IC to 4K*

[Jay66UK]

Well, well, well. Home from work yesterday knowing my back muscle was much better and I ought to be able to run this morning after a week on the IC after completing (but not because of) W7R3.

I had posted on here earlier seeking advice about whether to re-run the last one or go on to the next. Those who I shall forever think of as The Sirens lured me on to the rocks of W8R1.

Up early. Aware of back muscle but no pain. Let’s do this.

Run went well. It felt strange and familiar all at once. I deliberately went off slowly but ran further than I ever have - 4.00km including the walks. I’m clearly going to be way off 5k at the end but I frankly don’t care, that will be my first post-grad target.

The return leg was hard work. My calves were screaming at me (rather than mooing, which I had expected) and they were clearly happier on the IC for the week. Tough. I just kept going.

There is a long (fairly shallow) hill I have to run up towards the end which is a struggle and, in my mind’s eye, The Sirens were running 3 or 4 car lengths ahead of me, looking back and encouraging me on.

Weirdly the high kicked in during the last quarter of the run - perhaps explaining the hallucination of other runners - and by the end I just felt immensely relaxed and calm. It’s great to be back in the saddle/trainers.

Whatever run you are doing next, I hope it goes well and you get a tenth of the buzz I’m riding right now x

*inc the 5 minute walks each end

[Millsie-J Graduate]

Brilliant, you are back🏃🏻👍🏼

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to Millsie-J]

Thank you!

[Ripcurlrana71]

Yay!!!! We were there cheering you on! What a great feeling hey? These runs are tough I tell you - I feel the tiredness after 20 mins. Welcome back running buddy. 💫 x

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to Ripcurlrana71]

Thanks. You really helped me along the last part of today. Cannot believe I’ve run 28 minutes!

[Ripcurlrana71 in reply to Jay66UK]

It is amazing isn’t it? You enjoy that glory - you deserve it. x

[Hidden]

👍Calves screaming rather than mooing ......I love it !! Well done on the run.

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thanks!

[Flaraflarkin Graduate]

I do enjoy reading your eloquent posts Jay66UK - has been great to see your journey in progress 😊 Well done you, you're doing great! 🙌👊😬

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to Flaraflarkin]

Thanks! I’ve been called many things but never “eloquent” before! 😊

[Lorijay Graduate]

Woohoo, Jay is back!!! Well done.

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to Lorijay]

Partly your fault you Siren you.

[Lorijay Graduate in reply to Jay66UK]

Come on you're a closet siren lover ..lol..

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to Lorijay]

If it didn’t seem too “Benny Hill” I’d get some t-shirts printed with “Jay’s Sirens” on them!

[pianoteacher Graduate]

That is brilliant Jay!

Back to lure you onto the rocks of Parkrun You could definitely do it if you're going 4k - just extend your final walk x

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to pianoteacher]

I’m tempted. I’ve registered and ordered some bling bits with the barcode on.

I’m currently very much a solo runner and I get a bit of anxiety in big groups plus I know me and I’m likely to want to run the whole thing and injure myself...

I could time my runs this week to run Saturday next week. But graduating this in May and doing Parkruns from the first weekend in June has a nice feel to it...

[pianoteacher Graduate]

Great Plan!

I looked at the barcode bling as well but haven't got round to ordering any yet. It'll be me and my piece of paper inside a small plastic bag again on Saturday