Racing and Pacing

So I'm going to start my post with a confession....

Following on from my Stop-vember post I will admit I had a teeny tiny slip up this week. Tuesday night, my work colleagues and I were taken out by our boss for a congratulatory drink (or two) for completing the Birmingham Half Marathon. How could I refuse a nice cold glass of prosecco?! When it comes to alcohol I can generally take it or leave it but it seemed a shame to miss out, especially as we have completely smashed our target of raising £2k for Hope House. To make up for my little treat, I will continue my no drinking into December until I have done 30 days.

Chocolate has definitely been more difficult! Time and time again this week temptation has been laid in my path. I even licked a square of chocolate before realising what I was doing and threw it in the bin! To top it off upon meeting my Granny for lunch on Wednesday, she presented me with a pack of penguin bars and kitkats! I can hold my head up high and say I did not touch a single one. Lee on the other hand destroyed both packs (with a bit of help from Isabella) so needless to say his chocolate free month is well and truly over. I have to say, the ability to say no to something you really want is just a little bit empowering and has made me feel good to know I have more willpower than I thought. The lack of chocolate has been replaced by custard creams, croissants, caramel doughnuts and pink wafers…..

So onto this week and my debit card has taken a bit of a hammering from entering races and starting to plan next year and the build up to London marathon!

November- Virtual half marathon (virtualrunneruk.com)

This race costs £5 with proceeds going to Clic Sargent. This month’s available races are 5k, 10k and the Half. Upon completing my distance I will submit the picture of my time to Virtual Runner and await my medal. This is such a great concept both to improve your running and raising money for charity.

22^nd November- Shrewsbury Parkrun pacer

This month, Shrewsbury is trialling the use of pacers during the weekly parkrun event. I had toyed with the idea of having a go since the first post appealing for people to volunteer came up. By Tuesday the 30 minutes gap was still available so I took this as fate that I should do it and signed up! I’m really enjoying my Saturday mornings in the Quarry and have come so far since I did my Parkrun so it will be a great opportunity to help others reach their goals.

My Parkrun progress

14^th December- Telford 10k

With Telford a mere 20 minutes away on the train, this is a great local event with a reputation as a ‘pb course’. Having vowed never to run again after Birmingham Half, some of my work colleagues have also signed up plus a number of Run Mummy Runners. It will be a great get together in the lead up to Christmas.

Telford 10k- 14th December

20^th December- Wolverhampton Parkrun

Run Mummy Run meet up! I’m so looking forward to this. It will be my first Parkrun away from Shrewsbury and with Christmas a matter of days away we will be donning our Santa hats! Sometimes it’s great not to run for a pb but to meet fellow runners and just enjoy the moment.

22^nd March 2015- Stafford Half Marathon

At a mere £22 and a limited number of spaces, I signed up for this on Thursday when the entries opened. With just a few weeks to go until London at this point, it will be a great way to test myself and see how my training is going.

Even just a couple of months ago, I could never have imagined I would sign up for all of the above. Receiving my ‘You’re in’ magazine has definitely given me the kick up the butt I needed and I’ve once again discovered how much I love running.