Yesterday it was my day to run with my head teacher friend with the dodgy legs and lungs, still working on week 3 interval timings. However I was in a bit of a dilemma because on Tuesday I had hoped to do a longer run for myself (as all the runs have been with him since the start of the holidays - intervals and at a slower pace) but it had rained so much I'd opted to do a workout at the gym and a swim instead, which meant I was really overdue for a longer run. And then I decided it shouldn't be a problem at all. I would run to his house first and then run with him. This sounded like a plan...
I mapped out my route to his house (which would be different to when I drive) and map my run reckoned it would be about 7km. So 45 minutes before we were due to run I did my warm up stretches and then set off on the 5 minute warm up walk before breaking into a jog. I actually braved the dreaded Dallow Downs again, but this time (after the poo encounter) I was careful to watch my set, and also took a slightly different route down to the road. It was a really steep downward path so I had to work really hard on not careering down too fast, but it was quite invigorating. And at least I was intending to run back up again.
Then it was pretty straightforward, and I was soon heading up towards his house finding another variation to the route I'd planned which would be more direct. I had been worried about being late, but my altered route, and discovery of a short cut meant that I arrived 15 minutes early and having covered only 5 of the expected 7km. I was tempted to either wait outside his door, or knock and go in for a cuppa. But either of these courses of action would mean at least 15 minutes sitting around and I worried my body would be so cooled down I wouldn't want to run again.
So the decision was made to run around the block a couple of times until the allotted time and up my distance a little more. I actually managed 3 laps and got to 7km. There was a very puzzled face which greeted me at the front door, as I puffed and panted to get my breath back. When he realised my car was missing the penny dropped.
As we set off on his warm up walk he started to tell me that his car was in the garage. I started to panic as I'd been hoping to cadge a lift home from him. He let me stew quietly for a few minutes and then let me know he was joking. Phew.
Our run went well, although my legs were thoroughly confused. OK we've run 7km, now we've walked 5 minutes so surely it's time to stop and stretch... they whined. It was pretty much the same after each walking interval, but at least my running buddy benefitted from feeling that he wasn't slowing me down - it was quite an effort to keep up with him. The sun was out, and there were plenty of birds calling to one another - or maybe they were cheering us on I suggested.
At last we got to the 5km mark for him, and for some unknown masochistic reason I decided that what my tired legs needed now, more than anything was a thirty second sprint. Having told my partner what I was doing I then had to see it through... 😫 Was I mad? My legs were threatening to get me sectioned. No more! they screamed.
But it was over and we only had the 5 minute walk and stretching to do before I could collapse into a chair and rehydrate. My total distance covered (including the two warm up walks, a cool down walk and the intervals) was 14km, so I was pleased with that, although my legs were still complaining last night - so I treated them to a long soak in a hot bath.
Week one Run one done!!!
That was one psychologically challenging run! 
Buy one, get one flee
Free-styling into 2024
From grumpy to happy in just one run
