Phoenix Running, Titanic Too, 29.5 miles (16.07.24) and Running Miles, Jubilee Races 3, 31.4 miles (20.07.24)

I've had a nice couple of ultras during the last few days.

For some reason, I've felt pressure lately to always be trying my best and proving to myself I am "doing well", and getting frustrated with myself when I think I can't. I finally managed to neutralise these thoughts, concluded that nothing matters, and so I ran like I felt, and felt like I loved it.

Helped by some (finally) sunny and warm days!

Phoenix Running, Titanic Too, 29.5 miles, 16.07.24
9 laps on the Hampton Court loop, the first three being chat-a-laps with Sarah, which was great fun as always, and flew by!

The sky was bright blue (save for a few minutes where it turned stormy and poured down), and the trees and plants were a rainbow of beautiful greens. I love green, really I do. So many shades! It was quite mesmerising, tootling along, the greens sailing past, like a kaleidoscope.

It was good to see so many friends out in the towpath. I felt much better for a good long run. Running is indeed the best medicine.

Thank you Rik and Team Phoenix for a great event.

I did the no medal option, so here instead are some paintings in the theme of green.

Running Miles, Jubilee Races 3, 31.4 miles, 20.07.24
Going out the night before perhaps wasn't the best preparation for a run, but on the other hand, I was well fuelled by a generous helping of pistachio tiramsu and a healthy amount of white wine, and my core muscles had had a good workout from much belly laughing.

So it was off to Slough, to the Jubilee River, for a run with Running Miles.

The day was a beauty. Not a cloud in the blue sky. Green parakeets flying overhead with their trademark screeching. Green and blue was the theme of the day. I know I go on about this, but everything just seemed so vibrant. Perhaps it's because it seems like it's been such a long winter without sunshine, and suddenly its here, everything seems much brighter. And all the endless rain has resulted in all the plants being healthy and lush. The blues and greens were so intense, it felt like running in a paint pallet.

I set my intention again at the start, to enjoy myself, and that's what happened.

I love this course. It's all along the Jubille River, and next to fields, with some views of Winsdor Castle. 6 laps, and it was hot hot hot! Lovely. A nice gang out, and thanks to James for the lap of chats (and the cake!), it was great to catch up!

Thank you Rik and Running Miles!