A comical but satisfying ParkRun today. At the 2nd attempt I got up early enough to ride (in the bloody dark) to the Oxford event - unlike Abingdon, it has actually happened since the Thames took over South Oxfordshire. It's 3 months since my last one (too much cycling!), and I've had a few weeks of niggles and bugger-all miles, so it was nice to get round injury-free and at a decent effort level.
VERY muddy - with my lack of balance I was surprised to stay upright. (It's probably lovely in June). No idea what effect this has on times - I've never run 'fast' in proper mud - but I managed about 24:30 (PB still 22:54). And it has a few proper slopes (not hills, i stress!). And I stopped to re-tie both shoelaces
And ... and ...
Anyway, I really enjoyed my morning, despite 2 hours of riding in the rain. I am the king of -ve splits! (about 5min 5 5 5 4:30). Given the laces incident, my pacing is a long way from consistent, and I'm probably still sandbagging somewhat ...
My average pulse is still about 10 below what I do on equivalent bike events. But it is nice to overtake people for the last 3km instead of the opposite (there were a few really struggling on the last lap)! And it beats picking up injuries...
My (semi-)regular "long" run is now with the local club, 5 miles in their 9mm group. If i can keep that up most weeks, with a steady increase in pace, I'll be happy; but I hope to build upto longer runs too. there's nothing special about running with the club, but it motivates me to actually MTFU and get out there. ( it might also lead to training partners, lift-shares for events, perhaps bigger things?)
(Group running is
very different to group cycling, but I'm getting the hang of it slowly!)
Must build mileage slowly, Must build mileage slowly, Must build mileage slowly, Must build mileage slowly ... (and speed!)