Could I have a great week of running?

It has been a long week. As I look back, I’m not surprised I’m tired!

Time is flying and I can’t believe it’s July already. Please can we have a moment to breathe?

W/C 1st July

Tuesday

I’m normally up at the crack of dawn to head to a small group PT class. It wasn’t on this week so I did an upper body strength workout on the Bodycoach app. It was tough!

This week’s intervals in the park consisted of what we call the Mario kart loop. It was a progressive effort of 4 laps, 3, 2, and 1 with recoveries inbetween.

It’s quite easy to get overwhelmed when thinking about what’s to come in a session.  I have to remind myself to only focus on the effort I’m doing.

For the first effort, a 4 lapper, I used the first loop as a warm up. It helps me shake off any nerves and understand how my legs really feel about running at an effort. Then I’d crack on.

It went really well, I was again joined by runners at a similar pace and we encouraged each other to keep going. My friend was impressed by my pacing skills… must be all that pacing at Huddersfield parkrun paying off!

Thursday

The usual Lindley Run Club session wasn’t on today. It was the annual LRC x Stadium runners handicap race.

This took place on the Huddersfield parkrun course. As a handicap this meant the ‘slowest’ runner starts first with the fastest runner starting last. It creates a level playing field where anyone could win. What was really encouraging was seeing people hit PBs!

I helped with timing, as my 5k isn’t where it should be at the minute.

This meant I could do my run earlier in the day. I went to my mum’s house and I went to run to my favourite place – Blackmoorfoot reservoir. Oh, it was magic.

Well, I forgot how awful the wind is on the way up there. Nothing more magic than running uphill to wind and rain slapping you in the face.

Once I got up there I was really happy. It’s so calm and peaceful. I am a little annoyed that one of the paths is still closed (seems to be happening on a lot of my favourite routes!) but I made it work and enjoyed the beautiful views.

The best bit is then to run alll the way back down. Bliss.

Saturday

I had one of those dreams that I didn’t want to wake up from. So when my alarm went off, it put me in a mood. I was groggy and a tad grumpy.

I wasn’t expecting much at parkrun because of this. I set off calmly, not getting carried away (although it is a downhill start) and kept going. I found myself by the 31 minute pacer which was fine, I’d mentally planned to run a sub-31 minute 5k.

It turns out, they were going too quick. There was a moment of confusion when my friend pacing 30 minutes appeared behind her in no great hurry!

I didn’t let this overwhelm or confuse me too much I just kept going. My friend, Dave, was pacing 30 minutes and I just made sure he was in sight. If he went too far ahead, that’s fine but if I was close at the end I would sprint past.

I was working hard but there was a positive atmosphere between myself and the other runners. We kept each other going. My friend Louise appeared towards the end and began to say some encouraging words. I was too busy huffing and puffing at this point, but seeing a friendly face does always help.

As we ran round Olive’s corner, Dave (30 min pacer) spotted me and started shouting words of encouragement. Urghhh I was so close!

I just had to get up this mini incline then it was all downhill. As I turned the final corner, there was Dave walking. He had gone far too quickly!

I sprinted to the finish. 29.05!

This is actually my quickest time this year. I’m so delighted with this, as it’s a reflection of how hard I’m working. I’m starting to see sparks of myself return. Fingers crossed it is here to stay.

I had no idea that Dave was going so fast, as during parkrun I never check my watch. In the past, it could ruin a run because I ran a mile too fast or too slow.

Sunday

I’m now beyond the half marathon mark. My run this week required 14 miles. So not too far out but it is still my furthest run in a year.

I was running in Huddersfield again today but I couldn’t be bothered running towards Marsden on the canal.

I decided to mix it up and run some standard Huddersfield uphill, a long downhill and then a steady incline on the canal from Cooper Bridge to Milnsbridge.

With the mixture of elevation, there was also a mixture of weather. The forecast warned of rain so I dressed appropriately. The first half was absolutely boiling, the sun came out and I regretted my choices. The second half was completely different, it did start raining and was a tad breezy. Much needed!

I felt OK, everything was working as it should. Some paths were overgrown so that made things interesting on long stretches. Don’t recommend it though, ha.

As the runs get longer, mental strength becomes a lot more important. Spending hours out running alone is tricky. Especially as I’ve not been on top form mentally or physically recently.

I used the classic tactic of breaking the run down into chunks. So I focused on running to 7 miles, then 10 and it’s just 4 miles left.

This worked well. Once I got to 12 miles I had to leave the canal as it is still closed off after over a year due to a collapsed wall. It made things more difficult as not only did I have an uphill climb, I then had to go on a main road. I was tired at this point and of course I got some lads lads lads in a car shout out a crappy comment. So hilarious. I’d like to see them run 12 miles and see if they’re so cocky then!

I briefly rejoined the canal before finishing the run in Milnsbridge. Not glamourous but convenient. I was exhausted but I did it. I am really happy I didn’t have to run the next day!

Week 5 thoughts

I had a GREAT week of running! I felt in control and whilst it felt hard, it didn’t feel impossible.

It’s promising to see more of myself returning. I have a long way to go, but fingers crossed this is the first step.

I have two weeks of 16 miles coming up, which does sound frightening but it does give me 2 attempts to get there in case I don’t feel right. I really want to complete a marathon and if that means I need to skip a long run then that’s fine.

For now, I’ll enjoy this pocket of power and I won’t take it for granted!