Should i race? Oh go on then
Post Thunder Run my legs were sore, the foam roller was both enemy and best buddy, the blisters and tingly legs were a constant and strangely pleasant reminder of the weekends antics. Oh yes, and after TR lap one i was so delirious with the whole running thing i booked Race The Train in three weeks time - its a fell race, it requires camping and a long drive, i must be tapped! Of course im tapped, a gentle few miles on Tuesday night confirmed that legs were indeed filled with concrete, still cycling to work and back has been a good stretch and the weather is ok too.
This week i was due to race the Harriers Doug Anderson 5k - its on our Parkrun route so very familiar. After concrete leg run i was dubious as to whether it was a good idea, giving myself the best possible chance i slept and spent all day in my uber sexy compression socks, stretched loads and took it easy. Waking yesterday things were a whole lot better. Still a little sore but not as bad as the previous day.
Talking to my fellow Thunder Runners it seemed most of them would be running the DA so i decided to go for it. I cycled there, helped set up and saw loads of people ive not seen in a while, lovely, then we were called to the start - oh yes, we were here to race. It was a sea of yellow - over 100 Harriers (go Harriers!!) One of our fast chaps, Ian who also did TR24 was on for a self imposed challenge and managed a club record time of 17.01 - so pleased for him, hes only been running a year and told me his story between laps at TR24, thoroughly nice chap too which makes it all the better.
The first km was truly painful 4.43 (note that i didnt check my Garmin for the whole run as i was too sore to expect a good time) second km a slightly better 4.29 and then i really began to struggle, noticed a few people passing me, and specifically a friend who i used to beat often, i made the decision to get my head down and just get it over. As i approached the 4km sign i knew it was about 5 mins to go, i was also overtaken by two senior males i knew i could beat - so i ramped it up a little, it took everything i had, stomach feeling sick too, i took both of them and then the end was in sight, this they both saw as a challenge and also upped their speed, so the three of us finished within seconds of each other, me being third in. Watch said 23.57 - my PB is 23.27 so not too bad considering my condition. Happy with that!
Now resting until tomorrows first proper training cycle in preparation for our girlie Bedford to Hunstanton ride in about four weeks (eek) And there's also the matter of a date with 14 miles or marathon training running early on Sunday morning....
ION weight is still going down steadily, 148lbs this morning, 8 to go. Juicing as often as i can and determined too.
I also have a shopping list which includes a hydration pack, tent, trail shoes, and some compression wear for the coming season of marathon and mud madness. Thunder Run made me realise how much better equipped i could be.
Hasta la Vista
S
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