Sometimes the gentlest of runs are the best, and good for the soul.
That’s what tonight was with the club. Nice, laid back, no pressure but hugely beneficial.
I had already decided to go with the 30-minute group. I know it was step-up week so, by rights, I should have gone with the 60s but I had an ulterior motive tonight.
As well as only being interested in a comfortable run it was suggested to me today that I should think about signing up to the forthcoming LIRF (Leader In Running Fitness) course being held locally and, after discussing it briefly with an office bearer at the club, I was advised that it might not be a bad idea to go with the 30s and to shadow the leaders just to get a little taste of what’s expected and involved.
I’m still very much undecided whether to apply for the qualification or not, but I am interested in encouraging those starting off on their running journey or lacking confidence in their ability. That’s one of the driving forces behind my 18in18 Challenge so a course such as this seems a perfect fit.
But that’s for another day.
Tonight, in a departure from the norm, I ran up to the club. I don’t normally do this but, encouraged by my success on Saturday, I decided to do it this evening. I’ll admit to questioning it because, as I ran, I could feel a niggle in my left calf, and I was a bit concerned I might struggle so why was I ‘wasting’ my running time now?
However, that niggle well and truly disappeared when the club run itself started. If I had the niggle when the session started it might have been enough for me to have a ‘bad’ night but, as it turned out, it was just what I needed. I was able to focus on the run ‘proper’ with legs that felt good and were already warmed up.
As I said, the session itself was grand. A relaxed pace, good company and the opportunity to chat all the way round … perfect with a half marathon waiting for me.
I ran back home again to bring me to around 7km for the evening. I envisage, as per last week, I’ll do a wee run on my own at some point this week plus a jog to the gym and back just to keep my ticking over ahead of Larne on Saturday. It worked last week so why change what’s already tried and tested?
