This overall has been very positive month for my parkruns. Probably my best month since this time last year. And the funny thing is my midweek runs have disappeared somewhat again but somehow this has made me faster.
5/5 - First up was Falkirk parkrun. 3 years since I was last here which is really far too long considering how much I like this parkrun. In terms of course it is my favourite. I started quite easy and as I started asscending the first hill, the trail narrows meaning you can get stuck behind people. I thought this was good at the time as it meant it held me back from going too fast too early. But I think in hindsight I should have really asked to go past and just go at my natural pace. The second hill which is the infamous "Heartbreak Hill" I found interesting. I got about 3/4 of the way up before having to walk the rest. But I looked around me and everyone was walking. This was quite unusual. I would love to be fit enough to do reps up this hill after parkrun. It would be a great session. Once at the top of the hill I really let go on the long downhill and it was very enjoyable. I sustained the pace around the loch and to the finish meaning I was just over 30 minutes. A course best. Afterwards I met up with friends Campbell and Mico and had a nice walk with their dog round Callendar park which was good.
12/05 - Next up was Tollcross. I met running buddies Ian before and Chris after. First time seeing them since one spent the winter in Thailand and the other in Australia so it was good to catch up. I've been struggling with the hills at Tollcross the last few times I have done it so I was pleased today to keep running most of the way round. It was only the very last hill which defeated me and had to have a few walk breaks which isn't too bad. Also I managed to sneak under 30 minutes, coming in at 29.59. Always good to get a sub 30, especially on a hilly course! First time I have gone sub 30 on a hilly course in a few years I think.
19/05 - Then I went to Linwood. Caught up with another few running buddies at the start, Stuart and Rob and his wife. Also John K was supporting on the way round, so gave him a congratulations on the way past as he had completed the 190 mile Northern Traverse race the previous week! Not bad. My run wasn't bad either. In fact I ran my fastest time since getting a course best at Linwood last June. I paced it really well and was just generally having a really good day. 27.15 is 2 minutes faster than I have run for any parkrun this year.
26/05 - Finally Greenock parkrun. I had been ill half the week and only been out the house twice really during the week. So I think the reduction in activity meant parkrun was going to be tough today. And it was. But I managed to grind it out and still get a sub 30. Coming in at 28.55. It is a very fast course Greenock along the promenade. Overall a good finish to the month.
I think the improvement has come from diet changes as its clearly not because Im running more. I'm eating more fruit, porridge for breakfast and cut down on crisps and sugary drinks. Hopefully I can keep this going although still buy the odd fizzy drink when I'm at home. But as they say, everythings fine in moderation ;-)
