Set out this morning with a steely determination to not only get this run successfully done and dusted, but to improve on my pace. My second run of the week has proved to be my best one for the last couple of weeks. It’s a dull morning and not too warm. Pretty perfect conditions for running.
Got to the riverbank where Michael was waiting for me. He sounded exactly like he did on my last run 😂 but I put that thought aside and set off at what I thought was a reasonable pace! Music 🎵 playlist specially selected for the run. First 5 minutes weren’t as difficult as usual. Doubts creep in - did I set off too fast? Checked my watch at 1 km and yes, looking good! I plod on to the gate and leave it open, I’ll shut it on my way back. Hoppity skippety turn around at the halfway mark. Glance at my watch - if I can keep up this pace I can do it! Why am I so competitive, when it doesn’t matter at this stage ?! When did I start looking at my pace rather than just concentrating on completing each run?
Michael chips in at the expected intervals, it’s still reassuring to have those time markers. 2 km - still looking good. At 20 minutes I’m starting to tire, maybe I can’t keep it up, I’d hate not to finish, I’ve completed every other run in the programme! I slow down a tad - but determination kicks in and I try to lengthen my stride. I’ve got past 3 km and although I’m tiring now, I know my pace is good and that I have a good chance of beating my PB if I can just keep going. I try and speed up for the last few seconds. Michael says the run is over, but I keep going for a few seconds more in case there is a discrepancy on Strava.
I’ve done it! My penultimate run of the programme and it’s a good one. So proud that I’m almost there. Pace improved by 23 seconds. Wooohoo! My second 30 minute run and it went really well. Graduation beckons!
Graduation 🎓 run - no roast or pancakes 
Week 9, Run 1- Very Pleased
