The Week of First Finishes

As Christmas gets ever nearer life always seems to get that little bit busier, and for someone who is quite tuned into how their body feels, I notice the effect this has. I have had a busy festive period at work and my sleeping and normal eating routine has slipped a little - one night I worked late and actually just had Quality Street for my tea (definitely not recommended)! It is a wake up call that is needed sometimes, especially as my Brighton Marathon training starts very soon. Although Christmas may be getting close, I do not feel especially festive, however a Sunday spent with hundreds of other Santas did help a little..!

MONDAY: Body Pump class

TUESDAY: my legs were unusually very sore following Monday night's Body Pump class; I do not normally get DOMS that bad from the session unless I have missed a few weeks, and I was already a little worried about my body's reduction in normal recovery rate. This morning's 5 miles were therefore quite steady at an 8.17 min/mile average pace. 

WEDNESDAY: the soreness in my legs had faded a little today, but my energy levels were low. I did not feel particularly strong or powerful when running, and throwing in a long hill did not help things either. I ran 5 miles slower than my time yesterday, when I was consciously trying to take things easier - this was when I knew I needed to look after myself a bit better. 

THURSDAY: after some focused refuelling and a good nights sleep, I was rejuvenated, running 5 miles at a better average pace of just over 8 min/mile and feeling comfortable. Body Pump class in the evening. 

FRIDAY: Rest Day

SATURDAY: after a fairly cold week all round, today at Lincoln parkrun it shifted to a new level of bitterly cold. My iphone informed me it felt like -6 degrees... lovely! Despite the baltic conditions, I ran much better and I felt happier with how I performed; finishing in 21:15. I was spurred on throughout my run by fellow females, one I was chasing down for most of the course, and the other who I knew was on my tail. Somehow I managed to dig deep in the final half a mile or so and gain the ground needed on the leading female, pipping her to the post in literally the final yards to finish 1 second ahead, and as First Female. That was my 11th time as first lady finisher at Lincoln parkrun - not too long ago my goal was to get the accolade just once! parkrun is not a race, and I think that is proven by the fact I spent time after the finish shaking hands with and chatting to both the ladies I ran with; its a friendly run sometimes with friendly competition!

SUNDAY: sat in a staff meeting at work a few weeks back the question was posed about who would be interested in running the Lincoln Santa Run to raise funds and awareness of our charity - all eyes looked at me! Obviously I signed up, along with a fair few of my other colleagues, and I was looking forward to the event as a bit of festive fun involving running. The weather had cheered itself up for the day, and in welcomed winter sunshine hundreds of red Santas descended on the Bailgate in Lincoln - it really is a wonderful sight! I lined up with my colleagues, donation bucket in hand, ill-fitting Santa suit somehow pinned and pulled into place, and when the 'go signal was given just ran like a child let loose. I did not wear my Garmin, this was simply a fun run out for me. I must have looked a sight as I weaved around the course, my Santa suit falling apart around me, bucket swinging wildly in my hand, but I was loving it. The course is a short, sharp 3.5k and before I knew it the finish arch was upon me. As I crossed the line a man with a microphone grabbed me; 'the first female Santa' he announced. I did a little interview, smiled for a few cameras, and collected a trophy and a voucher for some free trainers, all the while trying to name drop my work as much as possible! It felt quite sweet to be treated so wonderfully, I was almost a little embarrassed! I waited for my colleagues to finish and in doing so felt really proud of all their efforts; none of them are particularly runners, and the pride from some of their children who had joined us was wonderful. Christmas is about togetherness - and I think that is why the event gave me a slight festive feel, because together we had all achieved something. Shedding what was left of my Santa suit, I headed out for a solo 8 miles later in the afternoon, just a steady run, which I am sure my colleagues will think I am crazy for doing when I arrive in work on Monday morning - I must maintain the mad runner reputation somehow!