* A Mug for Mug *I, along with 869 other runners completed the BHAA 5k race this week. Great to be back with evening races and the numbers competing showed the enthusiasm is there for these runs. Cheap entry on the day and off you go. No AI fee, no online surcharge. Thanks to all in the BHAA organization and PWC company who sponsored this event.
On completion we all received a PWC mug to mark our exploits. A mug for a mug. Lovely cuppa afterwards and while I didn’t find the perfect ham sandwich, we were well catered for, with the highlight being a little butterfly bun like my mother used to make many years ago.
I was feeling down after being so tired and sore from my efforts in the hilly Cobh 10mile last Sunday and really not much in the mood for running but I dragged myself along.
The people, the mood, just getting out there again was a fantastic lift.
Did I run brilliantly? Absolutely not but I ran better than I thought I would, so that is something.
Did I have fun? I did indeed.
Which brings me to the main point (long winded as usual).
It is never as bad as you think it will be, negative thoughts only drain you and impede your performance.
We worry too much what others may think of us if we are back the field a bit, when in fact most people don’t care and look after themselves. They might be happy to see you but are busy enough trying to do their own run.
Performance slide is only natural when you age, there is nothing you can do about it. Which gives 2 options. Accept it or quit running. Personally I like to think I am aging gracefully, I’m not a quitter.
There are good days and bad days. Good days are when you run, bad days are when you don’t. The time doesn’t matter, every day moving is a good day.
Other runners are brilliant and you get such a lift from being with like minded people who just want to move. Young and old, all with different motivations and goals but sharing the same road space to get there.
Don’t be complacent or lazy, there is a good life out there as long as you can move. Appreciate it, don't take it for granted and learn to accept it and enjoy it. Look after your mental health.
Can’t let the week pass without mentioning the passing of Moya Brennan. An ever present in my playlists since I first heard the Dúlamán album in 1976. (50 years ago) The first lady of Celtic music and an ambassador for the Country. She will be missed but with a voice like that she can easily sing with the angels where she resides.
Siúil A Rún: 1976 Clannad
I wish I was on yonder hill',
Tis there I'd sit and cry my fill,
Until every tear would turn a mills,
go dté tú mo mhúirnÃn slán (And may you go safely, my darling)
#pwr
