Today was a running day thank goodness, yesterday with the absence of running, I was to say the least a tad fidgety 🙄, and when I saw other runners out there it's like a stake through my heart 😱. That said, I do like seeing people out there running, I'm always wondering how far they've been or how far they're going. And it doesn't stop there I'm noticing what kit they're using trainers etc. Currently given the time of year, running lights the assortment on display, I'm seeing plenty of the chest lights with a rear light attachment definitely quite clever devices. I'm a head torch user, with separate magnetic red light, but it's good to see other options available 👍. I'm starting to think I could be addicted to this running thing, or perhaps on the cusp of becoming a full blown addict....... Oh well what will be will be 👀..
So endeth the waffle, back to today. Today I embraced without shame, becoming the MAMIL. Now all you chaps who are currently thinking, tights +me+running = not happening 🧐 don't be so hasty, yes I won't lie it's a clingy sensation and chaps, word of advice is shorts definitely get those shorts over the top..... Modesty explanation not needed I think. So before you deny yourself this running experience and a huge bonus in the winter months, try it at least once.
I'd actually unlike me laid out today's clothes last night after work, the Brooks ghosts13 the toe socks, calf compression sleeves and my ronhill two in one tights and shorts combo👍. Oh and a brilliant aldi ski base layer top with tee-shirt over the top, and my lightweight buff hat😊, for the first time this year I chose to use gloves as lately the hands have been getting achey cold. Getting dressed is like a workout in itself, definitely involving dynamic stretches at times.
So after the standard Ian faffing I've become used to, I nearly cried off as I'd slept in a little longer than ideal 🙄 but thankfully the mini home schooling teen nudged me out to run PHEWEEEE.
Let's go running........ Its a lovely run weather day, perfectly still, chilly not frosty and because I've started to notice I'm looking at Mr Garmon too often, once I started it, I switched the screen to the clock and simply ran!
The towpath is isolated and even better a clear run across the aqueduct, always a bonus, I left the house not knowing a route, or even a distance. Perhaps a 5 or 10k no need for a drink and definitely not a gel run. The running seemed early on effortless today. Breathing easy and running at what I felt was a comfy pace. I headed out towards Llangollen, I've not ran this way recently, I shoul revisit these towpaths more frequently it's a wonderful running route. The towpath is pleasantly soft underfoot, perhaps even quishy-muddy in parts providing a satisfying noise of running footfall. Just one of those treats that probably only a runner appreciates. The canal is mirror still and the reflections of the wintery blue sky and bare branches is beyond picturesque, the downside if its a downside is that running with such absorbing scenery one could lose track of distance etc..... Yikes no gels definitely no drink 🤪 and yes without monies as well..... Now ask anyone in my house emptying pockets before washing clothes not my best forte 🤫 ahhhhhhhh pocket check, yep fresh from the washing machine (haribo are waterproof 😂) so when you find yourself 10k from home I guess the best way home is to dig down deep and run, good idea.......... No great idea! OK the footpath it's definitely not as appealing as the run out, but with the traffic being light it's bearable, the pace still weirdly felt OK in fact more than OK so all good, I'm definitely glad of the extra lycra today as it's getting towards 4pm and that temperature is dropping, the gloves only came of to open the haribo packets. And after a quick distance check, I found my self just arriving in the village as the eldest got off the school bus 👍👍. HM number 5 done and only 66 seconds off that elusive 2hour mark 🙄..
For an unplanned LR I loved that run it just clicked even without the gels grrrr so all I'd say is get yourselves out there, enjoy it, go where your legs want to go and that's about it😊.
These are tough times for many reasons and it's not getting any easier with that Xmas thing approaching, so that run I did today its for you lot out there, for whom whatever the reason life is being tricky, or hard or you just need a virtual nudge of encouragement, it's for you all.
Congratulations on completing your 5th half marathon, well done, I am sure No.6 will be sub 2 hours, however, I notice your moving time says 2.06.23 which is just 6 minutes over 2 hours, not 66 seconds, nevertheless congratulations on that run.
What a brilliant time!! 2.01.06!Love it 😀 My HM PB is 2.01.34 so many congratulations on a super pace for so long. I wear running tights too but only if it is really cold. I also wear a chest light with the red triangle 🔺️ at the back which is ace.
A really great run mate and I'm really pleased for you because you work shifts and it can be tricky at times for you to get a certain pattern to run but you still get out there. I want to say a massive congratulations to you on your year and posts which I enjoy reading.
Make no mistake, this is a brilliant, brilliant run and a fine way to see out the year. Well done buddy 👏 👏👏👏
in reply to
Awwwwww shucks deano you'll have me welling up before I even had my morning cuppa 🙃. The shifts especially this time of year are the hardest but hey it's summer soon 🏜️. Keep those brilliant posts of yours coming in, and next year I'll be expecting to see you've moved onto the ultras 💪💪
😂 I can’t run very far so I just decided that I’d try and go fast instead. Are you on strava then?
