Last long run before The Great South Run

[Dexy5]

Having reached 10 miles on 18 September, Mr Garmin tells me that I’ve run 10k and 6k as my long runs in the following weeks. So, according to the Great South Run information book you should have reached 7 miles in training for the 10 miles race - my next target then.

According to the weather forecast last night, today was to be less windy than tomorrow. But when I went out to bring the bins in this morning, the wind was gusting down our street. That’s a strong westerly then!

Garmin confirms 28kph wind on the seafront. It’s cool, but UpTheStanley says I’ll be glad about that once I start running. We headed to the prom and started running west into the wind. Good practice I tell myself.

Stanley said he would be running 1k at my pace and then 1k at race pace and then run back to rejoin me. When I got to Southsea Castle Mr Coddfish came running towards me wearing his GSR top from 2 years ago. What more inspiration did I need to keep going? Stanley kept coming and going and I turned round at the Square Tower. It was better with the wind behind us and when we got to the Clarence Pier Coddfish came running towards us dressed in fluorescent pink top and headband, her lucky race colours. She was looking good despite running against the wind. Isle of Wight ferries were going back and forth. It was a beautiful day with the sun going in and out, and I needed that buff around my wrist to mop my face every now and then as the sweat ran down into my eyes. At the east end of the prom we headed up the road towards the Hayling Island ferry but double backed before we got there. No more sights of our running buddies so I suspect they set off well before our 11.00 start (delayed due to us watching Scotland well and truly beat Russia in the rugby).

Running into the wind again was hard but my breathing was good and heart rate maintained at an average of 146 bpm. I know I’ve got to keep it low to manage the 10 miles. I also need to keep the speed down so I don’t tire before the end and aggravate the ITB. Having said that, when I got to 11k I did start getting a bit faster so that I would get to the Beach Cafe quicker. Nothing like the thought of a cappuccino to spur you on.

So 11.54km In 1hr 30 mins and 7.17 miles ✅ . Showered and then watched Wales beat Fiji 🏉, recorded earlier. Now it’s pouring with rain, so we timed it well.

Parkrun to follow on Saturday and then we can taper and get excited 😊

I hope you running beings are enjoying your runs too.

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon]

I don’t know about you Dexy, but that last long run before the GSR gave me huge 🦋🦋🦋

Well done on yours, that’s a good distance. I did 10k yesterday, so it’ll just be PR and a few gentle pootles for me until the big day. 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

Enjoy your taper! 😀

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to cheekychipmunks]

I’ll definitely enjoy the taper. There were lots of runners out today going steady and there was this feeling that we were all aiming for the same thing.

10 days to go

🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋

[AlMorr Half Marathon]

Good result for Scotland at the rugby, a very good run for you Dexy in preparation for the Great South Run, as for me, I ran my midweek run this morning, it was a 5K, time 33.21, a little slower than Saturday morning's time of 32.31 at parkrun, there were a lot of puddles I had to avoid or jump over.

Regards to you and UTS.

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to AlMorr]

Thank you Al, we are both staying on the right side of the injury couch - touch wood.

My fastest 5ks have always been at parkrun too - must be our competitive spirit. Like you, I try and skip the puddles as I don’t like the idea of running with soggy feet. We’ve had spring tides so plenty of puddles from the sea too.

[Sandie1961 Half Marathon]

I’m ashamed to say I haven’t been for a run since Lyme Park, but I am going to do 10k on either Friday or Sunday as I’m not doing parkrun this week and then a couple of 5ks next week. Getting close now 🦋🦋🦋

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Sandie1961]

Excited and scared all at once ....... 😱👏🏃‍♀️😅👏🦋

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to Sandie1961]

But at least you did 10 miles more recently Sandie. I’m not surprised you haven’t been out since Lyme Park - I’d need at least a week off 😂😂. Enjoy your 10k at the weekend.

[BaddieThePirate]

Looking good Dexy 👍

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to BaddieThePirate]

Thanks Baddie, so long as I can go the distance I will be happy.

[TailChaser Marathon in reply to BaddieThePirate]

I was going to say that Baddie! Anyway, you are Dexy!! 👏👏👍

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to TailChaser]

Thanks guys.

[JonathanP 10 Miles]

I call that perfect preparation! Those butterflies will just float away once you get started.👍

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to JonathanP]

Yes that’s what happened at the Bristol 10k Jonathan, and I’m hoping that the crowds and bands will gee me along the route. I am usually the one cheering; never did I think I would run it .

