#icanrun

This month I have been trying planking as part of my pilates. Obviously it was a struggle to begin with, then I thought about timing myself and keeping a record. You know, just to see how I improve.

On the 21st March I planked for 15 seconds. That was hard. A week later it increased to 30, then 35.

And tonight?

60 seconds.

BOOM!

I'm not sure how I've managed it to be honest, but I'm looking forward to seeing the timing increase!

Yesterday marked the first anniversary since my mum's death so I booked the day off work. Rather be a grumpy bitch at home than a grumpy bitch at work (although that wouldn't be any different to normal!).

I did plan to go for a long run though, with a stop at the bakers for lunch and then walk home. I didn't measure the distance when I planned it, I knew how far it was to a certain point, and then the extra I added on I estimated to be about another mile, mile and a half tops. So I was looking at 8.5 miles maximum. Haha.

Given the circumstances, I was going to take it steady. If I had to walk a bit more than usual, then I would walk more than usual. If I wanted to walk up the hills (there were going to be a few), then I would.

Well.

It turned out to be bang on 9.3 miles (15k).

I couldn't quite believe it myself. I realised just after mile 7 that it was looking likely to be 9 miles or perhaps just under.

I was starting to feel it. A quick breather and stretch at mile 7 helped, but the last half mile or so was hard and my ankle (the one that I broke) was aching.

My pace was pretty good too. Bearing in mind I was wearing a rucksack with bladder, as well as a few longer walk sections.

But yeah, that was an incredible achievement. Lunch never tasted so good!

Then I had a 4 mile walk home.

And today my ankle is as stiff as anything!

Facebook kindly reminded me this morning that on this day 2 years ago, I went for my first ever run.

I remember it as if it was yesterday.

I pushed myself to run a mile, but my word it was hard! I used telegraph poles as markers, and I could barely run from one to the other without needing to stop.

But push myself I did.

And I never gave up.

2 years and 1 broken ankle later, 10k+ seems normal.

Sorry for being so quiet recently. What with UK lockdown restrictions gradually easing, I've been going out a little bit more etc so that has taken up the time when I'd normally write a post. And when I get in from a run, I'm usually too tired to want to write!

Anyway, so where were we? Last Saturday - 1st May - I was able to run with some friends for the first time in a long time. It was great fun! And obviously a good social too. I planned a 5k route to accommodate all/most abilities, which involved some up- and down-hill sections. Also, because I'm weird, I went for a pre-run run on my own and did 2 miles. I'm now so used to a long run at the weekend that it feels odd not to.

That mentality will make an interesting summer alongside the rest of my hobbies...

Then came along Tuesday. The usual route. Which was fine from what I remember. Oh yeah, the weather was annoying. It would be sunny one minute, then pouring down with rain the next. Which, for runners, is a real pain in the bum when it comes to deciding what to wear. So of course, I prepared for rain and got none (well, a few spots).

I almost got a new 5k PB, but just wasn't quite quick enough.

On to this Saturday, yesterday. I ran the 7 mile route I did when I had to go and pick up a parcel the other week. But it was also raining.

The.

Whole.

Way.

And there was the occasional head wind for good measure, just in case I wasn't wet enough as it was.

It was a tough run, I expect heavy clothing didn't help. And trying not to run through ALL the puddles. I also stopped a couple of times to admire some wildlife - a heron, and swan with cygnets.

But according to Strava, I set 4 new segment PRs, so that helps explain why I was a little worn out. I very nearly got a 5k PB too, but again, was just off by a few seconds.

When I got home, I was soaked through. I literally had to peel my clothes off.

Next week's weather is looking better!

I hate repetition.

It's boring, and predictable.

So how I've managed to run the same routes for the past few lockdown months, and not go totally insane, is beyond me.

Today I treated myself. I drove to a local village, one I've regularly run in before, and went on a 7 miler. Ending at an historic house I love which is also serving take out food and drink. How convenient!

I filled up on hot chocolate with all the trimmings, and an Easter cupcake. Then ran the mile back to my car (fortunately I didn't throw up).

8 miles in total. I am also getting fitter. Friends are noticing it too. I set SIX new Personal Records on 7 Strava segments. I'm pretty pleased with that, considering there was a lot of hill work involved too.

However, I am exhausted. I didn't want to go on that run, really wasn't feeling it. No matter how much sleep I get, it never seems enough. I feel like I'm always busy, always on the go. Yet here I am flaked out on my sofa trying to find the energy to cook dinner.

OMG.

Yesterday's run was horrible.

I didn't even want to go out. The only thing making me was that I had told a friend I'd take a photo of something for them. That was the only reason.

It was tough going. I decided to reverse my Tuesday route just to mix things up a bit, so only ran 4 miles. Which is fine. I should take things steady sometimes, especially as I seem to be struggling at the moment.

But yeah, I didn't like it at all. And when I got home I cried a little bit.

Literally.

I came home from work yesterday and had been carded by UPS. My parcel was at a collection point in a corner shop on the other side of town.

When I looked up this shop on the map, I realised it's not far off the usual route I run on a Saturday morning. In fact, it would mean running some track/roads/paths that I had previously thought about running before. So this was the perfect excuse!

This morning I set off with my rucksack and all my usual gear. It's so sunny here at the moment, and it has lifted my mood somewhat.

I still struggled about 2 to 4 miles in, I think because I always start off too fast and wear myself out. My pacing has always been rubbish. But the detour helped make me feel better.

I collected my parcel, and bought some cake too. That will save me having to bake any for a couple of days at least and I can get on with other jobs 😆

Then I ran down a footpath which got me back onto my normal one. And you know what? It made it feel quicker getting home with this slight change of scenery. Enough to the point that I am willing to do it again to mix things up a bit.

And every other run day for that matter.

I'm really struggling with my running at the moment. I'm not entirely sure what it is. I believe it to be my legs wanting to run very fast, but my body can't keep up with it so that after a mile I am absolutely shattered and then have to struggle through the next few miles.

I've also been running with friends a couple of times so it's not lack of companionship. Although their pacing is far better than mine, they are naturally faster which may mean that I am speeding up too. And again, I then struggle. It could also be the weather. It's been very wet for the past couple of weeks, and also a bit warm too.