We can do hard things…🙂🏃‍♀️

[Sandraj39]

Some of you might remember that my training plans for the recent Cardiff Half Marathon were derailed by Covid and my lovely cat being injured in an RTA. Sadly, when the time came, I was no where near ready for Cardiff, so set my sets on the very wonderful, loved by all Great South Run! We all know what happened there! 💨🌧️ 😟

I looked around for another more local HM but ended up signing up for the Virtual Runner Autumn HM, as I really felt I needed to prove to myself I could make the distance! For context, it is almost exactly 4 years since I have run a HM!

Well today was that day and I set off on my own virtual HM around the streets where I live. Can’t lie, this run was not as easy as my last 10 mile run. It was quite mild out today and I am definitely a cold weather runner. My right hip also decided it would be a bit niggly today - not a problem I’ve had before and I’m pretty sure due to trying a silly sit-to -stand exercise challenge I saw on Instagram a couple of days ago!🤦‍♀️

I purposefully set off slowly, checking on my HR later in the run as I didn’t want it to drift away as the going got tough! Can’t lie, there was a little jeffing in the final few km but I did it! Slowest ever HM by ‘a county mile” but one I am very proud of none the less! As the temperatures drop, I hope to repeat this and get that time down - just a little!

I am off now to put my feet up and watch tv, with a M&S white chocolate cookie!😋🍪

[Dexy5 10 Miles]

Well done Sandra, I used to get annoyed if I had to Jeff, but not anymore. I’m so pleased you got to do the distance, even if it wasn’t as speedy as you’d like. It is difficult to go as fast when you are running on your own.

You have a distance and a time to send off to GSR as well as your virtual HM. 2 pieces of bling for the same run. 👕🎖️🏅

PS I hope pussycat is recovering well.

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

Have uploaded my last 10 mile training run to GSR - and this will be for my virtual Half!

Pussy cat is very well too!🐈

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon]

Congratulations Sandra. Given everything you have had to cope with, that was a very fine HM run! You should be really pleased with yourself; I am not sure that one chocolate cookie does the achievement justice!

I hope that your feline family member is doing well xx

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Thanks Beachcomber66 - he is his same old self now, despite them not being able to save his eye. So glad we still have him!🐈💕

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Sandraj39]

Good to hear 🙂. Faithful friends 🐶

[Tessie66 Half Marathon]

Well done and a Well deserved cookie for you how nice was it?

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon in reply to Tessie66]

Thanks Tessie66 - I usually feel guilty eating them - but not today!🤣

[Tessie66 Half Marathon in reply to Sandraj39]

I don't blame you I wouldn't either

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

Oh wow. It takes such discipline to run that distance alone, and such courage to fight off the gremlins wn route. You have more than deserved that cookie! Feel proud and allow yourself a big fat grin of achievement 👏 👏👏💪

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Thanks Linda - feeling chuffed!👍☺️

[skysue16 Half Marathon]

A very well deserved cookie! Wonderful achievement after 4 years, well done Sandra 👏👍 I think a virtual HM must be much harder than a live race (with all the cheering crowds, music and other runners all around). I am hoping to work up to 10 miles again but at the moment even 10km is an effort!

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon in reply to skysue16]

Thank you! I ran it using a 6k loop locally which sort of breaks it down a little mentally I think. Going to drop back now for a few weeks and then would like to do one on my local Downslink - so more traily!🍁🏃‍♀️🍂

[skysue16 Half Marathon in reply to Sandraj39]

Yes, I prefer trails 😀👍

[Decker Ultramarathon]

Brilliant, Sandra! Sometimes you just need to know if you can still pull it off. And you sure did! Happy your feline family member is settled back in again too.

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon in reply to Decker]

Exactly that Decker. Next time I plan to do one on my local bridleways - hopefully in a few weeks.🤞

[over61andstilltrying Half Marathon]

Brilliant! Just brilliant! First HM for 4 years fantastic achievement! Did you listen to anything as you ran? I had done a stand up from crossed legged sitting position without using hands in the past. Came across it again, even read don't try it if you have a knee issue. How stupid can I be? It really set me back. I am sure you enjoyed lots of happy after glow time, well I certainly hope so. Many. many congratulations! 🏃‍♀️👏🏁🎉

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon in reply to over61andstilltrying]

Yes, I had the Taylor Swift Eras tour set list from Amazon Music! Loved it!🙂

[over61andstilltrying Half Marathon in reply to Sandraj39]

And pleased to read your cat is doing well 🐈

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

Brilliant Sandra 👍👏💪 a huge well done. Psychologically, that must be a huge boost.

My Bath HM earlier this year was my first HM in two years so I know a little of what you were feeling but after four years is quite something 🤗and I’m sure you were tired, but elated!

Hope everything feels ok today ❤️

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

My right hip is still a bit sore but everything else okay so far🤞….later today I will probably feel it more I suspect!!🤣

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Sandraj39]

Fingers crossed 🤞

[aliboo70 Half Marathon]

Thats fantastic Sandraj39 , a big well done and a hugely deserved cookie! 👏 xxx

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon in reply to aliboo70]

Thanks Ali - hopefully it won’t be another four years! 🤣🤞

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon]

Fantastic effort Sandraj39 ! That’s a great run, even if you didn’t feel your best! 👏👏👏👏

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

🙂Thank you!

[drl212]

A very well done to you!! What a journey you've had with your HM. But you've done it!! Congratulations!!

I'm glad kitty is doing well...

[SueAppleRun 10 Miles]

Wow, what a time you've had and you came back running 😁, I've no doubt you'll beat your time at some point through the winter, but you must be so proud you did it 😊

[misswobble Marathon]

Great job! Well done 😀🏃‍♀️👏👍

Nothing quite like putting up one’s feet after a slog. Bliss 🙂🫖☕️🍰🍪

[TailChaser Marathon]

That’s fab Sandra, congratulations! A very, very well deserved guilt free cookie 😋