Starter for Ten

Last week I ran 41km over 6 days. This week I thought I would up the ante and planned a 10K to start me off. I chose my route and although I hadn't run this as a complete course before I have run all the bits of it and thought it should be around about 10K  To my absolute delight I actually ran almost 13K!

I had a lovely, if somewhat painful massage yesterday afternoon. My lovely Jo worked hard on my solidified shoulders and upon waking this morning I could hardly move. I questioned fellow runners if running today was a sensible option bearing in mind I was hoping to run further than I have in a long while. A resounding yes was their reply, so out again into the glorious sunshine I ventured.

I had given myself a slightly shorter route option if when I got to what I thought would be about half way I was flagging but I was very happy to discover that besides not walking a single step thus far I was more than able to tackle my longer choice.

Today's plan was to take things nice and easy, no fartlek ideas, just get round. I took care not to set off too quickly but enjoyed the stretches where I could stride out, just a little, and hoped this would make my overall pace acceptable. It did. I was also amazed to see when looking at my stats that my fastest section overall was well into the run when I was actually feeling quite tired. At that stage I felt I had fuel in the tank but my legs were aching somewhat.

My iPod sits nicely tucked inside my t shirt so I have no idea how far I have been nor how well I am doing until the end. Today I ran across my finishing line at the foot of our steep drive, hauled myself to the top where a conveniently placed brick wall always awaits my collapse and aids my stretching whilst I listen to my achievement. I have stopped listening to the false message that always declares "Congratulations, you have run another 500km," and wait for the more important facts, always distance first, then time, then pace then calories burned. The combined details had me grinning like a Cheshire cat and I confess to a fist pump and a whoop or two!

The best bit is the feeling that I could go further, is this possible? Both you and I will have to wait and see!