Contains Glass

Determined that as part of my running rehabilitation programme I would go to ParkRun at least once a month I was headed back to orpington again this Saturday morning. 

In the car park I spotted some fellow PWRs - Bromley was not on this week die to the fireworks which meant there were greater numbers this morning. I palled up with Julia (Glass) as we headed over to the start point. I was momentarily disarmed when we introduced ourselves when she asked my surname and then said oh yes with a knowing lilt!! But as I said I am quite prevalent on social media so despite not being at the club for a while I am 'known'!!!

We set off together, just short of a beautiful Border Collie running with his owner. We settled into a comfortable pace with a little chat. I realised how much I missed the Tuesday night group runs, perhaps I will brave it soon despite the dark evenings. Meeting new people, sharing stories, tips and advice, this is what I loved about the club most.

Back to the race.... First my shoelace came undone, annoying, so I had to pause momentarily to toe it back up.... Not an issue for the winner when he lapped up, laces flapping in the wind. If only I lifted my knees that high I might never need worry about a lace based self tripping incident again. I caught back up with Julia and we trotted along happily for a while at a fairly even pace. As I entered lap three I had pulled ahead but felt I was running through treacle, my watch was of no use as I had managed to stop it a mere 3 minutes in so had no idea how I was doing and if I could keep under 30 minutes. 

As I approached the end I stepped it up, focussing on the next runner and catching up with her, I thought I may catch her but she saw me coming and as we sprinted neck and neck to the finish she just pipped me, I still had no idea of the time. We shook hands and headed to the refreshments. About a minute behind was Julia so we enjoyed some delicious bread pudding (only a little slice Monika!!!) and a cuppa before heading home.

The cheater! A note on the teenage lad who has clearly been dragged along by pushy parents, he walks a lot, cuts corners off the course, mopes around. I think he needs to just say no!! If he is not going to do it right then don't do it. You can't go through life cutting corners, you will get caught!! He cheats but not so he is noticed.... It's just a bit odd or teenage laziness!! 

By the time I had returned home and run my bath there was a text message on my phone, I completed in 29:59 lucky I had that sprint finish to help me scrape under the 30 minute mark!!