Achy legs part 2

My legs are aching once again because I've pushed the boundaries by running just over eleven miles this morning.

Even though my batteries died in my Garmin GPS device, I was doing an out and back course, so I know the distance because I'd run 5.6 miles when I turned round and headed for home.

Anyway, my legs feel very much like they did last Sunday when I ran 8.75 miles. However, I feel much better about it because I still have five weeks to go to the half marathon and only two miles to add to my distance.

I really do live in a lovely part of the country. I was noticing the fields, trees, sheep and wildlife along the route and thinking how lucky I am.

At one point a farmer drove past me in his tractor and I thought at first that he was singing, until I noticed half a dozen sheep in his trailer and realised it was them. They weren't actually singing I hasten to add, but maybe my ability to identify sounds is affected by tired legs and general knackerdness.

This afternoon we're having a family celebration for my youngest's 14th birthday, which should be fun with 4 generations of the family present.

Pavlov's runner

Is it just me or is there something in all of us (those of us who run anyway) that when we see another runner, or runners, ahead of us, can't quite resist seeing if we can speed up a little to see if we might be able to catch them, and even overtake them?

It happened to me this morning. I feel like Pavlov's dog, not that I'm suggesting that I salivate when I see other runners, at least I don't think I do. I'd better check when it happens next time.

But I go through the whole thought process...

"No, that's silly and meaningless to see if I can catch them."

"It will interfere with my natural speed and rhythm of running, and might even make injury more likely."

"Oh, I seem to be speeding up. If I go just a tiny bit faster I might even catch them."

"Yay, how about that I overtook them right at the top of the hill. Result!"

"I'd better keep up the pace otherwise they might overtake me back again, and besides if I slow down they'll know I was just trying to overtake them and I'll look stupid."

All this happened to me this morning.

Is it that I'm competitive?

Or maybe, it's just that it introduces an element of a game into the run, which makes it even more fun and interesting. After all, challenges and stretching our comfort zones is good, isn't it?

Who am I trying to kid! I like to look good (don't we all?) and I just can't resist an opportunity.

A spring in my step

My youngest's 14th birthday today. How time flies!

Quick mile followed by presents and cards this morning.

My new business cards were delivered a few minutes ago. I always find it exciting to have new leaflets and business cards. It puts a new spring in my step and turns up my enthusiasm dial.

Maybe I should take the cards on my run with me, it would be good to add a new spring in my step when I'm running.

Two faces of running

Ran with the Harriers for the first time in 14 months last night, which was fun, but I found it hard work.

My mile this morning was also tough as my legs were stiff and my left knee was a little bit sore, but the old legs have got 24 hours rest now, so they should be fine.

I couldn't believe the number of people at the Harriers last night. There could easily have been over 100. It's fantastic to see how many people are engaged in recreational running, or any sort of physical exercise actually.

And it was great. On the run I met and chatted with a couple of people I hadn't met before, and then afterwards someone bought me a drink at the bar and I chatted with others.

My early morning runs and the club runs are so different. One is time to myself which I find so valuable and creative, and the other is so sociable and all about connection, which is one of my core values.

Running is definitely a win win any way you look at it for me.

The Dalai Lama would be proud

Woke early again this morning and went for a quick, chilly one. Run that is.

I'm off to another networking event shortly, so more people to meet, which should be fun.

Feeling a bit rushed to get this written so I can go and de-ice the car.

What's my challenge today?

To get the key things done from my list, whilst remaining in the present moment, particularly to others around me.

I think the words of the day are kindness and compassion.

The Dalai Lama would be proud of me.