After a shower, a drink & a belated breakfast, it's sometimes easy to think that a hard run wasn't so hard after all, but this one was so I won't gloss over it
Wasn't overly feeling it this morning. Had a bit of stomach ache, tried to settle it and waited until I felt it had subsided a bit heading out of the door at about 10am.
Today was my semi final run, back on the good ol route, but was feeling a little nervous for some reason. Hadn't run it since last wednesday, and it felt like I had been unfaithful to the route, 😂 was a little worried I wouldn't be able to pace it correctly after pushing it hard on monday, and that she may throw some new obstacles in my way for leaving her for nearly a week.
I had no intentions today of trying to claim a 5K and finishing was the only objective today. Also back in the old smelly trainers 👟💨. Have decided the new ones are going to be an everyday pair and going to look at some a little higher end just for the running. Figured it will be nice to have a pair that don't need an odour control warning for my hols. 😊
I probably set off a bit too fast, it didn't feel fast, it felt slower than Monday so should have been about right, after 5 minutes I was round about the usual point maybe 5-10 yards or so ahead, so took it steady then back around the park down the main road, and to the roundabout.
Crossed paths with another runner by the garage for the first time in weeks (actually can't even remember seeing any others at the time I go) I guessed she had at least 20 years on me and probably running at almost twice my pace. Proof to anyone that age means very little, and took it as inspiration that I still have time to get better! Laura called me a runner a couple of weeks back, but I still very much am an amateur
Took it steady on the way back, but was starting to feel a bit fatigued, just lacking a bit of energy really today but was determined to push on through.
Finally joined a gym last night after speaking with a friend also just starting his journey on the get fit train. We've planned to take our first voyage there on Sunday so didn't really want to have to repeat this one to put the graduation run back. Did feel like I could have perhaps needed another rest day though (despite having a pretty lazy day yesterday).
Anyway the run was starting to push me hard, the last hill up to Barney's barbers I managed slow & steady but at about the 20 minute mark I started feeling pretty bad lower back pain. Slowing down further didn't really help and I was fighting on every step.
Hadn't really had this before, so maybe down to a few sit-ups I'd done in the morning but it bloody hurt! I carry a small running bag with me for my phone & keys, and although it's light, and it rarely bothers me it started to feel like I was carrying a bowling ball. Took it step at a time and slowly ran on to my route extension across the mini roundabout up towards my usual turning point.
Turning point is on a hill, and started feeling it a bit in my calves, weird but it was welcome and it was taking the pain away from my back so I carried on a bit further up the hill than I usually would. (Never ever thought I would be using an uphill for recovery!)
After turning though it was back with a vengeance, every running step like being punched in the back. 3 long minutes to go, but the reward was a place in the grand final! I had to carry on, in 9 weeks I haven't repeated a run, and wasn't going to be defeated by this one.
Job done! Limped into my cooldown walk, but after a few minutes, as quick as it had arrived, the pain was gone.
1 run to go 🤞😊
strava.com/activities/19509...
PS: To end on a positive 😊 checked the scales after the shower this morning, and looks like I've lost around 8 pounds since starting CT5K, so quite a nice bonus prize there too!
W9R2...!!!!!
W9R1: I ran for 30 minutes!!
W9R2 - Touching distance
W9R2 - done, and new route!
I got my mojo back . . . . . Groovy baby, yeah!
