Another ParkRun

After a couple of dodgy races, I was in need of a short run under racing conditions and when you have a few friends joining it makes it so much more appealing.

Whilst not a fan of early mornings it's hard to say no to a ParkRun when it's just down the road from home.

A 15min ride to Fort Road was a good muscle warm-up.  I was joined by Lisa and 70+ other keen runners.

We flagged off at 7.30am and being mindful of my pace, I let the super speedies stampede off into the sunrise.

Having not run for a couple of weeks I wasn't sure how I'd go. My previous ParkRun (#2) I managed 6.30/km pace and was hoping to maintain it for another round.

Every so often I'd check my watch as I found myself working hard cardiovasculary whilst my legs were doing just fine.  I was surprised to note that I was floating between 6.05 and 6.15/km.

Each time I tried to slow down to catch my breath and slow my heart rate, I found it difficult to accomplish.  My legs wanted to go, go, go, my heart was saying, stop, stop, stop.  Like a pendulum my brain would swing between 'go' and 'stop', then another voice would creep in "c'mon you're doing good, I think you can reach a new personal best (PB)", whilst Fergilicious is belting out her music in my ears but I can't really hear her anymore because the other voices have commandeered my mental space.

Grateful to see the halfway mark with Wizzy and Michelle (volunteering this time) cheering me on, I hear "go Lisa go" and I know she's not too far behind.

Michelle & Wizzy volunteering

As I trudged on, the mental debate was reaching new heights.  By this time I knew I could reach a new PB or darn close so even more talking was taking place.

Some distraction came when I mossied up to a group of lads running and stuck beside them for several hundred meters.

One of them realised I was struggling and that I might be part of the ParkRun mob.  He broke away from the boys to be my pacer, encouraging, prodding, pushing and sticking beside me all the way to the end.  I was extremely grateful.  How wonderful to have a complete stranger to step up to help because he wanted to, not because he had to.  There are some truly wonderful people in this country.

I knew Lisa was nearby I just didn't realise
how closely behind me she was.

Shortly after I reached home my results blinged through my email.  I shaved off 1.38min from my previous run and reached a new pace of 6.16/km.  As my third ParkRun, things are looking up as I'm trending faster.  Here's to getting to 30min soon.

Till the next time.

Yep time out, catching my breath.