Saturn Running Chasing Numbers Run, 27.01.2023 - 50 km and a PB

I wasn't really feeling enthused for running, or anything, this morning, if I'm honest. But, you should always get up, show up, and give things a go.

The run today was with Saturn Running, on the Runnymead course, which I like a lot. It's nice and traily, and at a pretty spot along the Thames. It was muddier than I was expecting, which was a shame for my new trainers, but hey ho. It was chilly, but very nice for running in, and the sun even came out after a while. 

Thank you Craig for the first three Lovelock Laps, and for cheering me up. I was feeling much better after that, and I had a good run (although missing my partner in crime Sarah), and was pleased with my marathon time. So I thought I would crack on, and have a go at beating my 50km PB. About 1 mile after making this decision, I started to quite significantly regret my choice, when my legs got tired and I started feeling sick. But when things are tough, just keep on moving, eat kendal mint cake and ginger, and in the end you will get to the finish. Thank you Craig again, for picking me up in a low moment, cheering me up again and pushing me to keep going. Plus, well done on your Saturn #100! 

I finished in 4.44.07 which is 27 minutes quicker than my previous 50km PB. I'm really happy about it, as I havent done any kind of PB for ages, and thought I would never do one again. 

Thank you Team Saturn! And well done to everyone!

The Doughnut Dash Marathon (14.01.2023) and the Colliethon (15.01.2023) with Phoenix Running

 A double marathon weekend at Phoenix Running.

Saturday 14.01.23 - Doughnut Dash

The weather was awful, all windy and rainy (until we stopped running). Some of the route was even underwater. But who doesn't like a nice relaxing paddle during a marathon? Just like a foot spa.

A very fun day running with Sarah and Craig, with 8 laps of bucket list negotiations, 10th July holiday preparations, and dodging Dimitri. 

Congratulations to the double 100 celebration of Sam and Denise! And all the other celebrations too. It was quite the party on the river today!

I don't like doughnuts (which is a shame, as they are pretty much the only cake related item in the world that I don't like), but the aid station looked very beautiful, in all it's Krispy Kreme glory. 

Thank you Sean for the lift to the station!

Picked up my 100 marathons in 100 weeks certificate, which I completed in December.

Sunday 15.01.23 - The Colliethon 

Up at 5am for the same again, and Sophie's 100th Marathon! Congratulations, lovely Sophie!

After a little bit of a palaver with finding a bus that was actually leaving, and leaving at the right time, made it to Waterloo and met Craig on the train. After a brief pause as the "train driver was on a different train, which is late" the train driver arrived, and we set off and picked up Sarah on the way. 

8 more laps of fun (excluding a fight with a scoop of jelly beans, which almost turned nasty) with postman Craig and peachy Sarah, and the last lap with the lovely Theresa too. 

The weather was very much nicer today!

Chip buffet in the pub after, with lots of catching up and laughter. 

Learning Section: Running injuries, ribs, and related/unrelated items:

The Bible Lesson today for Sarah and I focused on the story of Adam and Eve and the creation of man from dust, and women from a man's rib. Our Biology Lesson for the day can be summarised in that men and women do in fact have the same number of ribs, and some ribs float. And in my Egyptology Lesson (completed on Friday, with Tara) I learnt how to spell my name in Hieroglyphs (it is a bird, and owl, and two knives, which sounds a little ominous, and I'm not sure what says about me, but I'm sure it says something). You learn all sorts from your running friends. 

A fabulous weekend. Well done to everyone. Thanks to Rik and the Phoenix Running Team!