parkrun 52: More sun and mud

It really is a lovely day today. I went to the pub with some work colleagues yesterday and we sat outside with our beer. I have had more beer than usual this week, so maybe that is affecting my running. As with @normie.fitness part of why I run is so I can have beer. You need some pleasures in life.

I had to take my other half out first thing this morning, but made it back in time to jog along to the Henlow Bridge Lakes parkrun. I got there just as the marshals were heading to the start. Numbers are still low despite a few tourists and first-timers. I looked up one guy who had a 500 shirt who has done 541 events at dozens of locations.

I seemed to get slower as I went on today. The dips in pace tend to correspond to where the mud is, but I try to just plough through it rather than trying to pick out a drier path.

I had a guy literally breathing down my neck for the first lap and a half before he passed me. A few others went past on the last lap, including some ladies. I just could not keep up with them. All I could do was try to keep running even when it is tempting to walk. I need to find a bit more pace and stamina from somewhere.

The wind was against us on the finish straight, but I tried my usual sprint once I could see the end. Maybe I started a little too quick this time. I ought to set my Garmin watch so I can check my progress better. I would rather do 5:15/km all the way than go quicker for a short while before slowing down.

I got fairly mucky, so here is a dirty legs photo especially for @dickturpin. Like the socks?

After all that I had chores to do.

Meanwhile my daughter @matildamoment was at Southsea parkrun where she met double Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes who was there promoting a new sponsor. She has done some work on running as an aid to mental health. It helps keep me sane anyway.

Run free and stay well.