The intention was there, the running kit was in the case, surely there would be the opportunity to get a couple of runs in. Little did I know that in the area of Brussels where we were staying, wearing of face coverings was mandatory at all times even in the street, and it rapidly became apparent that the local police were... enthusiastic... in enforcing this. (A cynic might say that the number of aggressive beggars out and about would also benefit from their attention...) Anyway, long story short, the kit remained in the case (apart from the shoes, but we will come back to that later!)
Ah well, thought I, 2 nights in London (compensation to my daughter for having to cancel part of the holiday due to Covid restrictions on booking rail tickets), I can at least have a run up and down the Thames. Oops, no shower in the hotel due to water supply issues, don't fancy going out and then not being able to shower afterwards, plan B thwarted.
This morning then, up and out. Planned to do 40-45 minutes, wasn't aiming for any specific time or distance, just go out and plod on. Really could have done with going out a bit earlier, but had a late-ish night last night due to keeping the washing machine fed (surprising how much dirty clobber a teenage girl can fit in one suitcase). As a result the dog walkers were already starting to emerge in droves so most of the time was spent in various canine avoidance measures.
Coming round one corner and a young lady emerged in front of me, she seemed to be keeping up a similar pace to me so I fell in behind, thinking it would be good to have someone to act as a pacemaker, actually a clear bit of path for once so just relax and concentrate on keeping going... got distracted watching some waterfowl, doesn't seem long since they were hatchlings, now fully fledged and preparing for flight (bit of a metaphor for the C25K there methinks!) when I suddenly realised that my pacemaker had started walking, suspect she must be doing C25K and had got to a "walky bit". If that was you, and you are on this forum, apologies from the sweaty middle aged bloke in the orange shirt who was about 6 feet off running straight into you!
Somehow my left shoe didn't feel right (no pun intended) this morning, my foot seemed to be moving around in it somehow. This became incredibly distracting, but hey, I'm not going to stop, not my easiest ever run but I reckon I should be good for 45 minutes. Until on the homeward stretch 2 more of the accursed dog walkers were completely blocking the path, my shouts went ignored, I actually got right up to them and had to stop before they parted to lete through. The left shoe situation, and the beginnings of an ache in the calf muscles, combined to make me call it a day.
Had it not been for the two dog walkers, I'd probably have managed 45 minutes or maybe even 7k. As it was, no PRs, a couple of sector times were 2nd or 3rd, but I got back out there and that's main thing.
The shoe? Well... last week I was so absorbed in geeing up my teenage daughter that I completely forgot to pack any other shoes for myself. As a result, not fancying going out in DMs on the hottest day of the year, I stuck my running shoes on for a visit to the coast, thought I had knocked all the sand out, this morning lo and behold I I appear to have a considerable portion of the Belgian coast with me, but only in the left shoe... they may have to go for a trip in the washer now it's cooled down.
Fish, chips and mushy peas!
Hello all - 71 years old and hoping to run!
FAQ Post C25K COMPLETED…….WHAT NEXT?
