I Love Running
I have just had the most brilliant afternoon, meeting new friends and running along as fast I could for 5k... I haven't timed myself over this distance for four and a half years!
Then, I ran 19.27, today about 3 minutes slower than that... I don't have the official time yet, but think it was circa 22.20....
Every Saturday at 5pm there is a 5k and 10k race here at Club La Santa... Perfect!
I have an arena to see what is really going on... A place to start from...
I am quite accurate as to form, both with myself and others and predicted I was worth around 22.30 - I was right...
It was a very good feeling to achieve my goal, in fact to run slightly faster...
And running hard is running hard, whatever you are capable of... Running up to the threshold of capability is a fabulous feeling... Just on top of the pace and just on top of the pain...
A stillness can preside within, because there is nothing to do but stay in the step, stretch to the edge of the zone, and hold onto the pace... But - not go over the top - maintain when it feels tough, knowing this is the space of inquiry, of discovery, of finding out...
The outcome is not important, the expression is what counts; and the self acceptance...
Diane the winner of the women's 5k, had streaked off at the beginning...
My old racing brain galloped off too, but I could see she was fast and so I reined myself in, as she disappeared down the road.... Soon Denise - who finished second - ran by 'Smile' she said... 'They're taking pictures...' And she ran on, looking strong and relaxed...then Ros caught me up and ran by; this could all indicate I set off rather enthusiastically!
But I loved it...
I love running and I love running fast... As fast as I can anyway... Which is not as fast as before; but it is as fast as I can right now; and that is all that matters...
After the race Denise and I stood chatting... She told me that there is a group of them, all from Oxford, who have come to train... They are all from different clubs but have got to know one another through meeting up at races.
I enjoyed being in a race environment again...
We stood in a circle talking running... Andrew, James, Kenny, Julian, Denise, Anadi and I...
I shared with them that when I met Anadi, I had spent my Sundays mornings in bed rather than running...!
'But... I am really keen again', I said ...'Fully engaged again; and ready to put myself on the line...!
'You're so full of life and enthusiasm' Kenny said ... 'Yes, it's good you've had a break' Andrew affirmed...
It has been really good to have a break from a goal...
I knew one would appear when it was ready, or I was ready. Now that it has, it feels fun to be investigating and delving within to see what is possible....
Earlier....
Anadi and I went for a 5 mile run this morning along the dusty track and returned to eat breakfast with our view from the terrace of sparkling sea, people windsurfing, swimmers with a kayak beside to see them across the big stretch of water....
Red black hills in the distance...
