First race of 2019

I was driving home last night thinking about this blog. I'm not an expert so I don't have much advice to offer up. Although if it helps someone in some way that's great. I think my blog site is more about self accountability.

As I've only been 'competitively' running (I'm sure I'll be charged under the Trades Description Act for saying that) for the last 12 months I'm just getting round to doing some races I never signed up for last year. So, 2020 should be a full year of having done most of the races at least once! Although I am looking at a bit of variety as well...... so any suggestions would be gratefully received.

Anyway, I had heard lots of good things about this race and the fact that it sells quickly is always a good indicator. I wasn't disappointed, although I hadn't prepared myself for those 2 hills (well they are hills in my eyes) and actually I'm glad I didn't as I didn't have time to think about it.

The route is really lovely and scenic. Even the odd housing estate you run through is really nice, with the lovely houses and gardens. There were a few horses along the way who were just looking a bit perplexed and a lot of very well behaved dogs (Henry needs to take some lessons from these dogs!). I digress as usual.

The marshalls were fantastic and there were a lot of them too (probably the most I've seen on a race) so you never felt unsafe or out there alone, especially if you were running by yourself. As it's a rural area the supporters were scarce in parts but they made up for it when you saw them. I loved the steel band that always seems to pop up at these events but it never gets boring and actually really lifts you, so thank you to everyone for giving up their Sunday morning.

This was the first 10k I ran without any of my friends (places sold too quickly!) so I had to put my big girl pants on and just run! My chimp said to just walk the hill when I saw them but I was determined not to walk (or at least give it my best shot) and we were only 3k in so.... off I ran up the hill (wasn't pretty but it doesn't need to be!). I surprised myself at 7k when I said to myself, you can do this which I've never done.

Actually, this year I've already really been pushing myself and running a lot more so I think mentally I'm in a good place for this year.

I just need to keep the momentum up now and the miles as I've got Fleet Half in March and I've just booked Alton 10 miles in May.

So what have I learnt? That you never do run alone, don't listen to your chimp and don't put pressure on yourself (or look at the route!).

#keeprunning #hrrl #stubbington10k #portsmouthjoggers #visorclub #teamwhite #neverrunalone #chimpparadox