The Week of Celebrations

Celebrations in running terms often mean PBs, whether that be distance or times, however this week I have been celebrating the success and achievements of two of the running communities I am part of...

MONDAY: a double hit of Strength and Conditioning for Runners followed by a Body Pump class.

TUESDAY: throughout Monday I had noticed how tight my legs had become, especially my left hamstring, which was now so tight I could barely straighten my leg fully - I think my limbs knew they were overdue a Sports Massage. Thankfully I had one booked for Thursday, however I still had a few runs I wanted to complete before then. With my legs feeling as they were I kept things steady on today's 5 miler; it took my legs nearly the entire run to feel loose anyway! Body Pump class in evening.

WEDNESDAY: the tightness in my legs remained, but there was slight progress during today's 5 miles as it only took 2 miles this time for my legs to feel a bit more flexible! 

THURSDAY: another morning 5 miler, practically counting down the steps to my massage later in the day! I had some cupping treatment on my hamstring - a strange sensation - and it sorted it out instantly, the relief when walking was enough let alone for running purposes!

FRIDAY: Rest Day

SATURDAY: today was my day of celebration, kicking off - where else - at Lincoln parkrun. It was Lincoln parkrun's 5th birthday (see image) and the cheerful, friendly atmosphere that brightens up my Saturday morning every week seemed to be exacerbated. Large '5' balloons floated around the sky, some of our dedicated volunteer team were given special thanks for their marshalling commitments, which even as a regular parkrunner I had not quite realised just how many high-viz stints had been racked up amongst them, and special mention was given to those who had helped make Lincoln parkrun a possibility to start with and who without we would never had made it to five years - it was perfect. My run - not quite as perfect! I worked hard, still managing to beam a smile at the marshals cheering me on even though I was gritting my teeth inside, but time wise I still stuck in that 21 minute region; finishing in 21:29. I was first lady home though, which felt quite nice on the birthday event! 

After parkrun I headed to a Hot Pod Yoga session, which had been arranged for members of the Strength and Conditioning for Runners group I belong to to celebrate a successful year of classes. Hot Pod Yoga is essentially a yoga class completed in a dome heated to 38 degrees, yet despite this rather warm temperature I did not sweat a single drop (see image)! I am not sure what is wrong me, as everyone else was dripping - maybe all that summer heatwave running has acclimatised me...!

​SUNDAY: Saturday night had also involved a some social drinks with the Strength and Conditioning group, nothing too wild, but still a few G&Ts and an early morning bedtime - which on reflection is actually quite wild compared to my usual Saturday nights! I thought I would just see how I felt running but on a beautiful autumn morning, things felt good. I headed out with a ten mile route in mind and ran the first 5 miles strongly, which then led to me challenging myself to try hold onto my pace for the next 5 miles. I stuck at it, but by the final mile and half I really was holding on! I held strong and finished with an average pace of 7.58 min/mile - I was very happy; however I was also nowhere near my house, so opted for a steady 1.5 mile 'cool down' run home... you would think after all my running in and around Lincoln I could plan routes by now! ​