BrianUk there's nothing wrong with those 10k distances you do, it's still one of my favourite runs, sometimes when that 5k leaves you wanting more, I'll always get home from a 10 and it always feels perfect,
Congratulations on your unexpected half marathon, and what a beautiful description of you run, thank you for posting, your love of running is infectious. Happy running 🏃🏽♀️
Thank you do much Catho78 I'm thankful for the haribo that survived the trip around the washing machine ☺️ it was though a really nice run, it was a day off from work which helped and I knew I was going back into 7 nights on the bounce which will gruelling at times 😬
Bless you, 7 nights 🙈 I’m also a shift worker, I feel for you, nights not my favourite time. What a lovely way to unwind. I’ll have to try and remember to “hide” haribo for when I’ll need it, although I’m just a few weeks from 10K, I still think I need them 🤪(motivation). I hope you shifts go ok, keep on running 😁
Thanks, my aim is by Christmas if training goes to plan 🤞🏃🏽♀️
What a fantastic target to aim for Cath, that 10k remains my (still) favourite distance it fits with my higgley jiggley nocturnal life style 🧛🦇. The downside is though be warned, tread carefully, you may find yourself thinking 🧐 can I go further..............
I didn't really have a plan set in stone Catho78 I just increased my distances my strava if it helps is Ian (imc50) Cawley you can see how I buillt it up
Wow lmc, what a magnificent effort. Such a casual unplanned HM in a brilliant time. It sounds ideal. Very very well done on all those best efforts! 👊 You deserve a medal, so here’s one ... 🏅. Heck, have a 🏆 too, you’ve earned it!
I’ve been out twice in gloves recently. Hands simply never warm up do they? However, I never run in the dark as none of my routes are appropriate. I know what you mean about eyeing up people’s running wear and accessories though! 😅
Thank you for asking 🥰 Very slowly as I would expect at her age. She sleeps a lot which is great for recovery and eating a little better every day. So baby steps I think. She had a horrible stay in hospital which didn’t help but that’s a whole other ballgame.
That's good news IP no time in hospital is truly ever enjoyable ( suppose excluding births) and with our current situ it's a nightmare Mrs Wife 😍 does it day in day out god knows how I certainly couldn't, just remember to take care of you, caring takes a toll at times
That is great Ian! An unplanned HM with a crackin’ good time. Whoohoo! It has been a long time since I’ve ran a decent distance so thanks for taking me along. It was a lovely descriptive run.
I was glad you came along SaskAlliecat, yes unplanned maybe a tad foolishly but whoops tis done now, better planning next time. The old HR is still baffling me as you'll recall I am that original technophobe, didn't feel like I was near zone 5 and looking back my max HR was 182 I need to simplify I think 😳
Thank you! I really enjoyed that run. My own long runs seem a long way off at the minute, but that will keep me going. Have to say I'd have been well out of breath and on my knees trying to keep up with you though - brilliant time, can't imagine it will be long before you break that 2 hour barrier. Nice one!!!
Oh brilliant linda9389 I'd thought about perhaps a recovery run today but 51 yr old legs disagreed 🤷 so it was a dog walk and household duties. I'm sure your long runs will be with you soon 👍
Wow, what a run, an unplanned HM with a PB, just brilliant. Well done 👏👍💪🏃♂️🥳🎉🎊🏅🏆 What a time, that's a speed I can only dream of, amazing. That sub 2 hour will be under your running belt before you know it.
Aww Forest_Run_Beginner, thank you 🤗, I guess being considerate and perhaps putting my sweetie wrappers in a bin didn't help, should have taken them home 🤷, as for times we're all different and as long as you're running that's a bonus beyond speed
We have to do our bit to keep Britain tidy don't we, even if it does impact our run times, I suppose!! 😂
And you are quite right, I decided a while ago that I'd prefer to finish a run and finish it still feeling good rather than push myself to get a certain time and hate every second of it. I am very much of the opinion that enjoyment far outweighs the elation of an occasional PB (that's what I tell myself anyway!). I am quite tall though so always think I should be fairly speedy but my body has other ideas and I have to go with it, quite literally!
😂😂
I hope the night shifts aren't too bad this week and that you are able to get our for a trot or two.🤞
Fantastic run and a brilliant time too! I also wear run tights in the colder weather months, but they are all black and the shorts over are an extra layer of warmth and modesty 😁👍🏼
I found myself thinking about the distance beyond the HM again as yet I've only been to 25k but 🤔 I always seem to shoehorn my runs in, I need to allocate, time specifically for that long run 🙂
Thanks roseabi, I was so relieved to find them, the munchies were grumbling away ( must plan my long runs and not let them be so impromptu 🤦) but the haribo are definitely waterproof little cute packets ( for the girls lunchboxes 🤫) haribo fruitilicious perfect pocket sized fuel 👍
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Ran my first ever HM! 
Getting closer to the hm distance!
