This week is a bumper update. I never managed to fit in an update from last week, partly because I was out until 9.30pm last Sunday getting my run in, then I've spent too much time running in the evenings since that I just haven't been able to find the time!
February has been dominated by my five minutes per day challenge, I knew it was going to be hard, but I didn't realise quite how much I'd be running more than ever before! Despite the huge mileage and some really difficult mental battles knowing I've got a chunky run to do every day now that I'm really into the crux of it, there's been some lovely runs over the last couple of weeks.
While week seven started with more of the dull grey runs I was so fed up with in week six, a trip to London gave a much-needed change of scenery and some really fun adventures! First off, we went along to visit the Pub Run Club, it was bloody brilliant! Although me and Des were both a bit nervous being the newbies at a running group when we're used to leading it, we didn't need to be! A lovely warm welcome met us and we enjoyed their 5km with so much energy, born from a couple of huge back-pack speakers, loads of flashing lights and even a few smoke flares as we ran through the streets of Kingston.
Finally the sun came out on Friday, and we spent the afternoon exploring Hampton Court Palace and Bushy Park, enjoying each other's company before diving into Wetherspoons for a couple of pints as a reward for our 14km for the 14th February run.
On Saturday we did a parkrun sandwich, heading back over to Bushy Park to complete the ultimate parkrun pilgrimage, visiting where is all began back in 2004. Breaking the 15km into three five 5km made it seem much more manageable, and I was pleased to pull in a respectable time for the parkrun section in the middle.
Sunday was more of a challenge! Opting for a lay in after taking full advantage of a day at the football and the Kingston nightlife, then a busy day of travelling, meant we didn't start our run until 7.30pm. And with 16km to do, it was never going to be easy. But we set out together and promised ourselves a pint at the end as a little reward, the thought of that definitely helped to keep us going!
So now into a new week, the cold, dark, miserable runs around Nottingham were well and truly back! The only slight respite for me was that, having ramped up my efforts for the last few days to join Des on his 1km a day challenge, I could drop them back down (a little) and pick up my five minute commitment back up.
That being said, it wasn't easy! Knowing I was past the mid-point of the challenge in days, but nowhere near in time and mileage was really difficult to get my head around. But I kept chugging on and, in time, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evening's runs were all ticked off.
Opting for a change of tact, I decided to get it in early on Thursday with a run to work. While it was nice to be running in the morning light for a change, this was one of the toughest runs so far in the challenge. Less than 11 hours since I'd finished Wednesday's run, the quick turnaround was really screaming at my in my tired legs and generally fatigued everything. The first half was a real scrape and the first time I started to really doubt whether I'd be able to complete my challenge.
Thankfully, I must have just been under fuelled, because taking a gel did me the world of good! I put on an upbeat playlist and felt like a new woman in the second half.
Friday went by without any real dramas, and all of a sudden it was the weekend again. This time, we took a very unusual (for us) decision to give parkrun a miss. Afterall, we had no other plans for the day, so it seemed a bit daft getting up and out first thing when we were both completely shattered from all the massive hard work we'd been putting in.
So a lovely lazy morning followed until eventually, we decided to get out into the unseasonably warm and sunny Saturday afternoon for a long run. Struggling somewhat with his massive undertaking, I was joining Des for his extended version of the challenge, so it was 22km on the plan.
While it's always lovely to get out for a run together, even listening to all the sports coverage on the radio couldn't take our mind on how hard it was and we both had to really dig deep to get the miles in. Out for exactly three hours, it was a bit of a whopper so no wonder we were shattered and didn't really do much for the rest of the day!
Finally today, and another fairly simple and successful run catching up with a couple of friends. Firstly heading out on one of our favourite routes, me and Dawn chalked off seven miles, then I topped it up with a 5km with Ali to take it up to a total of 10 for the day...and a massive 67.5 miles for the week!
This is by far the most I've ever ran in a week, and hitting the 100km in seven days marks is a milestone I'm really proud of! Tomorrow is the start of running for at least two-hours every day and I really don't know how my body's going to take to it, but I know I'll give it everything I've got...time to finish off February!
