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Update Time!

Well what a busy few days!!

Friday:
Munchtime potter as reported below!

Saturday:
Off to the Cavern! To reduce maternal strive once hubby was awake I did the domestic godess bit then a quick shower and off to see the lovely v-rap + kids and Leon + kids! It was never going to be a quiet weekend with 6 kids was it!!

I got to Brum mid afternoon and after a nice cuppa tea and a slice of banana cake there was a group decission of a visit to the pool! V-rap now has the additional help of Zina, who is a lovely young Hungarian aux pair, and despite the weekend being her time off she joins the rest of us in a family trip to the pool!

Not being prepared for a swim I borrowed a cossie! The pool complex had several pools which meant that the kids could play and the adults took turns to do lengths. Not sure how many I did, probably about 40+, and without my prescription goggles and nose clip it felt odd, but I think I did well! I even managed to master the nose breathing thing by then end which I was pleased with!

On our return to the Cavern it was bags down and kit on!! Zina has already been swept up in the delights of running and had visited the Sutton Runner on Friday with v-rap! So Zina and I went for a slow (phew!) potter with Leon who did the gait watching and style instruction. He's very good! We did 3.5m in about 46mins (Leon has the stats!) without walking which I was pleased with! Zina did brilliantly! 1st run and 3.5m non-stop!

Leon advised that I have a weird right leg swing going on (wasted energy), shoulder rotation (not good! Need to improve that!) and breath in a shallow fashion, especially when tired which would explain the asthma like symptons (despite the machine saying I don'thave asthma!). So lots to think about!

Leon, and then v-rap, went out for seperate faster runs after!

Sunday:
As is now expected before a race I did the "panic I will over sleep" thing so had a restless night. I was up at 7 and made a cuppa tea then read one of Tinks books!! V-rap did us a fantastic bacon and sausage breakfast with homemade bread! Oh and we were joined by Mints, mini-Mints and their neighbour Jo.

I was calm at this time as I had it in my mind that the start was at 11am so when we strolled to the start (well I strolled totally chilled!) at 10:25am and they were all lined up I remarked that they were keen! It was a 10:30 start!!!

Lots of walkers, from the front to the back. Strolling as if it was a Sunday afternoon walk in the park. This meant that I was struggling to "run" and kept on hoping on and off the pavement.

The course itself was more undulating than I expected. With my reduced fitness I was not expecting a fast time. In fact I was expecting anything between 40 and 45mins. On the day my goal was just to run it all with no walking as that was something I have never done and as I wasn't worried about the time it was a good time to do this!

In reality I ran a very even pace! No starting sprint only to crash and burn. No "gonna give up and walk this hill" and I didn't carry water either (my comfort "blanket"). The weather was hot so I wasn't happy not carrying water (but the body does not need water for a 5k!) but I did it!

As I spotted the finish I picked up the speed. I passed many people (beams) and kept the pace going. We rounded a corner then I spotted v-rap and Leon (plus 5 kids and Zina!) and I checked my watch. I had 18 seconds to get to the finish! I picked up the pace again and finished in 39:59:45! Yippeee sub 40!! just!

Having collected my goody bag and medal I poured 500ml of water down my back and downed another 500ml as a drink! I declined the Hydro Active because even if they are the sponsors you just don't need a sports drink for a 5k! We waited for Mints and then strolled back to the car.

Back at the Cavern v-rap "threw together a quick soup and crumble!" It was gorgeous! Proper runners food!!!

Once Leon and his gaggle had gone the rest of us then went for a walk! Zina joined us so she could find out where the train station was and also to losen her legs. Tinks had declared she wanted to do the race next year and/or the race for life. I may have to "adopt" her so she can plod with me whilst her older and faster sister runs with mum. With this enthusiatic nipper in tow we went for a walk. About 4m I think so a nice losener for my legs as well as Zina.

Once I got home to my place I then mowed the lawn as the recent rain had made it spring into life! So a very busy and active few days! Today I will rest!

Comments

fraggle said…
sounds like an wxcellent weekend Pix - well done :o)
Cath Delaney said…
phew!

I thought i had a busy weekend..!!

Can you come and do my lawn(s)..?

Every time I try it pees it down!

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