I can’t believe I’ve done 49 parkruns! Next week is my 50th, whoop whoop! If you’re not well acquainted with parkrun check out the website for more info – it’s a free 5k event every Saturday all around the UK, and indeed the world. And getting to 50 parkruns is a milestone achievement. They even send you a parkrun T-shirt with ‘50’ printed on the back. The next milestone is 100 which is just amazing (I think you then get a jacket).
When I woke up on Saturday to go to parkrun I was disappointed with the weather: cold and wet. I wasn’t really feeling it like I was last weekend so I thought I might just plod round. Surprisingly though after I warmed up I felt more alive and ready to go. Even more surprisingly I was only two seconds slower than last week: 21:07.
What was lovely to see as well was a younger guy, Robson, from our running club getting a PB. He’s literally on fire smashing every PB in sight. It’s phenomenal the improvements he’s made since last year. To put it into perspective, a bunch of us from the club had helped pace him last year on parkrun. Now he’s blowing everyone out of the water – minutes ahead in his half marathon and 10k times (times I dream of!). What’s really lovely is he’s such a nice person with a big heart so he truly deserves it. Couldn’t happen to a nicer chap.
I caught up with some friends later for a good old chinwag and then headed to my parents to, er, maybe have another Indian takeaway (bit déjà vu to last week I’m afraid). It was lovely though, even if I did have to suffer through The Voice again…damn that Rita Ora making me like her. 😉 And seriously, what is Will I am on?! He’s mental!
The next morning I woke up and walked Alfie. The weather was awful. The wind was just incredible and it was cold and wet. I did not foresee a pleasant run! I had 13 miles planned and I almost backed out as a lot of it was along the sea front. I knew I’d regret it all day though if I didn’t so I put on my capris (not shorts, ohhh no!) and my windproof jacket and got out there.
I had big plans of sticking to a strict 8.15-20min/mile pace but as I set off I just knew this would be impossible. When the wind blew behind me I sailed along effortlessly, but then when it blew at me it was like running through treacle. So I just did what I could without pushing too hard.
Because I had eaten a lot of salty tandoori chicken the night before I had been thirsty all night, meaning I drank an entire pint of water and then more in the morning. Unfortunately this resulted in my needing a pee stop two miles in. Luckily along the beach there were public toilets that were open so I was OK (despite it requiring a huge amount of force to open the damn door because of the wind).
My pace is all over the place purely because of the wind. It was definitely a tough run and I felt exhausted at the end. But I felt strong at the same time and let my mind just float away listening to a podcast, leaving me mentally refreshed and free. My hair though is another story; windswept doesn’t quite cover it.
Because I hadn’t eaten breakfast before I went (I never really do before a long run) and it was almost 11am by the time I got home I realised I needed to be sensible. For lunch we were going to head to Jamie’s Italian and the table was booked for 1.30pm and I knew I couldn’t eat breakfast straight away as I never can straight after a run. So I decided to have a shower and get ready and then have a smoothie to tide me over until lunch, rather than fill up on breakfast and not fancy lunch. I never have smoothies but as my parents have a Nutrbullet and have been spouting the wonders of it to me I was tempted.
Unfortunate placement of daffodils there…
In the mix were strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries, with almond milk, natural yogurt, a whole lot of kale and that Nutriblast Superboost stuff in the photo (it’s a blend of cacao, macha, goji and hemp).
It wasn’t overly sweet but it was tasty and it definitely filled a hole until I got something proper. My dad was chuffed as he got a glassful as well. I love that my parents drink smoothies! It makes me proud 😉
Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth was unbelievably windy but ducking into shops helped! Then we got to Jamie’s Italian ready for lunch. And I was definitely ready for food!
Yes I know I have a slight obsession with this restaurant (I can’t count how many times I’ve been there) but I just love it. And as a tip if you’re a fellow lover, get a Gold Card. It costs nothing (just register on the website) because you get lots of freebies when you show them your card before you order. Over the years I’ve had £10 off meals, free drinks, a free side, free little appetisers to try – it’s so worth it!
This time we had a free tester of a risotto meal.
It was only a very small portion (on a saucer really) but it’s lovely to have a taste of something random. It was so tasty and rich – though I’m not sure I could have had a full meal of it.
For main…oh I know I’m so predictable. But this is literally one of my favourite meals in the whole world (aside from ribs obviously). I don’t even know why! I just love the Turkey Milanese.
It’s such a huge portion that I need nothing else with it. Though we did get a free side of polenta chips as part of being a Gold member so a couple of those helped 😉 And it tasted just as good as usual (well, better as 13 miles really heightens the taste of everything!)
And for pudding I had the Epic Brownie.
A delicious warm brownie with caramelised popcorn and vanilla ice cream. Heavenly. I was beyond stuffed, but so very satisfied.