[JonathanP 10 Miles in reply to Dexy5]

Yes lots of things in the last 18 months we thought we would never do😀

[Coddfish 10 Miles]

That sounds good Dexy.

We’d both done the Gunwharf and Old Portsmouth sections before we saw you. Mr C continued all the way along the prom and down the lane to the RNLI. I expect he was back out of there and on the Henderson Rd loop before you got there. He managed 16k this morning. I got as far as the coffee cup before I needed an unexpected diversion into the local facilities. I then found it hard to restart so looped back home via the rose garden and canoe lake. We also watched our recording of Wales Fiji when we got home.

I will do a slow parkrun on Saturday. I am happy to record England France and watch it when I get home, now the jeopardy has gone out of it (if it happens at all with the typhoon). Then aim for 12k or so on Monday. Then that’s it I think. I haven’t done as much distance as I’d like but I think I will get round with some walking. It will be slow but I should be ahead of the sweep vans.

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to Coddfish]

Well done both of you on that on that, Do you run past the Abar bistro on your route or up the High St like the race? I’ve never run past the square tower so there’s a lot of the race route I haven’t done.

I dived into the WCs at Eastney too and it took a little while for the running to feel right afterwards. I think I cooled down quicker in the autumn weather.

[Coddfish 10 Miles in reply to Dexy5]

Yesterday I started on ladies mile, ran through the path to the Garrison church, up past the cathedral and the A bar to Gunwharf. I often run through Gunwharf (in at the flats by Brasserie Blanc and follow the chain link to come out at the IOW Ferry or vice versa, then go down Feltham Row, round Ben Ainslie’s HQ and the dry stack (although you can’t get round the IOW ferry side of Ben Ainslie at the moment), then round the point and along the section from the square tower to Clarence Pier. It’s a good way of adding an interesting, if fiddly, 2-3k loop onto a run. Added in all of those bits yesterday.

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to Coddfish]

I shall try that sometime to add some variation

[AlMorr Half Marathon in reply to Coddfish]

Sorry England France match CANCELLED because of a Typhoon.

[Coddfish 10 Miles in reply to AlMorr]

Yes it’s a pity. I hope the Scotland match is able to go ahead on Sunday as cancellation of that could change the competition. Cancellation of England / France and NZ / Italy probably hasn’t affected positions (although Italy obviously lost the chance to try). Overall everyone’s safety is of the highest importance even though it’s difficult for the fans who have spent a small fortune to go out there to support their team (speaking as someone who is going out there for the semi finals and finals).

[AlMorr Half Marathon in reply to Coddfish]

That's nice to know that you are are rugby 🏉 fan as well as a runner 🏃🏾

[Coddfish 10 Miles in reply to AlMorr]

Isn’t everyone?

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to Coddfish]

😂😂

[AlMorr Half Marathon in reply to Coddfish]

👍 🏉 🏃🏾

[Katnap Marathon]

I reckon you've got this Dexy5 😁👍

🐱 Katnap 🐱

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to Katnap]

I do hope so Katnap. More than anything I want to enjoy the atmosphere. Fingers crossed for a dry day. 🤞

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

I just dared to peek ahead at the forecast and I know lots can change in 10 days - but it looks ok at the moment. ☀️ 🤞

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to cheekychipmunks]

🤞🤞

[Sandie1961 Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

🤞🤞🤞

[TailChaser Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

I think we’re getting all the rain this weekend Dexy, you should be ok as we’ll have used it up for you 😆

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to TailChaser]

Yes the weather looks awful everywhere for parkrun this weekend

[TailChaser Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

Ah well, time to get acclimatised once again. We’re visiting my parents straight after parkrun, so could be an interesting trip. I think all parkrunners better be armed with towels.

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to TailChaser]

Don’t forget to put them in plastic bags. Phone in a sandwich bag too.

[TailChaser Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

Never thought of that! Thanks Dexy 🙏

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon]

Like kids when Santa is on the way!! Be careful not to up the excitement too early all of you or you may explode!! Good run Dexy5. You seem to be just where you need to be👏👏👏👏👏👍

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to Beachcomber66]

Very wise words Beachcomber. I’ll try to calm down, but I can’t vouch for the other two. 😂😂😂

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

Calm down? Not a chance. 👎😅

[Sandie1961 Half Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Wise words BC! 😂

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Sandie1961]

Wise but wasted 😂

[Sandie1961 Half Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

😂 I am trying to stay calm, but there’s no hope for Cheeky!

