My First Flora London Marathon. by Live_Your_Dream_Life_Today

I started the day with a 45 minute exercise bike session, and then did an 8 mile run this evening with the local running club. I really enjoyed it, and it was nice to meet them again, and recognise some people from when I ran with them throughout last summer.

It was a shock though just how fast they started off. I don’t mind running, but just can’t get this speed thing! What is that all about?

At the first “regroup point” I just about avoided being last in. Almost being at the back, mean that I only got about 60 seconds to catch my breath before we were off again.

This time I gave up trying to avoid being last and just settled in to it at my pace.

I was soon too hot – yes, I’d once again dressed too warm for the conditions! I had been freezing my butt off in the house all day, so I wore my long sleeved top, and my leggings. As it had also been drizzling, I also wore my waterproof top. Far too much stuff to be wearing.

Despite the clouds looking very menacing, the rain had stopped before the run – so I got another running first for me. I actually took my jacket off and tied it round my waist. It was a lot of fiddling as it kept slipping down, but eventually I got it secured so it stayed in place (by tying it so tight I wondered whether it would affect the blood supply to my legs!). At one point, I even considered chucking it into a bush and then coming back in the car after the run to collect it. I told you running does strange things to my brain.

Just before we got into the second “regroup point” I passed four ladies who’d set out before everybody else. So I wasn’t last after all!

During the regroup, I was messing with my jacket, again, so one of the ladies showed me something very useful – how to tie my jacket round my waist. Basically almost unzip it all the way, but not quite, then pull my arms out, and roll the jacket down to waist level. Perfect. Why are ladies so sensible, sometimes? A bloke would never have thought of that, would he?

The other good thing to come out of the run was learning that the four ladies were the long-slow group. I joined them, so ended up running 8 miles rather than the planned 5.5. I love the words “long” and “slow.” They have an almost magical quality – especially when connected to the word “run.”

In all it took me 1 hour 50 minutes (including regrouping time) to do the 8 miles, I really enjoyed it, and the rain waited till I was back in the car before chucking it down! Nice.

I have an application form for the club, so very soon, and for the first time in my life – I’ll be  member of a running club!

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT TIP OF THE DAY:

Often it’s not the bright that get ahead, it’s the bold.

D