Pre Great South Run 14k🏃‍♀️ - and World Mental Health day!🙂

[Sandraj39]

My training for this has been a bit all over the place really. Having done a 10 mile run back in September, my running then got interrupted by various things and I missed a few long runs.😬

Anyway, I set out today to run a 14k on the local roads and trails. The weather was overcast but pretty perfect running weather. 🏃‍♀️My plan was just to run by feel, hit the distance I wanted and know I can add on the extra 2k again next weekend.🤞

The trails were a bit sticky in places but not too slippy. A fallen tree across the path at one point, required quite a clamber to get over it, whilst the overgrown hedgerows that make some paths tricky in the height of summer, are now slowly dying back - making access easier. I love the variety and interest you get on runs like this!

As many of you will know, today is World Mental Health Day - and running has had such a positive impact on my own mental health, that it seemed fitting that I should be out there on the trails where I am happiest today!

So, all ready for the GSR, which I was due to run with my husband and sister. Unfortunately, my OH has gone over on his ankle whilst our running this morning😩, so that’s not looking too hopeful at the moment…and my sister has been unwell with one of these nasty cold viruses that’s going round, so 🤞for her too!

Look after yourself and those around you today (well, everyday, really!🙂) We have all been through a lot this last 18 months or so - here’s to us, and all the wonderful running adventures we share on these forums - with a big thanks to the Admin team who make all this possible. 🙂💐x

[Dexy5 10 Miles]

An excellent run for you today Sandra., and there is no doubt you are ready for the big one. That’s a good time too -our flat course and the race atmosphere will make you even quicker. What was your time in 2019?

What a shame about hubby’s ankle but I bet he’s glad he did it this week and not just before the London marathon.

Poor sister too. I’ve read scientific papers that suggest Covid symptoms are now more like a cold so def worth checking it out with an lateral flow test. 🤞for just a cold.

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

Strange - I thought I’d replied to this earlier but it seems to have disappeared! I obviously didn’t post it properly!🤷‍♀️

I ran GSR in 2016 Dexy and achieved a PB of 1:35:13 (just checked!).

Also, in 2018 I ran 1:44:20. Sadly, since sciatica damaged a nerve in my left leg, I have never run as fast as I did before the injury.😕 Ho hum, such is life!

My last 10 mile training run was 1:51:52 - so anything under 1 hr 50 and I will be pleased!😀 I would love to get back to those older times but the reality is my left leg does get tired on the longer runs and I don’t have the same ‘bounce’ I used to!🤣

For me, race day will be all about the atmosphere, which I’m sure will be fantastic if last week in London is anything to go by!😀🎉🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️🎉😀

Yep, my sister has done a couple of LFT’s and they were both clear - there seems to be a lot of these nasty viruses around at the moment.🙂

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to Sandraj39]

That black hole is full of our missing posts!

You are still doing very well with that dodgy leg, even though you will never get to be as fast as you were. It’s the other benefits that are so important. I sometimes wonder what I would have achieved if I’d discovered running before I’d got to 60. C25k was a blessing and I’m fitter now than I was 10 years ago.

Yes when I signed up I wanted to better my time of 2019, but now i think I will be happy to get around in one piece and enjoy the atmosphere.

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon]

Fabulous run Sandra. You’re good to go, and that GSR bling is practically hanging round your neck already. 🏅😀 Hope your hubby and sister are able to join you.

Let’s hope the weather behaves for us all next weekend. In my case I’m hoping it’s not too warm. 🤞🤞🤞

[David_G Metric Marathon]

Well done Sandraj39 that sounds like great preparation for GSR next Sunday! I’ve been out and done some intervals along the seafront for Mental Health Day. As you say, running has been such a benefit to many of us during the last 18 months or so.🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️That’s such a shame for your husband and sister, hope they’re well enough to take part! 😀🤞🍀

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

That's a great run - just what you need the week before an event. I do hope your running buddies recover and are able to enjoy GSR with you 🤞

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Thank you Linda - so do I! Not sure about hubby - I think it might be his turn to cheer me on this time!🙂

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

Fingers crossed for your husband and sister Sandra 🤞There’s still time for good recovery for both of them.

Good run for you too. You’re all set for the GSR 🏃‍♀️

[sparky66 Half Marathon]

Great run today Sandra well done..youl be great on the day! Nice pace! 👏Hope your OH and your sister are on the mend soon 🤗

[Oldfloss Administrator]

Great run there... wow... super time ! You seem to be well on track for that special run! Fingers crossed for your sister and happy healing to husband too!

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon]

Brilliant time Sandra. The fact that it was Mental Health Day had passed me by; it shouldn’t have done. Very important. You are completely ready for the GSR with that time. I hope that your OH and sister make it too…..a triple celebration would be awesome.

[skysue16 Half Marathon]

A great time for 14km, especially considering the terrain and fallen tree!! Hope the event goes well 😊👍

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon in reply to skysue16]

Thank you🙂

[RunBrianRun Half Marathon]

Lovely post Sandra j ☺️ Good luck at the GSR and I do hope your OH will be ok to run it too 👍