Run and be happy

For the last couple of weeks I've been trying to keep to regular running ahead of the Ljubljana Half whilst introducing a bit more speed-work to start a 6-week build up to having a go at my 5k PB. I love parkrun, but one of the problems with running a timed 5k every week (there or thereabouts) is that I've become a bit lazy with it; there's always next week so I don't always give it my best. I think it is one of the issues with regular racing in general; you lose a bit of the hunger that saw PBs come tumbling in earlier years of running. I've been enjoying doing some more structured sessions but also struggling a bit with feeling tired from a busy few weeks at work and some full-on weekends too.

Occasionally, to give my mojo a boost I find a little running-related retail therapy goes a long way, and I spotted this Momentum jewellery bracelet a little while ago and decided to treat myself; it arrived this week. I've played around with running mantras in the past and decided that this one is definitely one for me to remember. Running isn't my job, it's my hobby and whatever happens it should always be fun! It also helped that it was in my favourite colour, teal.

On Thursday I was persuaded to go to my first ever track session, at Abbey Stadium in Redditch. The session was 8x200m efforts with jog recoveries and I really enjoyed the feeling of pushing myself. It's been a long time (over 20 years probably) since I ran such short distances but I think a few of those sessions will begin to make a difference to my 5k times. I noticed my quads felt fatigued on Friday and my hamstrings were a little stringy, so I did a bit of yoga at home which helped. That said, Saturday's visit to Cannon Hill parkrun was marked by a lethargic feeling in my legs towards the end, but it was a much better paced run (although only 5 seconds quicker it felt more controlled) than a fortnight ago and my best time at CHP since May! Perhaps a PB in 2015 isn't out of the question yet.