This weekend I had a change of plans which meant I was no longer going to Bristol. Bit of a shame but I’ll meet up with my Bristol mates soon.
This meant the world was my oyster when it came to parkrun… which, which to do? My work friend, Kyle, has been getting into running and we’ve run a few times together during lunch and he asked if I fancied joining him at Portsmouth Lakeside parkrun. I’ve never done Lakeside and it was his first parkrun so I was definitely game.Lakeside is actually around the lake right next to my office (you can see the office in the photo above) – where I run on a regular basis! It did feel weird driving there Saturday morning and not actually going to work. It was nice it being so close by that I could get up at 7.50am and be there for 8.40am to meet Kyle. Though my alarm was set to silent which wasn’t particularly useful! Luckily I have a well trained body clock and work up at 7.53am. Whew!It was a cold and slightly breezy morning. Kyle was in shorts and t-shirts and just looking at him made me feel more cold!! Though I was in shorts (obviously, #shortsforever) I was in a long-sleeved top but it was very chilly. The Run Director did a great job of keeping us entertained in the chilly weather. He had a good mix of sternness to those parking in the wrong spots and humour – and explained yes he was in fact a teacher. Haha made a lot of sense.
Photo Credit: Connor Eaves
I had warned Kyle of the excessive clapping involved in parkrun (event number 90 *clap*, volunteers *clap*, milestones *clap*). Least our hands were warm… Then we lined up and got ready to start. It’s always tricky to know where to put yourself at the start at a new event. Evidently we were too far back and spent the first kilometre overtaking and trying to politely get past people.Lakeside parkrun is lovely and about 95% flat. You run out to an underpass area where you then turn round to come back (so a slight incline) and then head round the lake (entirely flat), where you then turn around again and head back to the underpass bit and then head back to the finish, where you started. Being flat it is a fast course in that respect but having three complete about turns will definitely kill your stride and flow so if you are looking for a PB be aware of this.
Photo Credit: Connor Eaves
Kyle and I ran together. He’s quite quick for such a new runner (I’m sure he’ll be speeding ahead of me in times to come if he continues). We were around 8 minute miles and chatted as we ran. It was a bit breezy but nothing terrible – happily a nice tail wind on the way back to the finish.
Photo Credit: Connor Eaves
Towards the end I told Kyle if he fancied sprinting off he should. I wouldn’t be as I wanted to be careful with my calf, which was starting to feel a lot better. It still wasn’t 100% amazing but it was definitely on its way. Kyle did indeed sprint off and finished ahead of me. He looked very strong finishing! Brilliant first parkrun indeed. I’m sure he will cut his times down quickly.My time was 24:55 and Kyle’s was 24:51. Brilliant! My calf felt good afterwards as well, which I was over the moon about. Whew! I then bumped into the lovely Paul who writes a lot of parkrun tourism blogs and, AMAZINGLY, ran 14 marathons last year!!! Like seriously. What a legend. His blog is great as well, check it out.Kyle said he enjoyed himself which was the most important thing and would be up for doing more! Awesome news, another parkrun convert. Obviously a selfie had to mark the occasion of course 😉 Lakeside has a Starbucks right next to the finish which is always a winner, though I really don’t need to give them any more of my money as it is!I spent the rest of the day doing the usual weekend chores (adulting is so much fun, right?) and then went shopping with my mum. I managed to find TWO pairs of jeans in Top Shop that fit perfectly. I’m definitely a fan of their Jamie range (I no whave three different pairs…). I also spent my £30 Accessorize voucher as well (two necklaces, and sunglasses and a bikini cover-up in the sale!). Definitely a successful trip.I then had to make a decision whether I’d run Stubbington 10k or not the next day. I mean, my calf felt fine and hadn’t niggled a significant amount during the run but I worried that by not letting it rest a day before running again I would stop it on its road to recovery and just prolong the issue. I picked up my bib and t-shirt anyway just so I had the option but ultimately when I woke up on Sunday morning I decided to not do it. If I’m honest, it wasn’t particularly a race I’d be sad to miss. Firstly it’s a 10k, which I hate, and secondly it basically runs around the area I live in (and regularly run round anyway). Yes it would be sad not to run with my club and see the friendly faces but there would be other times.
