HU Spring 10k

[Shake-and-run]

As many of you know I’ve been doing a lot of cycling lately as I prepare for a big event next month. I was unable to join you all on Sunday as it was a recovery day after a hilly 100k ride the day before (I didn’t feel too bad but knew it was important to rest). I was however quite envious of you all and really wanted to join the party. I had also offered up a tune for the playlist and wanted to hear what others has selected. Today I was scheduled to join my bRUNch club for a 5k trail run with coaching and this gave me an idea. What if I did a 5k road run before the trail run, that would be 10k. Linda assured me I wasn’t too late to sign up, so it seemed as though I was in.

This morning I sorted out two pairs of running shoes and headed off early to my planned spot on the quiet roads just East of Worcester. I set off from Shell Ford on my first 5k. I was having some tech problems (Spotify would not play) and as I turned the corner onto Stoney Lane, I dropped to a walk so I could delete the app and reinstall it, thankfully it worked and I was now getting music in my ears. Surprisingly this need to walk to resolve a problem all happened on the hill (of course I would have run it otherwise - perhaps…maybe..never) leaving me a gentle downhill to run back to the car. I knew my circuit would not be enough so, as planned I headed back towards Stoney Lane and then turned around and returned to the car. 5.03k done at a respectable average pace of 7.5 mins per km. I had a 5 minute drive and a change of shoes and I was back running, this time with a group and in a wood. It had dried up since last month so not quite so much mud, and we were doing our best to listen to our coach’s advice on Stacking, Scanning, Lifting and Relaxing. Out of the wood we saw two hares chasing each other about and then one of our ladies squealed as one jumped out of the long grass under her feet. They were beautiful to look at with their amazing black ears. Some sheep were waiting by the gate as we left the fields and headed along the canal path, we then headed over the railway crossing and back towards the wood. A beautiful field of buttercups offered an amazing photo opportunity before we were back in the wood and hopping over logs and tree roots. My watch declared 5k but we still had a bit to go. Eventually we reached the car park, 6.6k completed at a much steadier average pace of 9.13 mins per km.

I did not have the playlist for the trail run as I had company, but am looking forward to hearing some more at parkrun on Saturday. Thank you to all those involved with organising the event and preparing the playlist. So glad to have been able to take part.

[SueAppleRun 10 Miles]

So glad you could do it too and what a great idea

[Shake-and-run Half Marathon in reply to SueAppleRun]

thanks, my trail running group did think I was a bit nuts when I explained why i was already quite sweaty.

[MissUnderstanding Half Marathon]

Super run for you! I’ve got family over that way. It’s a beautiful place to run and it looks like the sunshine certainly showed up for you. Really enjoyed reading your report. Congratulations 🎉 🏃‍♀️❤️

[Dexy5 10 Miles]

An excellent way to join in on the HU 10k Shakes, and how wonderful to see hares on your trail run.

100k of cycling also sounds mighty impressive. Good luck with the London to Brighton . 🍀

[Shake-and-run Half Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

Thank you Dexy, the fauna was exciting and beautiful and the flora, particularly the field of buttercups were lovely.

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to Shake-and-run]

There’s nothing like a buttercup to make you smile. I saw pink clovers today in the verges - spring has definitely sprung.

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon]

That was mighty resourceful Shakes! Killed two birds with one stone, and it sounded lovely. Your incredible cycling must surely help your running leg strength? I’m so impressed with what you achieve. 👏👏👏👏

[Shake-and-run Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

A cunning plan! I think it’s the other way round Cheeky, it is the running that helps with the fitness for the cycling. I’m definitely as fit now as I have ever been, just a pity the parts are wearing out.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

A creative approach Shakes, well done 👏 👏👏😊

[Shake-and-run Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

thanks

[Katnap Marathon]

Excellent 10k! 🐱👍

[Shake-and-run Half Marathon in reply to Katnap]

thank you.

[Kevin41 Half Marathon]

Both runs sound great, I imagine a bit of stretching needed before the second half after sitting in the car.

[Shake-and-run Half Marathon in reply to Kevin41]

thank you. I was only in the car for 5 mins, so not really a problem. Our bRUNch club coach always makes us walk first anyway.

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

That sounds like a plan that came together well!

Well done on the run but also for the 100K hilly bike ride! 👏👏

Love the photos too 😍

[Shake-and-run Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

Thank you IP. It was a beautiful morning and so great to have company.

[Oldfloss Administrator]

A super location,.. flora, fauna and the amazing cycling too! Huge well done to you!

[Shake-and-run Half Marathon in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you Flossie, I really enjoyed being outside. The cycling was tough as the hills were a little unexpected and came thick and fast before we had warmed up. But still a great experience and I am benefiting from all the exercise. Providing nothing falls apart I should be good to go for London to Brighton next month.

[Oldfloss Administrator in reply to Shake-and-run]

Sounding very positive and I feel sure you will be ready! x

[ForbiddenPlanet Half Marathon]

An ingenious solution well done.😀

London to Brighton on a bicycle - do any do it in fancy dress?

A man in fancy dress with a Penny Farthing bicycle. Image by Eye Speak on Unsplash.

[Shake-and-run Half Marathon in reply to ForbiddenPlanet]

quite possibly FP, but I won’t be one of them! Thank you for your good wishes.