This run helped dannewton burn 1586.0 calories.
Description from Strava:
Its the weekend, and its long run day too. It is just 2 weeks 'til race day and (touch wood) everything still feels ok, and I'm not aware of any niggles appearing. I am still keeeping it as easy as possible, don't want to get carried away and pull/tweak something this close to my event.
The 'race pack' was emailed out to us a few days ago and featured key information such as start time, parking and other arrangements. It also informed us that the race numbers were not going to be posted out to runners, that it was collection only
really odd to be honest... it is the same company that organised the Lincoln 10k Race that I took part in earlier this year, and those race numbers were posted out... dunno why they've changed it for the 1/2 Marathon...
They at least gave an option to either pick it up on race day, or you could pick it up at a local sports and leisure center instead. I'd rather be as prepared as possible so decided I'd make the effort to pick the number up in advance.
Besides, the Yarborough Leisure Center is only the other side of town, and the 5 miles there and 5 miles home would be perfect as a long run route for this weekend. It would also motivate to get out and get it done (as I have a habit of making excuses and getting side-tracked). We are due lots of rain this afternoon, so I was especially motivated to get out early and get this run out of the way
I set out at 9:30am (ish). It was overcast, but dry for the time being. It also felt surprisingly warm and muggy out there... should really make the most of that to be honest as the weather turns colder next week (with even a small chance of frost predicting on some mornings).
The route began similar to the one I walk/run to and from work, heading out of the village, down the hill, and then up along the high street. On work days I divert through the Arboretum to get up the hill to work, whereas today I chose to run up Steep Hill.
And when I say Steep Hill, I do mean 'steep'! It has been given this name for a reason!
The picture above doesn't do it justice, but if you check out the over view of my run below, you can see an illustration of the gradient (the section in the middle is heading up steep hill, and then running back down on the way back).
At the top of the hill, I run through the Bailgate (which is an are of local independent retailers and restaurants, all of which super expensive so I've never been in them lol.
The Bailgate will actually be part of the course in 2 weeks time, and there are already signs appearing advising of road closures in the area
From here, it was a short distance to get to Yarborough Leisure Centre (home of the Yarborough Parkrun course)
I thought about attending this a well this weekend, but I decided not to in the end. I'm not sure I'm quite ready to run this distance yet and still be able to take part in the race in 2 weeks. It would have also meant I would have needed to leave the house at 8am this morning, and I really wanted a lay in to be honest!!
I arrived at the centre...
where the lady on the front desk scanned the QR code on my email receipt...
and gave me my number :-)
After a quick drink, it was time to head back home. And I literally retraced my route backwards, heading back down Steep Hill and along the High Street
Of course, I couldn't pass through the bailgate again without stopping to appreciate Lincoln Cathedral
the top of Steep Hill
looking down the 'steepest' part of Steep Hill - honestly, the pictures don't show just how steep it is?
It was harder running down actually, felt tough on my quads, and I knew if tripped over, I would end up rolling all the way down!
Back on the High Street, I meandered through the crowds of shoppers...
the only downfall with running through town at the weekend, its much quieter at 7am during the week!
...and before I knew it I was back at home. It was another usueful training session at almost 10 miles, and I'm pleased to finally have my number. I still don't have a target time to aim for, but I'm still looking forward to the event on the 5th of October, not long now :-)
And with the run ticked off, it's now time to crack on with the rest of my weekend. I need to catch up with my Dad, and also with Dawn and check she is settling into her Uni accommodation ok. And then I also need to catch up on some cleaning too, hoovering and ironing... but first I really need to get some lunch!
You know what, I really fancy a bacon sandwich... :-)
If you would like to check out this activity on strava you can see it here:
https://www.strava.com/activities/15874253875
About the Athlete: Living in the UK, I am an intermittent Runner, but always striving for more consistency. When I'm not training I can be found photographing insects or listening to really loud angry music (which is the best type of music obviously!)
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