wednesday as I ended up working on Friday and then spent most of my time in London for rehearsals, an audition, a lovely afternoon supping coffee, and a singing in a fabulous carol concert at the Barbican, so I was determined that I must get out this morning. I resisted the temptation to sleep in my running kit - an unorthodox method another C25Ker allegedly suggested of ensuring you run first thing. I could only think of two reasons not too (but that's probably enough 😂): first because I got home quite late after the carolling and wasn't sure where all my stuff was, or what the weather would demand in terms of layers; and second, I have enough problems regulating my temperature at night (waking up to stick one leg out the bed, then an arm, then throwing the duvet off, then waking up freezing, retrieving the duvet and pulling limbs back in like a startled tortoise, dozing for a while before subsequently awakening to find myself completely drenched and in need of a cool shower) without having to battle with layers of lycra and fleece.
During one of my waking self combusting moments I started mulling over where I could run a 5K which would avoid mud, hills, traffic and pedestrians. My usual routes are fairly undulating, and my route through my local park could probably be used for a challenge in I'm a Celebrity Get Me out of Here, with ankle deep mud slides and jungle like nettles and brambles. And so it was this morning, that with the minimum of fuss (result!) I headed off in the car, up the M1 towards Milton Keynes and my intended destination, Willen Lake.
Getting dressed and out of the door had been unbelievably faff free, and I thought I'd soon be running round the lake. That was before every truck in the world decided now was a good time to rumble up the motorway. A journey that should normally take about 20 minutes took more like 45. But I was going to persevere. Only trouble now was that having parked and warmed up my last loo stop had been nearly an hour ago, and I didn't want to risk anything. No worries though, my five minute walk could include a quick pit stop at the public loos... except you have to go through a pub to get to them and the pub wasn't open yet. A friendly dog walker pointed me in the direction further along by a play park and I carried on with my purposeful walk another 5 minutes only to find these completely locked also.
I was then costed by another lady out for a stroll who demanded to know if I worked in the park, and before I could deny the charge she proceeded to rant at me about the travelling people who were running a Christmas party/marquee/event thingy and that their dogs were unleashed and frightening the bejesus out of everyone. I shrugged, and explained I was just looking for a loo. She pointed me back in the direction of the pub, advising me to go through the hotel entrance. And so I strode back the way I had come: if I hadn't actually needed the loo before, I had now convinced myself that it would be disastrous to begin my run without a visit. So much to the surprise of the woman on reception, I marched right through the entrance to find the conveniences.
And at last, more than fully warmed up, I could begin my run. It was a lovely run, alongside the lake, watching the swans upending themselves in search of food; then across a meadow towards the river. I was pushing myself to run slightly faster than my usual pace, and soon I was getting quite puffed out, but was determined to keep going. The route took me over a quaint wooden bridge and back along the other river bank before taking me back to the outskirts of the lake. Mapmyrun told me my first km was in 4.54. My legs were doing fine but my lungs were complaining and i was convinced that my fasted km last week was just a complete lie. But I carried on trying to keep the same pace.
By the end of the 2nd km I had a total time of 10 minutes, so I had slowed a little. Could I keep going at this pace..? NO screamed my lungs. I wasn't actually much faster than usual but it was definitely not comfortable. By the time I got to the end of the 3rd km I could hardly hear my APP as my lungs were pleading with me at the tops of their voices to either stop or let them get off. Focusing on the Canada geese and terns on the water, I ploughed on, slightly slower again, but doing my best to convince my lungs to keep working and stop complaining.
At 4km my legs joined in the whingeing and whining, and I was on the point of stopping, when I spotted Ranting Rita on a convergent path, and she looked like she was trying to attract my attention for another instalment, so I had no option but to keep on going, and somehow sustained a pace of 5.24 for the last km.
As soon as my headphones told me I'd done 5km my legs refused to run any further, my lungs wheezed a sigh of relief, as I walked back to the car.
But I was so pleased with myself - I had broken through the 27 minute barrier and got a PB of 26.11. I know it was cheating as there were no real inclines to speak of, but I'm happy. But I think my legs are telling me that they would rather do a longer run next time, than have me placing unreasonable demands on them...
Thanks lardofale and AnneDroid . Fortunately my lungs calmed down quite quickly, but my joints were complaining well into the wee small hours. They are fine now though. 
5k again at last!!!
I’m a runner at last !
At long last - a sub 27min 5k
Going slow
My First 5K (i missed you Laura) !
