Ben Donohoe Run and Body Balance

This morning I participated in the Ben Donohoe Run and Walk for Fun, which is an event that raises funds for paediatric brain tumour research. I ran with a few of the girls from the running group. Kelly brought her partner along too. We were quite early, as we had to pick up our numbers at least half an hour before the race, so we stood in the sunshine and chatted for ages. Fortunately, the run started pretty much on time. Oh, I went for a short warm up jog with one of the other girls. It was only short, but it reminded me that I CAN run.

They had over 1500 runners, which apparently makes it the second largest fun run in Canberra. That's a real credit to the organisers, as this was the third time the event has been run. There were two events, a 6 km and a 3.1 km. The guy who won the 6 km got over the line in under 19 mins. Kelly and I were at the 3 km mark in 22 mins so he was running more than twice as fast as us.

The run was around Lake Ginninderra in Belconnen. I've run around the lake once before, when I did the ABS fun run back in May. This was a slightly shorter course, however I found it really helped knowing what to expect at different stages. I ran it much faster back in May with my run / walk method (6:45 pace compared with 7:33 pace), but I ran the whole way without stopping this time, which was my goal for today. The splits were 6:55, 7:35, 7:45, 7:52, 7:53, 7:23, which is pretty even for me.

I was running well within myself today and didn't find myself struggling at all. I'm in a bit of a quandary at the moment with that aspect of my running. Clearly I could go faster but I'm enjoying running with Kelly so much. Part of me would like to run faster each time I run and part of me just wants to enjoy the run. I think it's time for me to revisit my running goals.

My current running goals are: 1. Have fun 2. Run without injury 3. Run three times a week, including a long run 4. Run outside at least once a week 5. Run for longer.

I'm having fun, so I can tick that one off. I'm pretty much running without injury. My knee is tired now but I'm not feeling any pain when I run and it's barely sore now. I've not been getting out for three runs a week lately, but I've been doing the pool running which I think makes up for it. I'm running outside at least once a week. I haven't increased my time out there lately so I'm not meeting goal number 5. Overall, I figure I'm about 70% meeting my running goals, so there's room for improvement. Running faster isn't on the list, so I don't need to worry about the times as long as I'm out there. Phew. I feel much better about today's time now. I got over the line in 45:44 for 6.06 km according to my Garmin.

This afternoon I went and did Body Balance at the gym. It used to be open from 9 - 12 on Sunday mornings, but it's now open from 2 - 6 pm, which is much more Sunday friendly. There were lots of women there when I arrived so I'm clearly not the only person who appreciates the new hours. Mind you, I nearly didn't get there. I had a nana nap this afternoon. Fortunately, I set the alarm so that I'd have the option of making the class. I think I'll be in bed early tonight too.

The new group fitness room is much smaller and I didn't think of taking my yoga mat with me. Apart from that, it was a good class. The new gym manager, Debbie, took the session. I was way up the back. It hadn't occurred to me that I'd have to rush in to get a spot. I'll know that next time.

I'm trying to work out what exercise I want to do tomorrow. On Tuesday I have pool running and I have to choose between doing the cross country run at 6 pm and Yoga at 7 pm. I don't think I can make it back to Yoga if I do the run. Still, I might give it a go.

Oh, the gym now has a sauna / detox room. I really enjoy saunas so I'll have to give it a go. They are going to have spray tanning as well, but I'm not at all bothered about having a tan. That said, I didn't think about sunscreen today and it probably would have been a good idea. I think I got away with it today, but it's something I'm going to have to remember. The Aeroguard would have been useful too.

Edit

I mentioned a few weeks ago that one of the women from my running group had been diagnosed with breast cancer. She came out to the run today to cheer us on. It was lovely to see her. She's had surgery and the news is positive. There's still a way to go, but it was reassuring to see her looking so well today.