Racing from one race to the next!

AJ and Sarah pre-race. The look of confidence. LOVE IT.

Seriously this week has been a complete whirlwind. I'm actually just so thankful I've made it. NO LIE. When I wrote this week's to do list and four sides of A4 later the list still wasn't complete, I nearly had a mild heart attack. But I am now a to do list Queen - actually I'm the ALL DONE with a Shiny Bow on Top Queen (that is, until I write the list for this week of course!)

Here are just some of my shiny bow highlights - just in case you have had trouble sleeping ;-) I've moved out of my flat, the subletter is in situ and she is LOVELY, I have sorted currency, insurance, rebooked flights (courtesy of my way too smart friends and their Bar exams ;-)), I negotiated a £3million work contract in under a week, my suitcase is packed and now closes although lifting it is still a feat of science fiction - America has AJ to thank for the fact that I'm actually bringing a suitcase at all and not going travelling commando except for my everyday lycra getup. The suitcase would have been hurled out of the window, for sure, if lifting it more than a nanometer was a possibility. I LOATHE packing and I will continue to do so until the Mary Poppins/ Hermione's bag charm that automatically packs and sorts everything you own into a bag the size of a handbag and that weighs less than a kilo becomes a reality. To me this goal rivals world peace. Until then apparently I can buy everything I might need in America. Even shampoo. Thanks a million AJ! xx

BUT back to the business of this blog. Today was the long awaited 10km time trial (remember my bet to run 10km in 55 mins and under) well today was THAT day.  Unfortunately this week's manic to do list mania has full out knackered me and running wise I am only good for the scrap heap:

• My 5km attempt on Wednesday proved that much - I managed 3.75 km and that was with a 5 min full stop REST mid run; 


• Thursday training's 0.5km intervals confirmed this - I had to stop and walk as soon as I was out of sight (the old school gym trick)


• And yesterday brought the message home - people noticing that I was breathing like a steam train just whilst walking or sitting. 

Not a good sign. Lung meltdown at the worst possible time ever. A course of superstrong steroids, sleep and a 4 month holiday - wahooooo!!! will sort the breathing issues and ensure I don't actually suffocate any time soon BUT as steroids are essentially performance enhancing drugs - it seemed like an unfair advantage over AJ ;-)) - well that is if I could run more than 300 yards without needing to lie down and die.

LONG STORY SHORT - Sadly I limited my participation today to the pre-race warm up and being chief cheerleader. BUT AJ and Sarah were simply amazing. AJ pulled off such a solid 10km performance - 1 hour 5 mins!!!!, saving her sub hour 10km PB for when she and I go head to head 10km time trialling in October right?! ;-)) and Sarah restrained herself from running off with a cup...... but only just and only because this was her first race post toe break!

It was actually a delight being able to heckle - oops I meant encourage - the runners round the course - including a couple of my work colleagues who are seriously impressive runners - 41 min 10km anyone? INSANE.

But now for the real goodies of the day - the photos!!

The field lining up: 30-35 minute 10kers at the front

Wha............t the F*&@

Admiring the view

From my race position. 

The Glam Victors with their spoils.

Yes they ARE now sponsored by Capri-Sun! Only the best for the best!!

Unfortunately cups to drink from were only provided for the top three.

Next time Sarah, Capri-Sun shall be swigged from a cup - straws optional!

Very nice rankings!! 

AJ's run profile on the Nikeband - not set to her pace mind.

CHECK the superimpressive SPRINT FINISH

Two races this week and not a medal in sight for me. But important lessons learned none the less: Just like with food I have to learn that my enthusiasm is sometimes greater than what is physically good for me.

So I've pared down my next running goal in line with my current actual ability - for the next few weeks I will be working on being able to run 5km comfortably in 90-100 degree Texan heat in preparation for some real life running action with the legend that is Ben does Life. CANNOT FREAKING WAIT.

Similarly excitingly AJ is now working towards a kilomathon - 26.2km race - JO is always AMAZING!! and Sarah is half-marathoning it next weekend - cup glory will be hers for sure.

The race to be the best runners we can be NEVER ends! xx