I could tell myself I’d run in easy but I know on the final stretch I’d probably increase the pace and the last thing I need to do is encourage the calf to feel rubbish again so close to the Dubai Marathon. So instead I headed to the gym for a purely cardio-focused session. As the Stubbington 10k literally runs near my parents house (the start line is a two minute walk up the road) I did have to be strategic when I left to make sure I got out before any of the road closures happened. Thankfully I had no issues, but I could see that ten minutes later I would have been blocked in.
I spent a solid hour and twenty minutes on the elliptical machine. It sounds ghastly doesn’t it? I won’t lie, it wasn’t exactly the funnest thing I’ve ever done but I watched Black Mirror to help pass the time. I watched the second to last episode (Metalhead) and jeeze it stressed me out!! Then watched the start of the next one which honestly wasn’t much less stressful. I can’t binge watch these programmes, they’re just too close to home and thought-provoking.
I was happy with my cardio session and to be honest it was far better than doing the 10k. I was able to simulate a long run much better (though obviously it’s not the same without the actual pounding on the ground etc. but it’s something). And the calf felt fine, so definitely the right decision to have been made. I hope to run today… I’m just hoping it’ll continue to be as positive as I get closer to Dubai (I leave next Monday and the marathon is the Friday!)
Have you ever done a parkrun with a newbie?
Do you like a post-parkrun coffee?
Do you have a certain shop you always go back to for comfort and fit when it comes to jeans? Top Shop always seems to work for me surprisingly.
I hate myself for it – their environmental acumen is not brilliant, but I end up in Levi’s with a Bold Curve because it covers my booty and doesn’t gape at the waist. Tried GAP several times, and never really got on with them. I might have to look at Topshop. Not sure where our nearest is….
I miss my post-parkrun Starbucks from Hampstead Heath. I miss Hampstead Heath. Period.
Not a fan of the lengthy elliptical session, but I’ve definitely had to do that in the past when a niggle reared its head during marathon training. Hopefully all will be well for Dubai.
Post-parkrun we nip home for a quick change then meet Steve’s brother for a coffee and some kind of breakfast. A nice way to relax and kick off the weekend.
Allison recently posted…Friday Finds – 12th January
So wait – he sprinted to the end and only finished like, 4 seconds ahead of you, and you WEREN’T sprinting? Sheesh girl – you’re an animal! Glad the calf is healing up!
kat recently posted…Chocolate Chip Mug Cake [ Vegan ]
Introducing someone to parkrun is so cool! This one sounds good with easy parking and of course Starbucks! I sometimes get a hot drink after, especially if I am not at my home run, but often if I am home it’s back to my parents for breakfast there.
We ended up getting my dad’s cousin into parkrun- we thought he already did it, so we arranged to go to Linford Wood in Milton Keynes (he lives up there)- so the week before he went to try it out, and so when we went with him it was only his second. Now he’s done 34, and it’s amazing as he loves it. He’s 75 now and still getting pb’s, and he keeps an eye on our results and every now and then emails us all about the weekend parkrun results!
Well don for resting the calf- sounds like the sensible thing and so hopefully Dubai will go well.
Maria @ Maria runs recently posted…Power tools and beauty products
I have accidentally set my alarm to silent so many times before! I’m usually similar to you and can wake up at the time I’m supposed to but I’m so paranoid I’ll do it one time and not wake up for whatever plans I have!
I’m loving the #shortsforever hashtag by the way!!! 😀
I’m having real issues with jeans at the moment. Because I do so much walking and running my calves are huge and I literally end up bursting out at the seams in the lower leg of all my jeans at the moment! 🙁
Mary recently posted…The good, the bad and marshaling fun
Thanks so much for the mention and it was so nice to finally have a bit of a chat. I always enjoy having a read of your blogs and admire your dedication and training regime.
I look forward to reading all about Dubai and wish you all the success for that.
Hope to bump into you again one day.
PJ recently posted…12 marathons in 12 months
Lakeside is next on my hit list for tourism!
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