Well here we are, another month flying past, my blog seems to have slowed right down, I can only apologise for that, no mojo to put the words down. Seems to have been the same with the running too…
So what have I been up-to?
Well the Garner family have had two summer holidays, nothing flash. Kept it simple, kept it to the UK. Firstly we spent a week near Bournemouth, and the second in Caernarfon (Wales). Much needed, but all same, tiring. Some of the places we visited on both were simply stunning in their beauty, with a few that are literally breathtaking. My only disappointment on the whole, not being able to run on Snowdon, not enough time and logistically a challenge. I’m sure there will be a time in the future…
So have I raced?
Yes!
I’ll rewind back to June, the Woodhall Spa 10K road race. Wow, flat, fast and fun! All previous 10K times had been +45 minutes as a recorded time, not this one. A finishing time of 42 minutes 45 second, so, so happy with a massive PB! A really enjoyable race, and very well set up for a great event.
Moving forward to the following weekend, a PB at Lincoln park run, 20 minutes 40 seconds! Staggered as all previous runs had been +21 minutes. A big thanks to the Cooney family from Lincoln, a running family who are a quick bunch, and very lovely people too.
Lincoln Wellington 5K Summer Series. A series of 4 events over 4 months comprising of the following races at each event. 1K for the under 11’s, 3K for the older children and the 5KM for the over 15’s to veterans. I entered two of the events, June and August, I found these two events tough, but, as they say, no race is ever easy. The first of the events, I managed another PB! 20 minutes 25 seconds, as far as I can tell, I have knocked another few seconds off that time with the second event, I’m just awaiting the official result, so a further Pb in the pipeline.
Whilst I talk of this event, I am immensely proud of our son Ellis, he took part in the 1K event, this was his first introduction to racing. He loved it, he ran consistently through the 1000 meters, and finished hot, sweaty and with a huge smile. Well done Ellis, the first of many I hope.
Let’s take a look at the end of July. The 150th Heckington County Show with it’s annual 10 Mile road race. I’d been looking forward to this for a long time. I had heard so many good things about this race, and boy, I was not disappointed.
Fast sections, crowds, and very well organised. However, I set myself a strategy to run to, I stuck with it. This turned out to result with a terrible run, I went out hard, fast and confident. Big mistake, it was too warm for it, and the distance too long. As I stated, I had a strategy, this was thought out way before the event, and more as a test for me. What it proved, I already knew. I had previously run the same time, or quicker when I’d been out on LSRs (Long Sunday runs). So Already had experience of the distance. Still, I finished strong and respectably in 1 hour 16 minutes and sixteen 16 seconds.
So, what’s next?
The Lincoln Half Marathon again, in October. An event I thoroughly enjoyed last year, my only aim, beat last years time!
As I continue to learn and experience this wonderful sport, I can be thankful to the running community for the enjoyment we all get.