Monday 16 June 2014

Still smiling...

Well, I think this is the first week in a while that I have felt truely happy in my running.
Monday training, had me facing that hill again, words spring to mind that I couldn't write or say out loud but have thought many times as I went up it, which best describe my feelings about this particular part of the national park . I put my head down, I felt better about it this week and felt sure I would complete it but No I haven't conquered it. YET! Some day.. Maybe!
Brenda told us we would meet on Saturday to do an 8 mile run as a group. We were to meet at 7.30am. Yikes!
As I ran during the week, I really enjoyed it. I felt I had a little spring in my step...
I don't know if I had the same spring at 6am on saturday morning , due to work I had arranged to meet Brenda at 7am. Arriving at the Gleneagle, Brenda and a few of the girls were there- Caroline, Doreen, Karen and Tiffany.
The route was as follows: -Down to Killarney Oaks up to the Gleneagle Hotel stretch, then head to Killarney Golf course, go down hill to the  turn off for demense, turn and return to Gleneagle.
As we set off, I turned on a bit of music in a bid to out shout my inner running voice, even as I write it I laugh because that voice is Sooo LOUD! However, at this stage we had a bit of a chat and settled in, after the  stretching we all headed off, Gillian had joined us at this stage. Brenda would follow on her bike later as soon as the rest of the group set off at 7.30am. Heading in to town was fine, keeping to my own pace. I was lost in the music and checking out who was out and about at this hour, there were a few.
It was cloudy at this stage of the day , so no sun beating down on us although it was warm it was still  comfortable.  Passing the Cathedral I noted I was alone on the road,  I felt calm and I was enjoying the run, the quiet.. All was good. As I reached the castlerosse, I slowed, but my little mantra kept me going
'You can, you will, you have'
with the help of Timber, Pharrell Willams and more..
So as I met Caroline & Doreen, I'm sure I was smiling. As, I  headed  into the golf course I was wary about the turnaround as there was g a slight incline , and in fairness me & uphill don't gel.. But, I felt a smile as I saw Karen & Tiffany they  were in good spirits. I slowed down once more at the turn as Brenda came up beside me and as I hit the incline I  slowed to a walk going up. I got water from Brenda and a few words of encouragement.  And so, as I left the golf course, I have to say I felt good in how the morning was going for me.
And then, yeah, BOooom!!
I saw the other girls coming against me and as they passed,  that inner voice of mine switched to high volume. I kept waiting for the footsteps to pass me out and so, instead of stepping it up - I slowed.
I am a idiot..
But, to take something positive from this negative I kept moving. But I couldn't find a steady pace. As I hit the top of Mission Rd, I was feeling bummed out, unable to motivate myself, I thought I just to have to get on with it. As, I headed toward the Gleneagle I saw Brenda heading towards me on the bike, I must of looked a state, a big sweaty head up on me. It was the first time, I can say I was truely glad to see the stop sign! (Although training begins there Monday so that thought won't linger).
On reflection, for me overall  it was a good run, I hadn't stopped if only  I hadn't let that voice take over! Frustrating is the first word that springs to mind! I have to learn to trust my training, the miles I've logged and most of all myself.
As my internal debate/monologue will undoubtedly continue I'm smiling because already I'm looking forward to the next run.

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