Morning fellow running friends,
I have run my last run of 2017 this morning to earn the very lovely masquerade ball mask that you can see in the photo π The bottom photos are the medals that Iβve signed up for so far for next year π π π π π
Due to the enormous amount of rain that Iβve had recently, I had to rethink my route as my local country park is flooded and completely impassable, unless you wear wellies and Iβm really not sure that running in wellies is a good idea? π¬
So, a new route had to be found and quickly as I had to run today to claim my bling!! Instead of studying numerous maps to see where 5k would get me I just decided to start running and see where me feet would take me ππ»ββοΈππ»ββοΈ
I passed the hospital, the train station and arrived at Aldi thinking that Iβd at least done 3K but oh no π€¦π»ββοΈ 2.3K!!! What?!! It felt so much longer than that. Maybe it was the fact that it was along a pathway and not through a leafy, muddy, puddle infested park but boy did it seem long........
Anyway, I carried on, and lo and behold, I discovered what I knew was coming but I was still dreading it. A hill. A very long and steep hill π€¦π»ββοΈ. And then the rain started followed by gusts of what can only be described as hurricane force winds (maybe not hurricane force but it felt like it!!!) Upwards I went, digging in to my reserves and sheer bloody mindedness!! Reached the top and almost felt like I needed the hospital, which at this point is very conveniently placed where the hill levels out. Hmmm... maybe thereβs a reason for that.....π§
I admit I had to stop for 30 seconds just to get my breathing under control and a quick look at my phone tells me that Iβve only got 1K to go to complete the 5K.
Breathing back to normal, off I set to finish the last KM. Rain π§ is still lashing down, wind π¨ is still gusting in my face, legs are still plodding on ππ»ββοΈ and I must look a right sorry state of affairs but did I care? NO!! Absolutely not!!
Run finished and with a 5 min cool down walk, I ended up at my front door. Exhausted. Muddy. Wet. Windswept.
This was my hardest run to date and one that I wonβt forget in a hurry but did I enjoy it. Yes and that probably confirms, that deep down, I am a sadomasochist!!
So as we all prepare to say goodbye to 2017 Iβd just like to say thank you to each and every one of you that have helped and inspired my in my running journey in 2017 ππ
Much love to you all and have a happy and healthy 2018.
ππHAPPY NEW YEAR ππ