The Week of Running Strong

Sat writing this blog entry all I really want to do is skip to the part where I get to write about my weekend - it has been a good one. Everything beforehand matters just as much though, and actually my weekday running also felt very positive and enjoyable, despite the harsh dip in temperatures. Life outside of running has felt tougher this week though, and more than ever I needed a real running weekend to take my mind off other things and spend some time doing what I love... 

MONDAY: the final session in the current block of Strength and Conditioning for Runners. Again, I have really enjoyed this block, as it gives me both the environment to work on specific running related exercises, whilst also being able to mix with like minded people. 

TUESDAY: the start of four consecutive very cold, early morning runs. Getting out of a warm bed actually has not been too much of a struggle for me, I have wanted to run, and even when out in the bracing air I have found I have soon warmed up. I was pleased with today's 5 miler as an 8.13 min/mile average pace felt very comfortable. Body Pump class in the evening. 

WEDNESDAY: after a strong run yesterday I upped the pace a little on this morning's 5 miles, running around 8 min/mile pace, which again felt good and very manageable.

THURSDAY: this run was almost a repeat of my running so far this week; a cold 5 miles but at a strong steady pace. Body Pump class in the evening.

FRIDAY: I had contemplated taking two rest days ahead of my scheduled 10k race on Sunday, but I woke early and had a desire to run, so laced my trainers up again. I kept this run easier though, completing a gentle 4.5 mile loop.

SATURDAY: Rest Day - I still had my parkrun fix though of course, volunteering at my home Lincoln event. I really do love donning a high viz vest every once in a while and enjoying the other side of parkrun. It is an opportunity to chat to many different faces, cheer on runners I often run alongside but never get to really show appreciation to, and also to know you have played a small part in making the event happen for hundreds of others. I think the biggest indication of how much I enjoy a volunteer turn is that I never actually wish I was running instead! It was a bright start to my weekend.

SUNDAY: last year I ran the Doncaster 10k with my friend when she was spending some time back in the UK from Australia. I loved the race and so when her Mum asked if I wanted to come visit and run it again with her, it was an offer I did not need to consider. Although my mid week running had given me confidence, I truly did not think I was in PB shape; I thought I could challenge sub 45 mins, but having been running for fun rather than training for the past month or so, I did not think I was in peak running form. How wrong was I! In short, I set a new PB of 43.16 - a time I definitely did not think I was capable of. My finish time is one thing, but what I loved most was that I felt really strong whilst running; there was a determination in my legs, there was no dip, no moment of 'oh my god I have gone out too fast here' and I relished every single step. What I also loved was finishing my run and scrambling to the front of the barriers to watch my friend's Mum finish, and then giving her a celebratory hug - she had completed her first race for some months following a leg injury, and I could see the confidence it had given her. Full blog to follow soon, but overall a very happy day of running and achievements (see images).