A week on inactivity, then Parkrun this morning and 10k walk this afternoon

[wilmacgh]

It's been one of those weeks and I hadn't managed a run since Sunday. Various family stresses plus instead of being away Tuesday and Thursday I ended up in Birmingham Wednesday to Friday. It wasn't planned that way so didn't have any running kit with me.

So I wasn't sure how I'd do at Parkrun this morning. It was cold first thing - frost on the car roof and the grass and had to think about what to wear. Opted for 3/4 trackies, hi-viz gilet and a hoodie which came off just before the start. For the first time I can remember there was no breeze and the sea was flat calm. The Edinburgh Parkrun is along the Esplanade by the Forth and usually there's a biting East wind for most of the first half of the race and if not, you'll be running into a Westerly all the way back.

Really felt I wanted to savour the day so went without music too. Means hearing myself and others puffing a bit more but all part of the experience. Nice seeing the winter birds returning too. There's a spot along the run which the turnstones like and this was the first time I'd seen them this year.

After doing intervals on Sunday I was full of good intentions to go for it on the final k but when it came to it I just didn't have the reserves of energy. Plodded on and I've just been checking the time and I've managed a new PB of 27.5 and the age grading is now 65%. Chuffed! Maybe not having to battle the wind made a difference.

Had a nice lunch with the family at South Queensferry then walked through Dalmeny Estate to Cramond Brig which is 10k according to the Walkhiglands site. Have thought about running it sometime but it's well away from any public roads so once you commit to it, there's no easy opt out.

Feeling pleasantly tired now and smelling the curry cooking for dinner. Think I've burned off a few calories today!

[Ade_Dennis Graduate]

Sounds like you've had a successful and busy day and you've definitely earned that curry.

Enjoy!!

[Vivwestie Graduate]

That sounds like a perfect day! Well done for your PB. And a 10k walk and a 5k run in one day?! - You're killing it!

[vixiej Graduate]

sounds lovely, and very healthy!

[Oldgirl Graduate]

What size engine you got in your tank girl 500cc Amazing time at Parkrun, very impressive, well done.

I can never fathom out how they work out the age grade %, I think its age/time*sex/amount of baked beans eaten!!!!!!!!!

[wilmacgh Graduate in reply to Oldgirl]

Thanks. The Edinburgh Parkrun is reckoned to be one of the fastest as it is almost dead flat.

I'm not sure about the Age Grade either but it makes me feel a little better when I realise all the youngsters out ahead of me might have a lower number for their age grade and full of admiration for the VW65-69 who did it in 22min or 94%!