Week 32, Race 30: Luton Wardown parkrun

 

After a week off as it was half term holiday time this week I was back at Luton Wardown parkrun. Not much to say really, I finished in a slow 32:21. I'd love to blame the fact that Hannah ran some of it with me except I couldn't keep up with her!
3/4 of the way through my little challenge now and looking forward to some cross country races in the coming weeks!

Week 30, Race 29: Luton Wardown parkrun

Getting a bit cooler now so not quite as tempting getting out of bed for a parkrun. Oh, and a terrible run of sleeping from young Matthew has meant I am less enthusastic than usual.
Back to Luton this week for the Wardown Park parkrun, I am in 2 minds about whether I like this one or not, it's a fairly pleasant park, not too far from home, easy to park and a nice park for my supporters but 3.5 laps around a lake is a bit wearing...
Not my best time (31:15), must do better next time!!

Week 29, Race 28: Wimpole Estate parkrun

It was a glorious day for a run and this week's parkrun was at Wimpole Estate. Probably one of my favourites (pretty, easy parking, nice café, fun things for small people to do) but somehow I've only run it once.
We met my parents who were staying nearby and Grandad did a great job babysitting. There were a lot of warnings about cows in the (never ending!) chat at the beginning of the race but thankfully I don't even remember seeing any cows. Phew.
My finishing time was 37:01, this was mainly as Hannah joined me for the first 1.5kms and the last few metres.

Week 27, Race 27: Hatfield 5km Series - Race 3

Another September 5km, this time the third in the Hatfield 5km series. Same drill as the previous 2 races, HQ in an office buiding so nice loos and sofas to sit on and a fast flat(ish) 2 and a bit lap course around an industrial estate.
I had a good run, finishing in 28:30 (not quite the fastest I have run this year but almost). For the first time in the race series I didn't stay for the presentation (blame the Standalone 10km, cake and the fact I have started work again in the last couple of weeks). But I should have done as, for the first time as an adult, I won something...3rd FV35 in the series!!! No idea if I actually won anything but that doesn't matter, rather pleased to be the only oldish lady who ran enough races to come 3rd :-)

Week 27, Race 26: Hitchin Town Centre Street Race (5km)

Thanks to Hitchin Running Club for the photo!

It was a foggy morning for the first ever Hitchin Town Centre 5km race. This is probably the closest race we'll ever get to our house so we felt we should do it (and thanks should go to our excellent babysitters too).
It was 1 small lap and 2 big laps around Hitchin town centre. I was worried it'd be windy with loads of corners but it wasn't although I had no idea Hitchin had so many hills (well it certainly felt like it on the 2nd lap!)
There was a great atmosphere, the race was well organised and I really enjoyed my run. I was pleased with my time too (28:27) and it was really lovely to see so many people I knew enjoying running :-) All in all a good running day!

Week 26, Race 25: One True Grit

25th race in my challenge and something a bit different this time, a 10km off road race with obstacles, One True Grit. This is heavily advertised locally and I've always fancied doing it but it's quite pricey and that put me off. However, thanks to a group rate from a friend and a lack of birthday present ideas for Gary I signed us both up and arranged for Grandma to babysit the mini-cooks.
We started at 11:45 and, for once, Gary ran with me as it wasn't a "serious" race. The race was completely off-road and included climbing over hay bales, sliding into and climbing out of ditches, scramble nets, crawling under nets in mud, crawling through tunnels full of water, swimming (!), jumping over flaming logs, a water slide with more swimming and some crazy climbing obstacles.#
All in all it was good fun (with plenty of running too), it took us almost 2 hours...I don't think I'll do such a slow 10km again!

Week 25, Race 24: Hatfield 5km Series - Race 2

2 weeks after the first 5km race was the second race in the Hatfield 5km series...it was pouring down when I left, it was horrible driving down the motorway to Hatfield...I wasn't feeling keen atall!
Luckily it stopped raining before we started...sadly not as fast as last time (29:42) but still under 30 minutes so I was fairly happy.