Today marked my return to the RR. When I arrived, a lot of people were acknowledging the fact that I was back after a long absence, which felt kind of cool. I gathered from various conversations that a couple of other people were also sick and hadn’t shown up for a while as well. I guess I’m lucky I’m wasn’t alone…sort of.
Being a Sunday, today was one of the 10K clinic long distance slow runs. The last long run I did was a couple of weeks ago at 6K. I totally missed the scheduled 8K runs, and now the clinic is doing 10K. Craziness. Of course, I was totally apprehensive about doing it because it’s been such a long time. As well, a 4K increase is pretty big. Some people suggested that I should take it easy and see how I feel part of the way through before committing to doing the whole route. Made sense. Today’s route follows the 6K route, but continues on instead of turning around at the 3K mark. Well, I went nice and slow. Once again, the instructor slowed down and kept me company as the rest of the group pulled out far ahead. This time with him is so very valuable. I mean, he gave me so many tips and pointers. It’s awesome. I think I’m really enjoying running because a lot of it has to do with biomechanics. Good running almost comes down to a science. At the same time though, there’s a psychological factor that plays into it, which makes things quite variable. Mother nature also plays a role in making things interesting. Running is a battle on many fronts. With that in mind, when you reach your goals, the feeling is simply awesome.
Anyway, at the 3K mark, instead of turning back, I told the clinic instructor that I wanted to keep going. I wasn’t coughing up a lung or feeling horrible health-wise. As well, I wanted to see what the route was like, to know just what 10 felt like, and to be able to say that I actually did 10 at some point. The kilometres stretched out seemingly endlessly at times. At the same time, it felt manageable. Time passed by easily. The one hour mark came and went without me really noticing. The last 500 metre stretch was tough, but I still made it. I got back after about 84 minutes or so, which isn’t way too bad for a first time. I mean, really, I wasn’t too far behind the rest of the group, I’m sure. Five to ten minutes back, maybe? My feet were really achy afterwards probably because the ligaments in my feet aren’t used to running without orthotics, but I expect that discomfort to lessen once I’m used to running that way. Anyway, I’m unbelievably proud of myself. From the couch in May, to 10K in November? It’s not too shabby. Sure, it’s a slow ten, but it’s ten nonetheless. Now, that I know I can do it, I need to strengthen myself and improve efficiency. Still a long way to go. 
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