Well, I got there in the end. What is it, a week? More? I don’t know anymore, I’m still not convinced March ever ended.
It’s been a busy week, maybe more than usual, as we’ve had to organise a sixth birthday party (all friends and family within our bubble) and it’s been a mission. It all went ok in the end anyway but it’s been a long bank holiday weekend. Needless to say, it’s not left a lot of room for running.
I did start to worry when I noticed just how many days were passing since my last one but I decided, new month, new running week! So it’s the 1st, at least it was when I started writing this, and if I do this right, I’ll finally finish this thing by October.
So incidentally it was the last day of the boy’s summer holidays and he’ll be back in school tomorrow. I’m not happy about it. He needs to be out of the house and around kids his own age and back in a structure learning environment and my partner definitely needs the break so that’s good, but I don’t know just how safe it is there. I trust the school to be as careful as they can but that’s a lot of young children to keep under control and I know there are going to be some sceptics among the other parents who think masks are fascism and if you believe in the virus you’re a communist. WAKE UP SHEEPLE.
So that’s going to be on my mind every day and as soon as my notice period is up and I’m redundant, that’s a lot of free time to worry about it! Ugh, this is going to be a rough job hunt...
Anyway, we got the kids to bed in good time and they even went to sleep without a fuss (so I expect a rude awakening around 5am) but we had a while to wait since eating before we could run so it had to be late night again.
My partner went first while I got in some brief but precious PS4 time and then I was up. Once again I stuck to the garden, partly because there’s been a quite a few dodgy people out in the area these last few nights, but mainly because my running combats are on their last legs to the point that it would be indecent for me to run in them in public. Ironically the legs are fine but the crotch is basically non-existent now and it’s probably best I don’t run around exposing myself to strangers.
These combats are the only thing I really have that are suitable for running and it’s way too cold for shorts so I had to stick with them this time but I think a trip to Asda for some cheap joggers is due.
Anyway out I went to the garden with my well-ventilated running trousers. Today’s music choice was the soundtrack to Hamilton, or at least the start of it. I’d have to run for nearly three hours to listen to the whole thing. I recently watched the recording and really liked it so it’s been in my head these last few days but I thought it might also be a good distraction while I’m running.
And it was! A bit. I still very much felt this run but it went well and never overwhelmed me. After that solid twenty minutes last time this is nothing. I get breaks! Jo Whiley is spoiling me.
So I got started with the warmup walk and then went into the first five minute run, which was actually really well-timed with the music. Hamilton’s determination kicked in just when I needed that push and, although my legs started to feel a bit tired pretty quickly, I got through it and felt good.
That first run was the hardest and although I wouldn’t describe any of tonight’s run as easy as such, I definitely settled into it a little more comfortably and it was encouraging to know that my extended break hadn’t thrown me off too much.
So then we came to the eight minutes and I just reminded myself that not too long ago I was running (or something like it) for twenty minutes last time so I had this. It took some effort but I never once struggled with it. Of course, the music helped.
Then came the final five minute run and that was basically a victory lap so while I was hearing all about how he met the Schuyler sisters, I powered through that final run, huffing and puffing with a slightly tight chest, but without any major difficulties.
On previous attempts I have added a few minutes onto the end of a good run, just on a whim to see how far I could comfortably go. It’s a real ego boost. So far this year I have not managed to do that but I was briefly convinced that tonight would be the night. It was not and when I reached the end I knew that was enough. Maybe next time?
Oh, I just looked at Run 2. Probably not next time. But never say never!
So next run should be Thursday, this is going to be a tough one, but I’ve done it before in a (very) slightly thinner body. I’m sure this time will be just as easy!
The struggle is real! 
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