I really am getting my running mojo back and it feels fabulous! Last week I ran on 6 days, each time not too far, just enough. Thought it might be good to highlight a few recent runs….
Last Wednesday was HOT!
Last Wednesday 11th October was amazing, almost as if a remarkably warm summer was having one last fling. Going for a run was the obvious thing to do and I made the most of it.
I ran about 4.7 miles at a decent pace over some of my favourite paths. This was from Kensworth, through to Whipsnade Common, past Dell Farm and out on to Dunstable Downs. It was a truly magnificent run, I felt on pretty good form and the conditions were lovely.
When I was down to my last few hundred yards, I sprinted as fast as I could towards my car. While I was doing this I felt as if my lungs were going explode, so naturally I went even faster for the last few strides. I stopped at my car, almost crashing into it and unsurprisingly there were some inquisitive looks from passerby’s as I stood there all sweaty and panting. Naturally I could care less what they thought, I was on top of the world and felt great (must have been the Runner’s High once again!).
First Parkrun
To my complete surprise Rachel mentioned we should do a Parkrun. After all, Hannah had done one in Wales and a number of folk locally do the run at Houghton Regis.
We saw our friends Jack and Rebecca W (just a glimpse), Sarah C with Joe and Tom. Other times we know Barry and Angela E have been, along with David C so we look forward to seeing them another time.
The notable thing was the rain. I guess I did my usual thing of suggesting it was just a passing shower but that did little to inspire Rachel and little did I know the rain was due to fall on us for the entire run.
We had registered before and had our neatly laminated bar codes at the ready. At the start there was some kind of briefing and we missed all but the last 10 seconds, so didn’t really know what was going to happen or what to do with the barcode cards.
Moments later everyone shuffled to what was to be a start line and a horn blew – we were off! There were 221 taking part and pretty quickly we all thinned out with those walking being left behind.
Although it isn’t a race, many runners treat it as if it was a race and I certainly did. As in proper races, I often latch onto someone who looks a good runner and use them as a pace setter. My choice was a woman running in black and she was quickly overtaking some slower runners. I followed her all the way around and her pace was just a little faster than my comfortable pace, so this was ideal. As it is only a 3 mile course, I knew I could risk a higher speed.
Once we were down to the last half mile, my pace setter surged ahead and I couldn’t keep up. Nevertheless I was pleased to finish when I did with no cool down.
Turns out I came in 46th overall and third in my age group with a time of about 25 minutes. My speed was consistent throughout at 8:29/minute/mile. I was pleased with that, about the same as my fastest marathon pace.
Rachel on the other hand, oh I did feel for her in the rain. While the rain was inconsequential for us runners, the walkers had a miserable time. Nevertheless Rachel now has her benchmark time, her PB, and will be having another go in the right spirit for this: not to take it too seriously, the benefits of a brisk walk, the sociable side and so on.
And then today’s run
Today’s run was in someways unremarkable as it was just under 3 miles and along the Busway. It didn’t matter, it simply gave me some time to mull over a few thoughts:
- Thankful my running mojo is back. I have benefitted so much from running in the past and I will again.
- Running is a cheap sport. Although I have all the clothing I need for every season, I could do with investing in some more running shoes as my current ones have done over 700 miles. I can feel the cushioning has deteriorated a little and having a second pair is great with the muddy winter conditions arriving soon.
- Staying fit, avoiding diabetes and high blood pressure is critical in maintaining my fragile kidneys. I could hear the Consultant’s voice as he spelt out the dire need to avoid my kidneys having another “hit”. Providing I stay healthy my kidneys should last me out.
- Thankful for the opportunity to retire early and how I’m now starting to get into a proper routine. I’m coming up to the first 3 month stage of retirement and I reflected on how good it feels. It is only now, that I have now left work behind. I am so thankful.