Dhiny's log Saturday August 5th.
The dawn broke with sunshine and white & grey clouds but no rain. Usual self doubts passed about whether I was up to this through my mind but I pushed them aside & got into my kit. I was ambushed by the furry Ginger Ninja & his sidekick The Naughty Tortie as I tried to leave the building but they were soon distracted by the offer of food & so I made my exit. Comfortably seated in my car I made my way to the local fuelling stop where I met 2 running buddies but they were headed for a neighbouring parkrun so we said farewell and promised to meet next week. My trusty vehicle and I made it without incident to our destination where my 5 minute warm up was almost forgotten about due to the greetings of many friends. Remembering in time, I set forth into the forest with Michael Johnson & Richard Thompson caressing my ears with their dulcet tones and completed a brisk walk. Back to the starting point for 9am & the health & safety announcement & the run commenced. I placed myself at mid back if the pack and set off. Pace was not too fast, keeping myself for the 2 hills ahead. Michael Johnson's voice now conspicuous in its absence but no opportunity to check the tech as hill now in sight. 25% of hill completed and ache in shoulders, Dave (running buddy) voice passed through my head "relax those shoulders" I obeyed & ache disappeared. Marshall in sight so can't stop, small, slow steps as long hill next. Oldfloss' advice "light steps, kiss the ground" float through my mind & again I followed it. Result! ran all hill with no stops, onto descent and half way mark. Last lap more difficult as legs heavy, Richard Thompson only in one ear now - have I gone deaf in one side? No, earphone malfunction. Tech abandoned & birdsong replaces him. Hill Marshall appears again so I thanked for his support & hills conquered (walked thus time) and I was soon onto descent. Funnel Marshall cheering me on to final sprint & a jump across the finishing line. Token number 80 received. Felt hot, sweaty, beetroot coloured but fantastic. Quick chat with more friends at end then back into car & head home for shower. Results received later - time 39.41 - ecstatic, convinced my time was more. Running Mojo back with a bang. Bring on Tuesday. Happy running everyone xx