Highlight of the week

I have decided that introducing this as a weekly feature to my blog will not only ensure regular articles are posted but will also mean I take the time to reflect upon my week and appreciate the good bits :-)

It might be a personal achievement, another persons good news or maybe just something that made me really smile. There could be several equally 'high' moments during the course of a week... If so, I will choose just one that I think will be of most interest to you, the reader :-)

So, what was the highlight from the past week?

Well, to say my running week started on a rubbish note is a bit of an understatement! Having spent most of Saurday feeling a little 'eurgh' and with no appetite, the Sunday morning run was never a good idea... But, I had committed to it and if I've said I'll be somewhere, I will! It was only 7 miles, a distance I never think twice about doing and although obviously running on empty, I wasn't concerned, I could work through it... Right..? Wrong! I managed 3.5 miles and arrived home feeling wobbly, disappointed and very annoyed with myself.

Now, I know you're probably thinking this doesn't sound like much of a highlight, bear with me... In order to convey the moment effectively, I feel I must elaborate upon the days and events leading up to it.

Fast forward to Tuesday, I was still feeling a little drained but I knew the cold weather and hectic last few days of the month at work were the main culprits, on the whole I was looking forward to finishing work, pulling my trainers on and getting out there! Unfortunately, the last working day of the month didn't go quite as planned and by the time figures were balanced and I left the office it was too late to get to running club :-( I was somewhat frustrated but equally grateful that I could go home, eat and sleep!

A blink of the eye and Thursday was here, the next club running night. Gym bag packed and full of good intentions I headed off to work but boy was I tired! The benefit of the long and deep sleep of Tuesday night had been wiped out by the later than expected bedtime on Wednesday (pub quiz) night. As the working day drew to a close I wrangled - do I run? (I felt I should) or do I head home and rest? (This seemed the most sensible option). Decision made, I left the office without getting changed (I generally do change at work if I'm running, to save time). It was cold, I was tired and I couldn't face another lethargic, poor run...

Almost home, the Alexander Stadium came into view and that's when it hit me... When did I start making excuses and being pathetic?! 'I'm cold and tired', well if that's my excuse tonight it could easily be for the next few months, we've only just begun our winter and Wednesday night is always quiz night - if I didn't make the effort tonight I would be starting on the slippery slope of excuseness! I still wasn't really feeling it when I pulled on to the car park so I tagged myself as being there on Facebook, that way I had to go through with it - I'd be bombarded with various texts and comments later if I didn't!

We were barely out of the stadium grounds and on to the road when I realised I had definitely done the right thing :-) The icy blast on my face alleviated the tiredness, the rest of my body had warmed up already and I was surrounded by people who both inspire and entertain me - It then seemed crazy to me that I'd momentarily forgotten the power of running, how nothing else seems to matter and how alive it makes me feel.

On Thursday night we ran 6 miles, not a long run but it was the most amazing run for me and I went home on such a high :-) 3 days later and I'm still smiling about it... Proof, if ever proof was needed that we can all have an off day but that doesn't mean just because we feel tired we shouldn't run... I'm sooooo glad I made the effort!

What was the highlight of your week?

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