A bit more shopping commenced (hello Nike shop – outlet prices with a 30% off on women’s clothes!) and then time for home. I gave Alfie a walk (to also help with digestion…) and then plonked myself on my sofa and watched Masterchef (love that programme) and some horrific show called Rich Kids of Beverley Hills. Car crash telly but for my tired body and brain it was all I needed! 😉
How was your weekend?
What’s your TV guilty pleasure?
Are you a smoothie fan? I’m pretty sure I’m in the minority with not being that big a smoothie fan, but I did enjoy it on Saturday so who knows!
Congrats on nearly 50 park runs – I still haven’t done one. ooops.
I wasn’t a fan of Jamie’s Italian when I tried it, but it was crazy busy.
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy recently posted…Comment on 10 Minute Chickpea and Spinach Curry by Dannii
They’re so much fun! Honestly, give it a go 🙂
AnnaTheApple recently posted…What I’ve been munching on and a very chirpy snack
I am still a little confused on park runs….looks like you are the queen of them! They do look like fun though 🙂 I am surprised to see you love jamies italian so much, I was not impressed with the one I went to in my town, but maybe it was just a bad one! Now I know what to get….it may be better 🙂
Tina muir recently posted…Meatless Monday- Healthy Mexican Pizza
Oh no, there are people who have done far more parkruns than me! Look out for them when you’re in the UK – there are loads about (check the website).
AnnaTheApple recently posted…What I’ve been munching on and a very chirpy snack
Look at all of those parkruns…congrats! I would love try out our local parkrun some time. Your meal at Jamie’s looks awesome, I’m always impressed with the food when I eat there and their desserts are scrummy.
Jemma @ Celery and Cupcakes recently posted…Thoughts on turning 29
Definitely do parkrun. Nothing more welcoming and fun in the running community!
AnnaTheApple recently posted…What I’ve been munching on and a very chirpy snack
Well done on almost 50 parkruns! I’ve done 4 so far!
I’ve never been to a Jamie’s Italian… I’m really not a fan of Jamie Oliver (those are his restaurants, right? Or have I got mixed up?).
How comes you don’t like smoothies?
Lucy recently posted…Triathlon Training Camp (Part 1)
Ahhh I love Jamie! But he is a bit of a Marmite character I guess.
Smoothies are very cold and I prefer to actually eat the ingredients than drink them.
AnnaTheApple recently posted…What I’ve been munching on and a very chirpy snack
Well done on all those park runs! It’s on my year goals list to start doing them. I still need to get to our Jamies Italian, yet another thing on my list! Obvs you know what a smoothie fan I am 😉
Yes! Do it! You’ll love it 🙂
AnnaTheApple recently posted…What I’ve been munching on and a very chirpy snack
epic brownie indeed!!!!
Kelsey @ Snacking Squirrel recently posted…Protein Shakes and Chocolate Muffins
So tasty!
AnnaTheApple recently posted…What I’ve been munching on and a very chirpy snack
That’s so cool that your parents are into smoothies, I need to try and get mine into it. I have at least one smoothie every day, I feel really out of balance if I don’t get one!
Lauren (@PoweredbyPB) recently posted…Running and Digestive Health
Hehe, I really need to get my smoothies up to your level as yours always sound great.
AnnaTheApple recently posted…What I’ve been munching on and a very chirpy snack
Now I just need to do my first 5k. Oops. I’m late on the game. Just got to keep training!
~ Carmen ~ recently posted…Social Media Basics: 10 Reasons Why You’re Losing Followers
Your blog is so inspirational! I love it!! <3
Anyhoo, I found your blog through a fellow blogger, and just thought I would stop by and say hi! It would totally make my day if you did the same – or better yet, keep in touch! <3 – http://www.domesticgeekgirl.com
Oh I’m so pleased you enjoy it 🙂
I’ll check out your blog of course!
AnnaTheApple recently posted…What I’ve been munching on and a very chirpy snack
How exciting that you have nearly hit your 50! I’m slowly ticking them off. I’d hoped to have run a few more by now but it’s just worked out that we’ve been busy on quite a few Saturdays this year. We have a wedding to go to this weekend but after that I should be able to get back regularly to parkrun again.
My friend literally told me about Jamie’s loyalty thing yesterday. It sounds like a really good deal, (especially for you!!!). I love that you got to try out some new dishes as well.
Mary recently posted…A married life Saturday
It’s amazing how long it takes.
The Jamie’s card is so good for me as I’m so obsessed. I probably should try more of the meals so at least I’m making a valid assumption that it’s brilliant haha. Though the fry-ups they do in the airport are the bee’s knees.
Wow, 50 parkruns?! That’s amazing. Oh, I always get sucked into reality TV! 🙂
Lora @ Crazy Running Girl recently posted…Coconut Banana Smoothie Recipe
It’s just so easy to watch…I love mindless telly haha.