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to Sandie1961]

😂😂

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon]

Well done Dexy - you are clearly ready and I'm sure will have a great run on the day.🙂 Great that you can practice on parts of the course too.

Just a 5k after work for me today - I got absolutely drenched🌩🌧 but enjoyed my splash down the railway line all the same! 10k trail event on Sunday and then just a gentle 5k midweek...🙂

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to Sandraj39]

Thanks Sandra, I haven’t been brave enough to venture down to the Naval Base cobblestones, even though I’ve got a pass to let me through. I’m hoping we don't get the westerly winds on the day, but I feel better prepared for them now. You’ll be running way ahead of me but it will be the same experience. Enjoy that 10k trail event on Sunday.

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

We'll both be treading the same 10 miles 🏃🏽‍♀️🏃🏽‍♀️and I also have my fingers crossed re those westerly winds!🙂

[Hidden]

Fab Dexy. I really enjoyed reading that. You and Stanley make me laugh too with your Whitehall farce delivery xxx

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Flick. We do seem to look at running from a different angle - Venus & Mars?

[Hidden in reply to Dexy5]

haha yes!

[lexi6 10 Miles]

Looks like you’re right on target Dexy, very exciting! 👍

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to lexi6]

Thanks Lexi. Have you finished all that washing now? How is your running going?

[lexi6 10 Miles in reply to Dexy5]

😂😂 yes back to normal loads again. I’m building my running back up, slowly, as I’m feeling pretty unfit having caught Mr Lexi’s cold again. I’ve turned all my Garmin alerts off and run for about half an hour each time with 3 runs a week. A parkrun and a PB could be a little way off yet, but for now I’m enjoying the slower pace. Just need some sunshine and a light breeze instead of the rain and gale force winds we have had since getting back.

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to lexi6]

You certainly brought good weather to UK in September . It’s gone now you’ve left. I hope your spring weather arrives soon and that you are both back in tip top condition.

[lexi6 10 Miles in reply to Dexy5]

Wasn’t the UK weather superb? At least running gets me out in the (very) fresh air and not sitting around at home feeling sorry for myself. Thanks Dexy so looking forward to that GSR report 🙂

[UnfitNoMore Metric Marathon]

You’re ready... nice running, and some great rugby around it. Enjoy parkrun and that taper.

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Thanks UNM, will do.

[Equi-geek 10 Miles]

Aw that brings back memories - Stella and I did our longest run of 12k on this Thursday last year - which was my 50th birthday - as prep for the GSR. We did it - you'll be fine!

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to Equi-geek]

Happy birthday Equi-geek. It’s mine this week too. I wonder if the running portaloo will be there this year?

[Equi-geek 10 Miles in reply to Dexy5]

Happy birthday!!! You MUST beat the portaloo if it is there! 🤣

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to Equi-geek]

It will be my target 😂

[GoGo_JoJo Ultramarathon]

Well done, windy days can be a blessing when in the right direction!

Enjoy your big day 😁

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

So true - Thanks JoJo

[Whatsapp Half Marathon]

I will be there at the GSR too. I have done a few longer (HMs) over the past couple of years so I am not worried about the distance. I still get butterflies, however, even if its for a 5k - that nevers seems to get any easier!

You have done all the preparation your plan dictates, and I am a great believer, especially when you are building up your distances, to leave a little for the race. It is better for your legs too not to overtrain.

You are ready physically, just remind yourself its just another run; a victory lap, to celebrate all your hard training efforts.

[Dexy5 10 Miles]

Thanks WhatsApp. I hope you enjoy running in our city. The locals are very supportive at this one.

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

You are SO ready Dexy! Sounds a fab run despite the wind. Enjoy your taper 🙂

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to Irishprincess]

Thank you Irishprincess. I do like a taper week with no pressure. And because it’s on the doorstep, no travel worries.

[backintime 10 Miles]

You sound spot on to my inexperienced brain.

Enjoy the butterflies - they're pretty and they are there to remind us that it's special

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to backintime]

That’s lovely backintime.

[alisonx]

Love reading your posts- what a view!

I have no idea what it's like to run such distances but you seem to have it all under control. You are amazing! Enjoy the rest before the big day.

Looking forward to the race report

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to alisonx]

Thank you Alisonx. It is a long way and I will be glad to return to 10kms when the race is over. I have surprised myself at what I can do to be sure.