Time to Run 2013:: part 2

Hello Lovelies, 

I'm not sure how interesting this post will be to many of you lovelies, but I want to record the downs as well as ups in my half marathon training. I've included some photos, mostly  taken on a hot, sunny walk to the shops yesterday morning, with my youngest son and my niece. The weather is glorious here at the moment.

I generally run in the morning. At the weekend that is  as soon as I wake up. It takes a bit of will power to get going but I love it once I'm out there. In the week it will  be once the boys are at school, that's nice too. I like to get it out of the way so I can then forget about it and get on with the rest of my day.

Yesterday my plan showed a 40 minute training run, but I knew that would be hard to fit in with my commitments so I decided to head out on Tuesday evening.

It was about 7pm once I got organised . A beautifully calm and sunny evening. The temperature was still pretty hot but the sun was low so there were plenty of shade. 

I was feeling rather sluggish, struggling with heavy legs and lack of energy. 

I tried to ignore my  running shadow , with it's odd, decidedly ungraceful gait.
I looked at my watch, only 5 minutes done.....I push on but it's a slog.
The groups of youths I pass are an unusual sight for someone who mostly runs in the morning. I feel self conscious and slightly intimidated.

I keep going and try to refocus. I force myself not miss out a steep hill,but it's grim.
I think, how will I manage to run for 13 miles in less than seven weeks?

I'm feeling tired and now other worries are crowding into my thoughts.
Just then a car slows down at the side of me. "Come on Jacquie , pick up the pace" shouts my friend from the drivers seat. It made me smile and  my legs felt a teeny bit lighter and my mood improved. I look at my watch 23 minutes gone...woohoo over half way.

I greet people I pass with a cheery " Evening" .
A bit further on I see a cat who is the double of my late cat Henry. He was such a character and loved by everybody.  This cat is siting quite still at the side of the path, we look straight at each other as I pass.
He ( or She ) looks so much like Henry that I get a lump in my throat.

Henry, photo taken in 1997

I'd like to tell you that the second half of my run was much faster, but the truth is it wasn't.
I whole run was pretty slow. I only covered 3 and 3/4 miles and it was at  a slower pace than my long run at the weekend.
But at least I completed it, and HOPEFULLY my next long run  ( 7 and a 1/2 miles....... yikes) will be easier because I did it. I certainly wont be attempting it in the evening :0)

I need to stay positive.I'm lucky I am have the health and the time to devote to this. The fact is running is hard and some days will always be tougher than others, but as they say....no pain no gain.

thanks for reading my running ramblings lovelies.
Jacquie x