In search of.....Consistency!

The evenings have really began to close in and with the clocks changing, running in the dark will be the norm for the next few months. Finding good well lit routes without traffic light etc.. obstacles is challenging..  

Meeting in Lidl, and following a quick discussion on where we were heading, we set off. Instead of heading left toward town we went right and headed out to Fossa. A new route which meant new views. The thing about running pass peoples houses is that you get to have a good peek and sometimes see houses you wouldn't even see when driving. Poor Karen, who had given her leg a weeks rest had arrived this evening to run but her injury once again flared half way out, so she had to walk the rest of the way. Just pass Killarney Golf Club, we turned to head back. Then I noticed how quickly evening had turned to night, when driving you would think this road is lit all the way into town but there is a stretch which is not, so we tried not to delay. And were thankful, when we saw the street lights and that we live in an age that electricity is a common utility for us. 

During the week I only put in one more run as I went to Dublin for a few days, of course running wasn't to far from my mind even though I didn't go for one but look what I got..

New runners.. love it..

Monday dawned once again, it was chilly, we were a few short, as I chatted to Anna and Michelle, I noticed two girls heading toward us all kitted out, I thought they must be meeting a group and have mistaken us for them. Turns out it was Maeve and her friend, I never wear my glasses when I run (so if you know me and I pass you, it's probably because I haven't seen you, apologies in advance). Heading out I went up through the town once more and I wasn't long warming up. and with a storm forecast we didn't delay too long at the end of the run. 

This week also marked Johns return to running. We headed out on Thursday for a run and he noticed straight away the improvement in my pace and overall running. In fact, I passed him out on one occasion (yeahh!! it may not happen again but I'll take it as a bonus this week).

Headed into the park and it was a lovely evening. Also, the run took me back to my 'beloved 'STOP' sign. Hahaha!!  At the end of it I was satisfied, good run done!

A bit of root attention needed for the hair..

So, I have felt my running has become more consistent in the last few weeks and today, I went out for a run and hit a new 5K PB. I took nearly a minute off but it could have been more. I am sooo happpppy!! 

I pushed on today but I could have pushed on more in the second half of the run.  Finishing, I was fine and So, I know there is more in the tank.

Next Saturday, we head to Mitchelstown to do the d'Hillbillies Mud Run which is raising money for the Mercy Hospital Cancer appeal. I have heard whispers of costumes... I don't know which terrifies me more the dress up or the mud! But, my aim is to complete it, in good company and have a good laugh while supporting  a great cause.  

My hope for my running heading into a new month is summed up in one word 'consistency'.

And so Winter has arrived...

In the last post, I did say I would take a picture of the view on the 10 miler and so I did..

A view to run a 10 miler for...

It is beautiful! #lovekillarney.

Blue sky is something which has been missing this past week or so, the weather seemed to change once the calendar hit October. I have to say I like that slight nip in the air when you run at this time of year.  Natures colour palette really shows its subtlety at this time of year. Varying shades of greens, yellows, browns, it really makes a run more interesting..

The Monday after the 10 Miler my legs felt extremely heavy but I managed to put in 3 miles before I gave in and went for a coffee with Bernie, Michelle and Anna. Which was great, as I felt weary to be honest.

Sun setting on last park run with group

As the evenings have been closing in, we decided as to start meeting at the Lidl car park.
Last week, we met at 7, we welcomed back Gillian and Karen was back from injury. Bernie was also carrying an injury. The first thing to say was that it was chilly even cold and so as we waited for Maeve we ran down to the roundabout and up, to warm up. We decided to head down to the Cathedral. As usual, I left them all off ahead of me and I continued at my own comfortable pace. Unfortunately, Karen's injury flared up  hopefully, there won't be any serious injury.
As I headed up Mission road the girls came down against me, we turned and as I followed them, I think our route and planning of it went askew. Bernie with her injury headed back to Lidl. Karen followed Bernie straight up through the town. The girls went up to Lidl via a St Finians shortcut. I, on the other hand, went pass the cinema, the friary, headed down College St, up Main St and up St Margaret's Road to Lidl. All in all I did 3 miles. They were waiting for me when I came back, the thing about running around town is that you have to stop for traffic lights and people a problem I hadn't encountered while running in the park. I also have to take out my luminous running bib as it was black night when we finished.
Looking back on the garmin after my run, the pace was fairly consistent which I was happy with.

The following day, I set off for my run after work it was dry, slightly chilled and a bit damp. There was a good few people around but as I headed to the Castlerosse Hotel it started to drizzle then the sky really opened. It was so wet I could hardly keep the rain out of my eyes. Then, I saw Anna and Michelle running toward me, they were heading back but stayed with me for awhile. Amazingly, this was the first time Anna had ran in the rain since she joined the group last Spring. We turned as we reached the Castlerosse Hotel. The girls  headed off at the horses crossing their company was very much appreciated and shortened the journey back to the car for me. Reaching the car I was drenched, it was the first evening I could wring out my clothes and my feet were really wet which I don't like!  I don't mind too much running in the rain in fact for the most part I enjoy it, there is a real sense of freedom but Tuesday evening it was a bit torrential.

The last week/10 days I haven't had the same dedication to going out for a run I have been LAZY! Lack of pace consistency has always been my downfall and having finally found some, I don't want to lose it, so this week I will put in the miles, (Fingers crossed!)
Also I am excited as I am planning to get new runners and that always gives my running a boost.

I have luminous bib, torch, running tights, jacket so Winter I am ready for you. I THINK!!